The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing faster than ever, and it can be hard to know what to do, where to go, or how to keep up. "Great Advice on Using AI" can help you navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, as tools available today might be outdated tomorrow, and the way you use these tools is likely only a small part of their full potential.

It’s my hope that these principles will remain relevant, not just today, but for months and years ahead.

Because by focusing on guiding principles, you can navigate the rapidly changing AI landscape more effectively.

One of my favorite quotes is this one:

"Computers did not replace accountants. Instead, the accountants who used computers replaced those who did not." - Sujay Pawar.

This quote applies perfectly to AI today. Use the tools available, or risk being left behind by competitors who do.

Below are several principles that have helped me and our businesses harness AI effectively over the past year.

1. It's All About the Prompt

Getting good at crafting AI prompts is a critical skill. The better your prompt, the better the results you'll get. Here are some tips for mastering prompts:

• Keep it Simple: A couple of clear statements are usually enough. You don't need paragraphs of details.
• Use Examples: Provide examples in your prompt whenever possible, where it makes sense. A good example can shape the AI's response to match your expectations much more closely. It's like the saying: "Show me, don't tell me." You can even link to one of your previous chats as an example!
• Iterate Based on Results: If the AI isn't quite right, refine the prompt and try again. Start simple, see the results, and adjust as needed. You may even need to repeat commands

For a helpful tool to create prompts, you can use this website. You can even save templates in your browser for future use (be careful, losing browser cookies can cause you to lose your templates).

If things aren’t going in the direction you want, don’t hesitate to start over, or even try another AI tool.

An even better prompt saving program is a google sheet we’ve created. Email me and I’ll shoot that over to you.

2. Experiment

Try different AI tools and see how they fit into your workflow.

You don’t need to do all the experimenting yourself—this is something you could assign to a Virtual Assistant (VA) to save time. It’s important to understand the basics yourself, but having a VA try out tools can give you an overview of what might work best without much effort on your part.

Experimentation is not just about tools but also about how you use them. For instance, you can try using AI for different aspects of your business, such as customer service, marketing, or even data analysis. Each area might benefit differently, and finding the right fit can create significant efficiencies.

Be open to exploring unconventional applications of AI—sometimes the best uses are discovered through trial and error.

The key here is to think about a problem you have or something you want to get done and then ask AI for some help! For example, you can ask it “What are the top things you can do for me to help me analyze my sales data?” or “Please take this transcript, compare it to my notes I’m also going to give you, and see if I’ve missed anything.”

3. Talk to Others

Conversations with others about AI are important!

Discuss with your colleagues or other business owners about the tools they're using, the challenges they face, and the successes they've experienced. Sometimes the best advice comes from casual discussions.

In addition to speaking with peers, consider joining online forums or communities where AI tools are discussed. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn groups, or even dedicated AI Slack channels can be goldmines of practical information and new ideas.

Engaging in these discussions helps you stay informed and gain insights that you might not get from traditional sources.

Two warnings:

1. Don’t overwhelm yourself as platforms or groups dedicated only to AI information can quickly be a flood of information you can’t process.
2. Whomever you’re talking to about this, make sure they are getting results!

4. Stay Updated with Newsletters

Subscribe to a couple of newsletters or blogs to keep up, or have a mentor who stays informed.

AI tools and trends change frequently, and keeping up with these changes helps you understand what’s available and where to invest time and resources. Newsletters from AI companies or those offering AI-related courses can help you stay informed.

It can also help to keep informed of the business trends so that whatever tool you focus on mastering, you’re confident it continues to be developed.

5. Stay Updated with Mentors

Mentorship can also be a powerful way to stay on track. A mentor who has experience with AI can help you navigate complexities, recommend the right tools, and even challenge you to think about new possibilities. This guidance can accelerate your learning curve and prevent you from making avoidable mistakes.

Ideally, the mentor should be someone who’s using AI in a similar way that you might want to use it.

So when things are changing this rapidly, I’d focus on newsletters/articles and mentors first, then formal courses second.

6. Choose One or Two Tools and Stick With Them

Speaking of AI tools changing frequently, it can be tempting to try every new AI tool that comes along, but you’re often better off picking one or two that fit your needs and mastering them.

Ideally, find a tool that allows you to create different profiles if you have varied needs—but don’t overthink this. If multiple profiles aren't available, focus on clearly stating your needs each time you use the tool.

Once you pick a tool, invest time in learning all its features. Many tools have hidden functionalities that can significantly enhance productivity once you are familiar with them.

Spend time (see the next section) reading user guides, watching tutorials, or even attending webinars hosted by the tool’s creators. The deeper your understanding, the more value you can extract from the tool.

Please invest in the Pro versions! You’ll get access to valuable features that may make the difference for you continuing to use that tool or not!

7. Allocate Time (and Money) to Practice and Improve

Dedicate time to work on improving your AI skills. Just like learning anything new, practice is key.

Allocate a specific time, whether once a week or once a month, to experiment, learn best practices, and test what you’ve learned. Discussing your experiences with others can also help solidify your understanding and find new ways to use AI effectively.

You can also pick a project with which you want to experiment.

For example, I recently spent some time experimenting with AI-generated images, which allowed me to create a cool image that I later used in a project. Small dedicated blocks of time can lead to significant improvements.

Another useful exercise is to revisit previous AI projects and see if there are ways to improve them with your current skills. As AI tools evolve, they become more powerful, and you might find new features that can make an old project even better. This reflective practice not only helps you learn but also keeps your projects up to date with the latest capabilities.

And if you think your current AI isn’t cutting it for you, work to find a couple of others, and invest money in the Pro versions to really find out.

Conclusion

AI is here to stay, and using it effectively in your business is no longer optional—it's a must. The key is to learn how to navigate through the rapid changes, pick a few key tools, and invest in learning how to use them well.

AI can be intimidating, but with a methodical approach, it becomes manageable. Start small, learn continuously, and make adjustments as you go. The effort you invest today will pay off significantly in the long run, helping you stay competitive and efficient in an increasingly automated world.

Remember, those who embrace AI will outperform those who do not.

We’re always here to help. If you need more suggestions or have questions about the content above, feel free to reach out!