Podcast Episode 5: AI vs. Human Touch in Your Business

Welcome back to Beyond the Table — the podcast for pet professionals exploring life after grooming. In this episode, River Lee (Savvy Groomer & Step Away from the Table) and Jess Frangos (Groomer Support Services) dive into the big question on many aspiring grooming VAs’ minds:

Can I Compete with AI?

As AI continues to grow across industries, Jess and River tackle concerns about whether virtual assistants — especially those in the grooming world — are at risk of becoming obsolete. Spoiler: there’s still plenty of room for real people.

Topics Covered:

1. The Irreplaceable Human Touch

   • Why empathy, humor, and real connection can’t be automated

   • The unique role of Groomer VAs in pet parent communication

2. AI vs. Grooming Experience

   • Scheduling nuance: bath vs. haircut, client expectations, time blocks

   • How a VA’s grooming knowledge helps catch and prevent costly errors

3. AI as a Tool, Not a Threat

   • Using AI to support (not replace) your services

   • Where automation shines — and where it falls flat

4. Value of Real-World Grooming Experience

   • Speaking the language of groomers and pet parents

   • Understanding van maintenance, equipment quirks, and the chaos of mobile grooming

5. Connection Builds Loyalty

   • Why personal rapport keeps groomers and pet parents coming back

   • How Groomer VAs can feel like part of the team (even remotely)

6. AI Doesn’t Mean Everyone’s an Expert

   • The leap from index cards to AI is bigger than it looks

   • Many supervisors still need support setting up basic systems before automation

7. The Doodle Analogy

   • Just like DIY doodle grooms won’t replace pros, AI won’t replace industry-savvy VAs

8. Real Talk: Becoming a VA Takes Time

   • Money won’t be instant — but freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment are very real

   • Why you need more than income motivation to succeed as a VA

Key Takeaways:

• AI can’t replace empathy, experience, or relationship-building

• Grooming VAs fill critical gaps that automation simply can’t cover

• Knowing the industry makes you 10x more valuable than generic VAs

• AI can support your work — but it won’t take your job

• Becoming a VA is a long game, not a quick fix for income

Learn More:

Jess Frangos: Groomer Support Services

River Lee: Step Away From the Table + Savvy Groomer

Whether you’re an aspiring grooming virtual assistant or a groomer exploring next steps, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering how to stay relevant and human in an increasingly automated world.

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