Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shifted from futuristic buzzword to daily reality, especially for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives looking to gain a competitive edge. In this podcast episode of The Ownership Advantage, hosts Tanner and Kay delve into the practicalities, opportunities, and complexities of embracing AI. Whether you’re a technophobe or a digital pioneer, their insights offer a roadmap for learning to use AI as a powerful business ally—without losing your unique voice.
The First Step: Get Curious, Not Overwhelmed
AI can feel intimidating, with its rapid evolution and jargon. But Tanner and Kay encourage a simple, exploratory approach. Start by choosing one of the many free chatbot tools: ChatGPT, Claude by Anthropic, Gemini by Google, or Perplexity. These platforms each have their own personalities and strengths, but the important thing is just to start.
Kay, who began her AI journey two years ago strictly for business purposes, emphasizes that you don’t need to be “super techie” to dip your toe in. Treat the chatbot like a collaborator: ask it direct questions, and be conversational. The more you engage, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Pro tip: Make AI usage a habit. Devote five minutes each morning to interacting with your chosen AI—whether it’s asking for sales script ideas, content prompts, or simply a summary of a business article. Regular use builds ease and effectiveness.
Prompts and Questions: Keys to Unlocking AI’s Value
Getting great results from AI isn’t about typing a single sentence and copying whatever comes out. It’s about back-and-forth dialogue. Tanner and Kay both stress the importance of “prompt engineering”—the art of crafting thoughtful questions to elicit quality responses.
Kay’s approach with her artist clients is instructive: before running to AI, she encourages them to brainstorm and journal their own ideas. Feeding personal material into the chatbot results in responses rooted in the creator’s authentic voice. She even designed a bio-writing worksheet that artists complete first, ensuring that ChatGPT’s final draft “sounds just like them.” AI’s magic is most evident when it amplifies, not replaces, your original vision.
Resource tip: Social media accounts like “ChatGPT Prompts Pro” on Instagram and curated YouTube playlists are treasure troves of practical prompts and tutorials tailored for beginners.
Responsible & Ethical Use: Where Does AI End and You Begin?
Once you’re proficient, the next challenge is responsible usage. As AI-generated writing becomes more sophisticated, it can be tempting to let it do all the heavy lifting. But both Tanner and Kay advise against this “set it and forget it” approach. Editing, shaping, and infusing your own style is essential—not just for ethical reasons, but to avoid the telltale “AI voice” (think repetitive words, excessive emojis, or oddly formal transitions like “moreover”).
In creative fields, this discussion is even more nuanced. Kay, a songwriter, won’t let AI write her music—she sees artistry and integrity in her craft. But the gray area is growing: What if AI creates lyrics and a human sets them to music? Does mass adoption erode creativity, or could it push artists into uncharted genres and approaches? These questions don’t have final answers yet, but ongoing dialogue is critical.
The Ownership Advantage: Harness, Don’t Abdicate
The big takeaway? AI is a tool for augmentation, not automation. “We as humans still have brains,” Tanner reminds listeners. “Let’s use them where we can.” The best results come when you use AI to brainstorm, refine, and elevate your content or strategy—making the output distinctly yours.
Kay sums it up best: “Know thyself, know the tools you’re working with, and then use them, enjoy them. They’re here. Use them in the way that’s best for you.” Embrace experimentation, prioritize authenticity, and welcome the nuanced debates—because ownership and advantage both start with mindful, active engagement.
Whether you run a business, write songs, or simply want to save time, the AI journey begins with curiosity, conversation, and a focus on your unique contribution. Subscribe to The Ownership Advantage for more insights on harnessing technology with integrity—and keep the conversation going!
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