AI Confidence Webinar: Recap

AI Confidence Webinar: Transcribed Insights.

The first webinar turnout was solid. We got to show non-tech peeps some real, practical AI how-tos, demos and tips+tricks! It just felt good helping people build AI Confidence terms that’s hard to understand.

The webinar video is being edited and it taking longer that I planned so, thought it’s be cool to use the transcript from the recording, threw it into a chatbot—removing sensitive information like names, etc. What came out? A summary that makes me wanna give up writing. Why is this thing writing in my voice better than me? Buuut it’s lightly, only lightly edited…there were some things that were just off.

Covers:

  • Prompt Used for this Webinar
  • The AI Edge: Unlocking Your Productivity Potential
  • Power Up Your Productivity: Our Top AI Picks
  • Back to the Future: A Quick Spin Through AI History
  • Your AI Kickstart: A Simple Guide to Getting Going
  • AI in Action: See How It Gets Things Done
  • Elevate Your AI Game: Essential Tips for Success
  • Beyond the Horizon: What’s Next for AI & How We Can Help
  • Ready for More? Your Next Steps with AI

The Prompt

“As a newsletter publisher and writer, using the transcript from AI confidence webinar & the sample of the previous published newsletter. Create a new full newsletter summary using the format of the sample and the details of what was presented, by creating sections from the slides. Make use it’s easy to comprehend for non-tech users and convey the same points and experience one would have as if the reader of the newsletter was present at the webinar”

The AI Edge: Unlocking Your Productivity Potential

AI is still blazing out there—moving at a pace that’s hard to keep up with. But your workload doesn’t have to feel like standing on hot pavement. This month, we want to go beyond quick tips to show you exactly what to do, why it matters, and how to stay cool and build from there.

We’ll dive into:

  • Dispelling AI Myths: Separating fact from fiction about AI’s impact.
  • Your Essential AI Toolkit: Which tools to use for what.
  • A Brief History of AI: Understanding where we came from to see where we’re going.
  • Getting Started with AI: Your practical, step-by-step guide.
  • AI in Action: Real-World Demos: See AI tackle social media, email, and research.
  • Mastering AI: Essential Tips: How to get the best results safely and effectively.
  • Beyond the Basics: What’s next for AI and how Tech Wing Management can help.

AI Unveiled: It’s Already Part of Your World

Scared of AI? It’s easier than you think. Let’s be real: AI is here to stay, and if you’re not already dipping your toes in, it’s easy to feel left behind. Good news: your fellow business owners and subscribers asked, and we’re delivering the lowdown on getting AI-confident, fast.

The Reality Check: You might think AI is just for Silicon Valley giants or sci-fi movies, but the truth is, it’s woven into your daily life more than you realize. From the recommendations on your favorite streaming service to the voice assistant on your phone, AI is already at work. We want to show you that getting started isn’t a massive hurdle.

  • Beyond the Tech Bubble: Forget the idea that AI is exclusive to tech companies. It’s embedded in countless everyday devices and tools you’re likely already using. Think of your smart home devices, navigation apps, or even your online shopping recommendations – that’s AI at play, making life simpler and more personalized.
  • AI Doesn’t Steal Jobs, People Who Use AI Do: This is a common fear, and it’s a critical point to address. AI isn’t coming for jobs that require genuine cognitive challenge, creativity, or nuanced human interaction. However, individuals who don’t learn the fundamentals of AI might find themselves at a disadvantage compared to those who do. It’s about becoming “human in the middle,” augmenting your capabilities rather than being replaced.
  • Your Wallet Can Relax: It’s Free to Start: One of the biggest misconceptions is that diving into AI requires a hefty investment. That’s just not true. Getting started with many powerful AI tools is completely free and surprisingly easy. You can begin experimenting and integrating AI into your workflow without spending a dime.

So, take a deep breath. AI isn’t some mystical, job-devouring beast. It’s a tool, ready for you to pick up and wield, and it’s much more accessible than you might imagine.


Power Up Your Productivity: Our Top AI Picks

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of AI tools out there? You’re not alone. It’s like walking into a massive hardware store and not knowing which wrench to grab. We’ve spent countless hours in the AI workshop, and we’re ready to share our favorites – the tried-and-true tools that actually deliver.

Choosing Your AI Sidekick: Just like you wouldn’t use a hammer to drive a screw, selecting the right AI tool for the job makes all the difference. We’ve road-tested many platforms, and here are the ones we consistently recommend for boosting your efficiency across various tasks.

  • The Conversational Maestro: For over two years, ChatGPT has been our go-to for general conversational AI. It’s fantastic for drafting content, brainstorming, and getting quick answers. It’s user-friendly and incredibly versatile.
  • Beyond the Chatbot: Specialized Tools: If you’re building a knowledge base, Notion stands out. For marketing and design, Canva (with its built-in AI features) is a game-changer. And for social media engagement, you’ll find AI woven into platforms like Meta AI (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and Grok (Twitter/X).
  • Microsoft and Google’s Heavy Hitters: If you’re embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem, Copilot is your AI companion, integrated directly into Word, Excel, and Outlook. And for more advanced tasks like web development and coding, we highly recommend Claude.ai. These tools offer robust features for specific professional needs.

These tools aren’t just for tech gurus; they’re built to make your daily tasks smoother, smarter, and significantly faster. Give them a try – you might just find your new favorite productivity hack!


Back to the Future: A Quick Spin Through AI History

Ever wonder where AI really came from? It didn’t just pop up overnight with ChatGPT. Understanding its origins helps us appreciate how far it’s come and where it might be headed next. It’s a fascinating journey, from abstract ideas to the powerful tools we use today.

From Sci-Fi Dreams to Everyday Reality: The story of AI is one of persistent innovation, driven by a desire to make machines “think.” It’s not just a modern phenomenon; its roots stretch back decades, building block by painstaking block.

  • The Dawn of “Thinking Machines”: The 1950s to 1970s marked the birth of AI. The term “artificial intelligence” itself was coined at the famous Dartmouth conference in 1956, sparking a new field of research. Shortly after, we saw the introduction of ELIZA, one of the earliest chatbots, proving that machines could, in a limited way, engage in human-like conversation.
  • The Age of Integration: The 1980s saw major players like IBM begin to integrate AI more deeply into their systems. While not yet mainstream, these were crucial steps in embedding AI within enterprise solutions, laying the groundwork for more sophisticated applications.
  • Big Data, Deep Learning, and Generative AI: The 2000s and 2010s ushered in the era of big data and deep learning, with landmarks like IBM Watson’s victory on Jeopardy showcasing AI’s ability to process vast amounts of information. Then came 2020 to the present: the explosion of generative AI from companies like OpenAI. Suddenly, AI could produce original text, images, and videos from simple inputs, bringing conversational AI into the mainstream and changing everything.

Knowing this history provides a powerful perspective: what seems like magic today is the result of decades of dedication and innovation. It’s an exciting time to be part of the AI story!


Your AI Kickstart: A Simple Guide to Getting Going

So, you’re ready to dive in, but the big question is, “How do I actually start?” It’s easy to feel intimidated, like you need a degree in computer science just to open an AI tool. But trust us, getting going is much simpler than you think. We’ve broken it down into easy, actionable steps.

The “Crawl, Walk, Run” Approach to AI: You don’t need to be an expert on day one. Just like learning any new skill, starting small, experimenting, and building confidence is the key. Think of this as your friendly roadmap to becoming an AI power user.

  • Begin with What You Know: The easiest way to start is by applying AI to tasks you’re already familiar with. Need a draft email? Want ideas for a social media post? Start there. Pick an AI tool you feel comfortable with, whether it’s ChatGPT, Gemini, or Grok. The goal is to reduce the friction of getting started.
  • Master the Basics, Then Explore: Once you’ve chosen your chatbot, take a moment to understand its basic features. Don’t try to conquer everything at once. Begin by asking simple, factual questions. This helps you validate the responses and build trust in the tool’s capabilities. For instance, ask it for a quick summary of a historical event, then cross-reference it with a reliable source.
  • Experiment, Refine, Succeed: This is where the magic happens. Don’t be afraid to play around! Specify your commands clearly. Provide context – tell the AI the “mood” or “vibe” you’re looking for in its output. If the first response isn’t perfect, refine your input. This iterative process of experimentation and refinement is how you become truly proficient and unlock AI’s full potential.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can start leveraging AI to tackle those tedious tasks that eat up your time. Just remember: keep your super-secret personal info out of public chats. This approach gives you the simple steps to start small and win big.


AI in Action: See How It Gets Things Done

Talking about AI is one thing; seeing it in action is another. We believe the best way to understand AI’s power is to watch it transform everyday tasks. We’ve got three fantastic demonstrations that show you exactly how to wield these tools for real-world results.

Demo 1: Crafting a Winning LinkedIn Carousel Post

The LinkedIn Leap: Crafting engaging LinkedIn content, especially those visually appealing carousel posts, can be a time drain. What if AI could help you brainstorm compelling text and structure your message for maximum impact?

  • Guiding the Conversation: We start by showing you how to use a “prompt prefix” in Gemini. This isn’t just typing a question; it’s about setting the context and tone right from the start, ensuring Gemini understands exactly what you’re trying to achieve for your LinkedIn audience.
  • Personality-Packed Content: See how Gemini generates engaging sentences for your LinkedIn post. The key here is to infuse personality into the output. You’re not just getting bland text; you’re getting copy that resonates, written in a style that aligns with your brand.
  • Structure for Success: We then walk you through reformatting Google Slides to a portrait layout, perfect for LinkedIn carousels. Crucially, we show you how to structure your content using the “hook, value, and call to action (CTA)” framework, ensuring your post not only grabs attention but also delivers value and prompts engagement. Finally, we add and customize an AI-generated image to truly make your slides pop.

Guide: Creating LinkedIn Carousels Using AI – Download

Demo 2: Smart Email Management with AI

Taming Your Inbox: If your email inbox feels like a never-ending battle, you’re not alone. Summarizing long threads, finding specific information, or drafting quick replies can eat up valuable time. But what if your email platform could do the heavy lifting for you?

  • Your Email Co-Pilot: We demonstrate the seamless integration of AI directly within email platforms, specifically using Gemini in Gmail. If you’re a Microsoft user, tools like Copilot in Outlook offer similar powerful features, proving that this isn’t just a Google trick.
  • Summarize, Query, Filter: Watch as Gemini summarizes entire email conversations in seconds, extracting the key points so you don’t have to read every single word. We also show how it can answer specific questions about email content (e.g., “What was the deadline mentioned in this thread?”). You can even filter your email lists based on detailed queries, making information retrieval incredibly efficient.

Cheat Sheet: Gemini in Gmail

Demo 3: Brainstorming & Research Like a Pro with AI

Beyond Google Search: When you need to brainstorm ideas or conduct research, do you still just type keywords into a search engine? AI offers a more intelligent, comprehensive, and cited approach, transforming how you gather information and generate new concepts.

  • Cited Sources on Demand: We illustrate how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can be a powerful research assistant. Instead of sifting through endless search results, you can ask for cited sources on specific topics. ChatGPT automatically performs web searches and provides references for the information retrieved, saving you valuable time and ensuring accuracy.
  • The Power of “Deep Search”: We delve into the concept of “deep search,” a feature also available in tools like Gemini and Grok. This goes beyond standard web searches, providing more in-depth research results by connecting to third-party services or even personal websites. Imagine contextual searching that truly understands your query and pulls relevant information from diverse, connected sources.

Guide: Using AI for Research

These demos highlight just a few ways AI can revolutionize your workflow, making you more efficient and effective across various aspects of your business.


Elevate Your AI Game: Essential Tips for Success

You’ve seen what AI can do, and you’re ready to jump in. But to truly master it and ensure you’re getting the best, most reliable results, there are a few crucial “rules of the road” to keep in mind. Think of these as the secret sauce for effective and responsible AI use.

AI Best Practices: Smart, Safe, and Strategic: Using AI isn’t just about typing in a prompt. It’s about crafting the right prompts, understanding data privacy, and always applying your human intelligence to the output. These tips will help you maximize AI’s benefits while minimizing any potential pitfalls.

  • The Power of Prompt Frameworks: This is a game-changer! Imagine reducing “bad” or irrelevant AI outputs by 70%. That’s what custom-built prompt frameworks can do. By creating standard “prefixes” (like “Act as a marketing expert…”) and “suffixes” (like “Provide 3 bullet points and a call to action…”) for your prompts, you give the AI clear guardrails, ensuring more accurate and relevant responses every time.
  • Your Human Touch is Non-Negotiable: AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not foolproof. Always, always, always human-validate the content it generates. Before you publish, share, or act on anything AI produces, “check and approve” it for correctness, accuracy, and trustworthiness. Your reputation depends on it – and AI is only as good as the oversight you provide.
  • Guard Your Data Like Gold: This is perhaps the most critical tip: be extremely cautious about sharing sensitive personal or business information with AI. Remember, you are responsible for data privacy. Think of it like owning a powerful tool – you’re accountable for how it’s used. Treat AI interactions with a security-minded approach, especially when dealing with proprietary or confidential data.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only get better results from your AI tools but also use them safely and responsibly, empowering you to achieve more with confidence.


Beyond the Horizon: What’s Next for AI & How We Can Help

You’ve seen the current landscape of AI, but this field is constantly evolving. What’s on the horizon, and how can your business stay ahead of the curve? At Tech Wing Management, we’re not just keeping up; we’re actively exploring and implementing the next generation of AI solutions to allow us to help you build confidence.

Your Partner in the Digital Age: We understand that leveraging AI and other technologies effectively can be complex. That’s why Tech Wing Management focuses on bridging the gap between business needs and technological solutions, ensuring seamless integration and tangible results.

  • Your Go-To for Tech & Business Alignment: Tech Wing Management is all about managing systems where business and technology intersect. We specialize in AI automation, helping you streamline processes, onboard new technologies smoothly, provide comprehensive training for your team, and supercharge your digital marketing efforts. We’re here to make technology work for your business goals.
  • Meet Our Team: We’re proud to have a small dedicated team to support your journey. Hassan F. focuses on grants and readiness, helping businesses secure the resources they need to adopt new tech. And Keilah C., our digital nomad, is a wizard with graphics and social media, ensuring your brand stands out in the digital landscape.
  • The Future is Agentic: Get ready for “agentic thinking” and AI agents! This is the next frontier, where AI bots can autonomously perform complex tasks – imagine a bot handling all your marketing outreach, meticulously checking emails, or managing specific projects without constant human intervention. We’re incredibly excited about new features like ChatGPT’s AI agents, which are making these advanced capabilities a reality.

The future of AI is thrilling, and we’re here to help you navigate it, ensuring your business stays competitive and innovative.


Ready for More? Your Next Steps with AI

We hope this newsletter has demystified AI and sparked your interest in its incredible potential. Your journey with AI doesn’t have to end here! We’re committed to providing you with the resources and support to continue building your AI confidence.

  • Dive Deeper with Our Resources: We’ve got even more for you! You can get PDFs of all the demos we covered, allowing you to follow along step-by-step. We’ve also created a ebook version of all the covered content for a comprehensive read, and for those who want an immersive experience, check out our AI Confidence Camp for further learning.
  • Tell Us What You Think! Your feedback helps us improve and tailor future sessions to your needs. Please take a moment to provide feedback via our survey, and feel free to suggest other topics of interest. We’re always eager to hear from you.
  • Got Questions? Ask Away! If you’re wondering how AI can specifically help you, don’t hesitate to reach out. As one of our attendees asked, “Can AI help me prepare for a meeting?” Absolutely! Just remember to provide vulnerable and contextual input to the AI to receive the most helpful and tailored suggestions.

AI isn’t scary; it’s your new secret weapon. Get confident, get productive, and take control with AI!

Just remember: we have your back, when you’re ready.