Three Top Tips for Using AI (Today)
I’m a late adopter when it comes to technology, but I always try to challenge myself to do the things that I ask my clients to do. So it was time to dive into the pool of AI.
I’d played with ChatGPT and Gemini, but thought some professional guidance might help, so I attended a free 75-minute webinar about AI for coaches. The webinar leader suggested we use AI once a day to get used to its capabilities. Can do!
Since that Webinar, I’ve shopped for a new car, written a marketing plan, and researched my dog’s allergies/paw-licking. (Sorry that you’re in a cone, Hobbes.) I also asked ChatGPT to redesign my website home page, just to see what would happen. It gave me the html code! I pasted the html into a test page on my website and the outline was good, but it just made up content. It also was wasn’t very visually appealing; for that I would need a tool like Gamma.
So will I use all of the information and code that ChatGPT gives me? No! If I’m going to use some of that info will I double-check it first? Absolutely! I noticed that the friendly, confident tone of AI might lure me into believing whatever it says is fact. But remember, confidence does NOT equal competence. AI is a champ at gathering information, but may not be so great at vetting the quality of its sources.
If you are just an AI newbie like me, here are my three top tips as of today (but remember, AI is growing and improving constantly – just like we all are!):
- Try using ChatGPT in place of Google for a couple weeks. Notice where you are getting good results and less good results. The more info you give ChatGPT, the better it works. When you get results, ask followup questions or challenge the tool to get more in-depth info. (For example, try telling ChatGPT your profession and a goal you are tying to accomplish. Ask it for a plan or options. Then see what’s interesting and drill down with another question on that thing.)
- The free version of ChatGPT is pretty powerful. Beware, if you want information security, you are going to need the $20/month Plus version. That also allows you to upload documents and some other good stuff like having your inquiries get priority during peak usage times. Do your research for what plan and/or AI tool is right for your use.
- The real power of AI is not outsourcing our work to it, but rather it is the human using the tool effectively. AI can do some things I can’t; I can do some things it can’t. In partnership, with me leading that partnership, I can do some really good stuff really quickly. And I get ideas and perspectives that I may not have considered.
However, AI will NOT be doing my writing. I believe that our authentic voices and ability to connect are our biggest strengths and advantages in an AI world. I won’t be outsourcing my voice, my creativity or my ability to think critically to an AI tool. Consider for yourself how you will and won’t use AI.
If you are using AI and it’s helping you be more efficient and productive, I hope you’ll share a favorite hack or prompt with us here: https://www.facebook.com/jenfrankcoaching.
Enjoy exploring!