I can’t wait to see everyone next week. It was fun to prep for my Breakout Session and reflect back on how much has changed in the last 18 months. The last Financial Brand Forum was Nov 13-16, 2022. ChatGPT was released on Nov 30, 2022. We had no idea what was coming!
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At the conference in 2022 there were four sessions that included the term “AI”. The themes were about fraud detection, voice assistants (do Alexa and Siri even count), machine learning embedded in chatbots, and predictive analytics. The topics highlight why it’s so hard to wrap our heads around generative AI. 18 months ago we weren’t even talking about generative AI, now the conference is filled with ways to apply it.
Here’s why I think so many are having a hard getting started.
No Instruction Manual
Generative AI tools basically have no instruction manual. No training, no manual, no examples…you’re on your own. (Unless you follow me.) Are you willing to be curious, or take some risks? In a risk conscious industry these are difficult waters to navigate.
Steps to Take: Simply commit to using programs like ChatGPT and Gemini. Before Googling something, or at some point in your writing process, engage with AI. The future is coming at you fast, these are easy first steps and take no time at all.
AI is a Weird Intern/Consultant/Tutor
Treat AI like a person. Maybe AI isn’t “weird”, but engaging with a computer like a person certainly is. AI responds like a person. Ask a generic question, two different days, and get wildly different responses. Ask highly specific questions with clear direction, two different days, the responses should be very similar, but still slightly different. Just like engaging with a person.
Steps to Take: If you need specific detailed responses, provide specific detailed directions. “Prompt Stack” with multiple requests, directions, or concepts at a time. Your intern needs guidance!
Your Limits Are Your Own
What’s fascinating is hearing people give up on using AI because it didn’t respond like they wanted. If your super smart intern returned with work you didn’t find helpful, you’d wouldn’t give up. You’d provide different directions or ask for refinements. You’ll do this with AI, too.
Steps to Take: Magic happens with a conversation. Continue to “talk” to AI to refine and redirect your conversation to better outcomes. Assume your best results come 5-10 chats into a discussion, just like a great conversation with an intern.
Lastly, your best results will come from the paid version. They’re feature rich and if you’re not getting $20 of success a month, you’re doing it wrong.