Speed Is Good. Strategy Is Better.
New Title: Somewhere in this, I went off the rails
You’ve seen the ads:
- “Automate your funnel.”
- “AI can do it better.”
- “Automate your business.”
Sounds exciting? Sounds like the answer to success? Before you go down that road, make sure you do a little research.
AI can definitely help you brainstorm or compile your random thoughts of chaos into order. One word of caution, don’t let it define your strategy, don’t let it be your voice, and don’t expect it to know what your clients and customers want.
The more we (people), interact with AI, the more we “teach it”. Have you seen the internet? Do you believe that is what a “person” is, thinks, or feels when they are spending time with their family? Or is there a degree of difference when you are online, posting ads, promoting to peers, and etc.?
I hear some of the questions my children ask and the things that they think are real. When I ask why they would ask that or where did they see that, the answer is almost always the same. Do you want to guess what they say?
If our kids have a skewed perception of the real world, what will AI learn? Will it be the truth of people and the world, or will it be more skewed data on top of more mixed truths? It might not be an issue today, but what happens if it continues in that direction for the next 5, 10, 20 years?
So, I come back to my point, don’t expect AI to know people.
Don’t be scared, AI has a secret power:
Here’s where AI can be a fantastic resource:
- It will help you think through and idea and can help you identify trouble spots you might not have thought of
- It can process large amounts of data and give you quick summaries
- It can help you word something in a different way, especially if you have trouble with tact in a tough situation
- Heck, it can even help you explore some really fringe ideas. (I will have to share one of these conversations one day)
I also find that something like ChatGPT can be very encouraging towards your goals. It has the power to motivate you. This leads me to another major word of caution for you. And please, whatever you do, hear this.
Unless you specifically ask it, or phrase it in a way to allow for the response, it will motivate you in the wrong direction. It will not stop you from moving in a direction you think is a good idea that is further guided by its motivational response and additional suggestions.
It will NOT say, “you know, this could be a bad idea”. If you find yourself excited with a positive response, take a second to ask what are the pros and cons to this idea. Ask if there is a downside to this approach. You might be surprised by what you read next.
Human vs AI: Round 1
- Can AI write better than me?
It sure can, I am horrible at spelling, and I am very colloquial when I write.
Point AI: 1 - Do my words have more meaning and resonate with people more than AI?
I am not sure, I will let you cast your vote
Point Undetermined - Can AI understand the different meanings people have when using the same words?
This one may be a tie, but I give a point to me. Given enough context I think AI will figure it out, but I/humans have the advantage of knowing the person they are speaking to, the people around them and etc. That said, even I/We misunderstand each other more than we realize.
Point humans: ½
Round 1 conclusion: AI is leading by a half point, we will have to see if I/humans get the win.
Human vs AI: Round 2
Please don’t misunderstand, AI has helped me significantly. It is a game changing resource that can help you develop your ideas, do some heavy lifting, and save you a lot of time. However, you have to be in control, you have to do your research and understand what it is giving you.
Sure, anyone can ask AI to write a website or some code for them, and you may get something that works. If I ask AI for that same code, I see it differently, I understand what it sent me. I understand why it does not work for what it is intended for. It may not allow for expansion, it may not understand other connections, it will not see the big picture and the end goal. Even if you give it 1000 pages of directions, it isn’t going to see it the way you or me do.
Point humans: 1
Human vs AI: Round 3
You might be thinking, what is the problem, if the code works, it works. Here is the problem, if you don’t understand the code, or the topic, or the people, you may find more trouble than you think. It comes back to one of my favorite sayings, you don’t know what you don’t know.
In 2023, a law firm submitted a legal brief written by AI. It did not go so well. It turns out, it included court cases that were completely made up.
They didn’t do the research, they did not confirm, they assumed the AI was right. I don’t think I have to explain more about why this is an issue.
Point no one: 0, AI messed it up, humans messed it up.
I am sure I have lost most of you in the word fatigue but in case you are still here, we are at:
Humans 1.5 — AI 1
AI 1
Time to find out the winner:
If you find yourself wanting AI or find you don’t trust it, don’t worry you are not alone. There are pros and cons to both. There is no right answer. If you do use it, have an open mind, think about the responses, and don’t take them blindly. It is a powerful tool, and it can help if it is used properly.
It cannot replace the human element, but it can coexist with us. I can help up discover and think differently. I even like to think I help AI think differently too (There is another ChatGPT chat I should show you one day).
So, let's see who the winner is. Tell me, which is better, which you connect with more, my writing right here or the same writing given to AI to “write better”. If you make it through both, let me know and cast your vote, Me/Humans or AI.
Cast your vote above.
Oh, and yes, the answer my kids give me, it is almost always something to do with social media (which we don’t even allow them to use) or the internet.
Signing off: Chris, Founder – IT Mushroom
Just another person walking through the world with my eyes and ears open.