Welcome to Your AI Business Guide: A Journey of Discovery

There’s something rather exciting about discovering that the skills you’ve honed over decades are suddenly more valuable than ever in our AI-powered world. I’m Maggie, a British business owner who, like many of you, found herself curious but slightly wary about artificial intelligence and its role in business.

As co-founder of a company that’s been around since 2009, I’ve seen plenty of technological changes. But nothing quite prepared me for the moment I first dipped my toe into the world of AI through ChatGPT. What started as casual experimentation quickly turned into a fascinating journey of discovery.

I decided to take a Prompt Engineering course (something I never imagined I’d do!), and discovered something rather surprising: those ‘old school’ skills we sometimes take for granted – clear communication, precise language, and the ability to give good instructions – are actually key to making AI tools work effectively. Who knew that my years of briefing designers and writers would translate so perfectly into crafting AI prompts?

I’m not what you’d call a “tech wizard” far from it. But I am someone who knows what she wants to achieve in business. Previously, I’d have needed to hire specialists for many tasks that I can now accomplish myself with a bit of research and experimentation with AI tools. It’s exciting, confusing and gratifying at different stages.

But let’s be honest – it’s not all smooth sailing. There are challenges and, yes, some genuine concerns about AI that we need to address. As I explore these tools and share my findings with you, I promise to be transparent about both the successes and the stumbling blocks.

One aspect that particularly excites me is how AI tools could open doors for people who’ve traditionally been excluded from workplace opportunities. Whether it’s those with mobility challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances that make traditional office work difficult, AI has the potential to level the playing field in remarkable ways.

This blog is my way of sharing this journey with you – fellow business owners and entrepreneurs who might be wondering how to navigate the AI landscape. Whether you’re in your forties, fifties, sixties, or beyond, I believe we bring something valuable to this conversation: experience, wisdom, and a practical approach to business that can help us separate the truly useful from the merely flashy.

• Practical experiences with various AI tools (the good, the bad, and the occasionally amusing)
• Free step-by-step guides written in plain English
• Real-world applications for small businesses
• Thoughtful discussions about AI’s impact on our work and society
• Tips for making AI tools work for you, regardless of your technical background

Join me on this journey. Let’s explore how we can harness AI to enhance our businesses while staying true to our values and experience. After all, we’re not just keeping up with technology – we’re helping shape how it’s used in the real world.

Maggie