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AI Hacks: What Works, What Doesn't, and How to Stay Ahead

donnellyboland


Another year, another wave of conversations around artificial intelligence (AI). Some businesses are embracing it with open arms, while others remain skeptical or even resistant. AI isn’t just a buzzword for me, it’s a tool I rely on daily in both my personal and professional life, and this article highlights some of the most impactful ways I’ve found to use it. My aim here isn’t to offer generic advice. We’ve all heard about how AI can write emails or generate summaries of meetings. Instead, I want to delve into unique, thought-provoking examples of how AI can be leveraged, while also shedding light on its limitations. 


AI isn’t a silver bullet. It’s a resource—a powerful resource, but still one that requires thoughtful application. Here are some practical, lesser-talked-about ways I’ve found AI to be useful.  


Brainstorming through Conversation 

When I hit a creative block, I talk with AI. I know you are probably thinking of the 2013 movie Her with Joaquin Phoenix talking with a computer… admittedly, it is pretty accurate. Whether I’m stuck on how to approach a project or need fresh ideas, having a “text-based conversation” with AI helps me think outside the box. For example, I once needed to generate a unique approach to an internal newsletter topic and ended up with five fresh angles by simply posing a series of exploratory questions. AI can act like a sounding board… no judgment, just ideas. 


Spotting My Own Biases 

Let’s face it: we all have blind spots. There have been times when I thought my messaging was perfectly clear and professional, but AI flagged it as overly harsh. I once drafted an email addressing a missed deadline. I thought the tone was firm but fair, yet when I ran it through AI, it pointed out that some of the phrasing could come across as overly critical. By softening the language slightly, I was able to maintain the professionalism I wanted while ensuring the message was constructive rather than confrontational. It’s an excellent reality check, and while it doesn’t replace human judgment, it’s a great way to refine tone and avoid unintended missteps. 


Crafting Super Prompts 

One of AI’s greatest strengths is its flexibility, but to unlock that potential, you need to be specific. Asking vague, one-sentence questions will often yield generic or redundant responses. However, if you take the time to craft a detailed “super prompt,” you can achieve far more targeted and actionable results. For example: 


Basic Prompt: “Do SEO research for a pizza shop.” 


Super Prompt: “Generate a list of 15 SEO keywords for a local pizza shop targeting customers in Pittsburgh. Focus on high-ranking keywords related to delivery, dine-in, and catering services. Include a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords with monthly search volume and competition level. Provide suggestions for incorporating these keywords into website content and social media posts.” 


The difference in output quality is dramatic. With the basic prompt, you might get a few generic terms like “pizza” or “Italian food.” But with the super prompt, you’re not only getting tailored keywords like “best pizza delivery Pittsburgh” or “affordable catering for events in Pittsburgh,” you’re also getting strategic guidance to use them effectively. The more specific your input, the more valuable the output. 


Where AI Falls Short


Privacy Concerns 

AI systems are only as effective as the data they’re trained on, and not all of that data is private or secure. According to Strongdm, 65% of companies admit they aren't fully prepared for AI-driven cyberattacks. This highlights the importance of exercising caution when using AI tools—never input personal or sensitive information that you wouldn’t want made public. For instance, when brainstorming client ideas, it’s crucial to avoid including proprietary details that could inadvertently compromise confidentiality.


Repetition and Redundancy 

AI has a tendency to generate similar responses to different questions. This is particularly noticeable when you rely on it heavily without tailoring your prompts. Be aware of this and keep a critical eye on the output. It often gets very buzz-worthy, too. Soon enough everything becomes a “beacon of light” that “fosters community.”  


Starting Point, Not Endpoint 

One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it provides the “final answer.” It doesn’t. AI is a tool to get you started, whether that’s drafting an outline, suggesting ideas, or identifying trends. From there, it’s up to you to refine and finalize the output. 


The Bigger Picture

Whether you realize it or not, AI is being integrated into countless products and services. According to Exploding Topics, over 82% of companies are either using or exploring the use of AI. Even those who avoid AI entirely likely benefit from it indirectly, through tools like automated customer service, fraud detection, or even predictive text.


Ironically, many of AI’s harshest critics are those who don’t fully understand how to use it as a tool. It’s not here to replace us; it’s here to augment what we do and how we do it. The key is learning how to wield it effectively.

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