Just start using it.

People often come to me overwhelmed by everything they're hearing about AI. Everyone tells them they have to use it or they'll fall behind (which is true), and that creates anxiety that doesn't get anyone anywhere.

My advice is simple: just start using it. Open ChatGPT or Claude. Claude is probably the better choice if you eventually want AI deeper in your workflows and services. Then type out every worry, question and goal you have, and see what it says. You don't need to know how to use AI before you start talking to it. You'll figure that out in the conversation.

When it misses, say so

In my enablement sessions, I so often see people take the first answer they get and, when it isn't quite right, give up. That's treating it like Google: if the results are bad, you try a different search or walk away. With AI, you can tell it why the answer missed and keep going.

• If it gets too high-level, ask it to dumb it down, or to explain it like you're five.
• If it wanders off or misses the point, tell it that's not what you're looking for and point it back.

Ask it to ask you questions

The advice I give most often: before you send your message, add "Ask me some clarifying questions." That starts a back and forth, and once you're both on the same page, the answers get much better.

Something like:

I run a 12-person firm. Everyone says we need to use AI and I don't know where to start. I'm worried about client data, wasting money on tools, and my team feeling replaced. What I want is to spend less time on proposals. Ask me some clarifying questions before you answer.

Just keep confidential client information and other sensitive details out of it until you understand the tool's privacy settings.

Don't give up on it

Never forget how intelligent these models already are, and they're getting smarter. They can often address your concerns better than anyone else you'd ask. But that means being as clear and direct as you can about what you want, and correcting them when you don't like something instead of giving up. Intelligence means fluidity, so use it.

If you want help getting your team there, see how AI Enablement works, or let's talk.