ChatGPT: Your New AI Powered Intern

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a leader in innovation, particularly in how businesses interact and execute marketing strategies. AI platforms, like ChatGPT are revolutionizing how we approach problem-solving, brainstorming, and creating. However, much like the role of an intern in a company, AI requires guidance, oversight, and a clear direction to be truly effective.

At its core, AI is about processing incredible amounts of data — from text and images to large databases — and identifying patterns in the data. The thing that truly has allowed modern AI tools to take over the market is natural language processing tools like ChatGPT. These platforms allow users to interact with AI in conversational language, making advanced data processing available and accessible to everyone.

Let’s look at an analogy and break down how you should use your AI tools. Like an intern, AI enters the business landscape with a “can-do” attitude — eager, capable, and ready to handle the tasks assigned to it. However, also like an intern, AI requires careful supervision and clear instructions to give you the best possible outcome and avoid inefficient back and forth with your tools.

In practice, this means that while AI can perform tasks and generate outputs based on the data it has access to, the quality and relevance of its work depend on your instructions and prompting. Using AI effectively is less about getting perfect material every time and more about taking what your tools give you as a starting point to finesse.

Using ChatGPT should make your life in marketing easier, not harder. This is where your brand strategy comes in. Remember how we treat ChatGPT like an intern? Well interns require a lot of training. The benefit a human intern has is the context of being in a business, learning and observing the culture, and maybe even being taught the core foundations of the business, from their purpose and mission to their brand voice framework.

Getting the best work from your AI intern requires training as well. This is where Custom GPTs come into play. On the platform, you can upload your brand documents, which allow you to pre-train your AI tool and give it the context it needs to provide you with accurate and targeted results, just like your human intern.

From creating social media content to helping build marketing strategies, and even helping to break down and understand data, ChatGPT opens up a new world of business development for small businesses. Here are some pro tips you should know before using your AI tools.

1. ChatGPT can only give you content as good as your prompts. If it’s not giving what you wanted it to, you aren’t asking it the right questions.
2. Ask your tools how YOU can help THEM. Asking ChatGPT what information it needs to complete a task successfully, or to summarize something you have just shared, allows you to answer the questions and give the best “training” to your tools to get the best results.
3. It will never be 100% perfect. ALWAYS quality check your work and make sure it’s accurate and represents your business well before sharing it with the world.
4. Don’t blindly use images from AI, as you risk brand drift.
5. Remember that these are tools that can help you if you know how to use them properly. Invest in learning these skills, and you’ll have a much easier time using AI.

As AI continues to grow, evolve, and advance, the key takeaway is clear: AI should be viewed as a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can significantly improve your business processes. However, its success relies on your ability to provide clear information, detailed instructions, and quality control for the human touch.

By understanding AI’s role as a digital intern, businesses can use it responsibly and effectively. The future of AI in business is already here, but it should always be guided by a well-thought-out strategy and a strong brand foundation to truly be effective.

Nine10 is a passionate, dedicated team of lifelong learners on a mission to help Alberta small businesses and entrepreneurs develop their brands, establish their online presence, and become self-sufficient in activating their Digital Marketing strategies. Learn, grow, and develop through their Brand, Web, Print, and Training Services. Visit nine10.ca for more information.