🤖 AI vs. Brain 🧠

When ChatGPT first entered the chat, clients and friends alike spoke its name in hushed tones around me. They apologized for using it, as if I took offense to every query.

I took no offense. But I didn’t like it either.

Almost three years later, the tide has shifted. Now clients and friends (and acquaintances, colleagues, and any random person I talk to about writing) ask me about AI.

People have questions. And, as it turns out, I have answers.

Last week, I stopped by a business communications class at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School to deliver a guest lecture about when to use AI and when to use your brain in business communications.

I guarantee that every student staring back at me knew how to use AI far better than I do. They know of more tools, more hacks, more ways to get the machine to give them something very close to what they want.

I, on the other hand, asked AI to create an October desktop background with a calendar and got this.

(Which was the first error you spotted?)

But what I know, that they didn’t, is when to use AI (things like research, thought starters, and quite simply, when my client asks me to). And when to close the tab and use my brain (somewhat summed up by “when it matters”).

My experience — with writing, storytelling, marketing, and new technology — tells me that the way to stand out in this AI-powered world will increasingly depend on intentionality and humanity.

Intentionally blending your unique voice with all that the tools can do will make your resume or cover letter stand out in a pack of robotic-sounding applications.

Using AI at the right parts of the process and leveraging your human brain for the rest will break through the noise and connect with your audiences.

AI may have the vocabulary, but it lacks the word choice that allows the reader to truly get to know you.

Today, I believe everyone should use AI. Because, as Accenture’s CEO put it, your job will depend on it (arguably, he should have used AI to help him craft that message). But using it intentionally is how to win.

Want to see the tips I presented to the class or have a group who would benefit from such a presentation? Hit reply and let’s chat!

Finch and Focus Friend

I missed the Tamagotchi era. But now I have not one, but two digital pets living in my phone.

A year ago, a friend turned me on to Finch during an incredibly emotionally stressful time, and I am not ashamed to say that my little Birb is now a very important part of my day. I use it not only to make myself feel good about getting out of bed and brushing my teeth but also to keep track of habits and to-dos that happen on a loose schedule.

A month ago, I found Focus Friend during a search for some content for a client. I have used my little bean so much that I was able to decorate her entire little room using the proceeds of all the socks she has knitted (IYKYK).

Cute little pets romanticize work life in a way that I am so here for.