It seems like everywhere you turn lately some kind of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is being talked about. Some tout it as the next big thing, while others, in the words of mama from The Waterboy, see it as “The Devil.” I am sure the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
While I was researching my second book – The Higher Education Scam, I interviewed many people. One of them mentioned to me what they heard about AI from a supposed expert. This expert said, “you will not lose your job to AI, but you will lose your job to someone who knows how to use AI.”
Based on all of this, I thought this would be a good topic to write about, so I decided to ask ChatGPT to write an outline for me. Here is the conversation:
I asked:
“I am writing about how to get started using AI in my monthly newsletter this month. Can you give me an outline and a few pointers?”
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely, Duane — that’s a great topic for your monthly newsletter. An article like this can position you as both helpful and forward-thinking for your clients. Here’s a clear outline and key pointers to get you started:
Newsletter Title:
“Getting Started with AI: What You Need to Know”
Outline:
1. Introduction: Why AI Matters Now
Briefly define AI in simple terms.
Mention how it’s already changing the way small businesses and individuals operate (e.g., chatbots, automation, content creation).
Reassure readers: you don’t need to be a tech genius to get started.
2. Real-Life Examples of AI You May Already Be Using
Voice assistants (Siri, Alexa)
Auto-correct or predictive typing
Spam filters in email
AI in photo editing apps or customer service chats
3. Easy Ways to Try AI for Yourself
Break down 3–5 beginner-friendly tools:
ChatGPT – Ask questions, generate emails, summarize info.
Grammarly – Writing assistant with AI-powered suggestions.
Canva’s Magic Tools – AI image and design generation.
Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot – For document help or web search.
Otter.ai or Fireflies.ai – Automatically transcribe meetings or calls.
Include a tip: Try using AI to write your next social media post, respond to a tricky email, or create a to-do list.
4. Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI Effectively
✅ DO start small—experiment with one tool at a time.
✅ DO fact-check—AI can sound confident but still be wrong.
❌ DON’T share sensitive client data with AI tools.
❌ DON’T expect it to do your job for you—use it as a helper, not a replacement.
5. How Duane’s Reliable Computer Services Can Help
Offer help choosing and setting up AI tools.
Offer a 1:1 intro session or group demo.
Mention any AI tools you’re integrating into your own service (e.g., EDR with AI-driven detection, automated maintenance alerts, etc.)
6. Final Thoughts / Call to Action
Encourage them to give AI a try this month.
Offer a quick consultation to help them find the right tool.
Example: “Reply to this email with ‘AI HELP’ and I’ll send you my top tool recommendation for your business.”
Pointers for Writing:
Keep it conversational and non-technical.
Use real-world analogies (e.g., “Think of AI like a really smart assistant that doesn’t sleep.”)
Include a screenshot or short demo gif if possible.
Keep it short and skimmable—use bullet points, bold key ideas.
Would you like help drafting the full article based on this outline, or do you want to write it and have me review it?”
This took about ten seconds for ChatGPT to give me this outline and some pointers. I don’t normally just copy and paste the response into a document. I usually use it as a starting point, but I wanted to show you a real-life example of what it can do and how it works.
I have been using AI for a couple years now. I regularly run emails through it if I want them to sound more professional, less threatening, or more concise, for example. I also use a program called Otter.ai when I am in meetings. This program will listen to the entire conversation and then transcribe it for me. It then creates an outline and lists any action items. I do pay for this tool, but it saves me hours per month, so it is well worth it.
If you haven’t tried AI yet, you can go to chatgpt.com and create a free account. It is best to create an account because over time ChatGPT will learn more about you and become even more helpful. Just don’t share sensitive information with it. In other words, AI could possibly help you do your taxes, but since it searches online you don’t want to input your social security number.
It is also important to verify any information that AI finds because sometimes it is wrong. I heard about a jr attorney that used AI to prepare for trial, and he found a case that was very similar to his current case, and he used it as an example in the opening statement which a senior attorney had to read. As he read about the other case in the courtroom the judge looked it up on his computer only to find it did not exist. I am sure someone lost their job over that one.
If you are interested in learning more about AI or trying it for yourself, reach out to me. I can help you set up an account and get you started.
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