Hello AI Lessons Crew,

Every so often, I think it’s good to reset and ensure that all of our readers on the Artificially Intelligent Enterprise are on the same page. I thought I’d create a primer you can use or share with a colleague how you can be at the forefront of AI users.

Basic Skills for AI Success

Boost ChatGPT Accuracy with These Expert Strategies

Chatbots: The Low-Hanging Fruit of Generative AI

I think having a good grasp of the latest chatbots these are the lowest-hanging fruit for using generative AI. Here’s what I’d be doing if

• ChatGPT - Best for brainstorming, creating outlines, and analyzing data. Using Custom GPTs (if you are a paid user) to codify workflows is a good option. Also, use ones from the ChatGPT store made by others.

• Perplexity - I rarely use Google for research anymore. I have been using Perplexity to sort out the wheat from the chaff in search results. I use Perplexity as a search engine replacement. Also, Microsoft CoPilot isn’t bad with its real-time search integration. It’s like Perplexity+ChatGPT because it uses OpenAI’s models.

• Claude - I think Claude has improved dramatically with their Claude Sonnet 3.5 release. It’s very good at writing human-sounding copy.

Finally, suppose you want to compare results from different chatbots. In that case, Poe.com allows you to interact with multiple chatbots through a single interface, including some lesser-known ones that might become your new favorite. The value is to find the chatbots that are best matched to your style and needs.

Actionable Basics for Every AI User

I am big fan of having a good foundation for any topic I want to accel at that’s why I wanted to take the time to talk about the skills and knowledge I think you need to excel at using AI. Here’s my short list.

1. Prompt Engineering: Learn to craft effective prompts. Be specific, provide context, and use clear instructions. That’s why I add a prompt example to every newsletter. You can take a free, prompt engineering course from a Vanderbilt professor here.

2. Verify AI-Generated Information: Always fact-check important information from AI sources against reliable human-verified sources. I like Perplexity; it can provide sources for all its data to ensure you don’t lose out.

3. Experiment with Different Tools: Each AI tool has its strengths. Try various options to find what works best for your specific needs. Here’s my AI Toolbox, which I am constantly updating.

4. Stay Updated: Follow AI news and updates from reputable sources to keep abreast of new features and capabilities. Hopefully, The AIE will be the main course in your information diet, but if you want daily news on AI, I think The Rundown is a decent newsletter.

5. Combine Human and AI Skills: Leverage AI for tasks like data analysis and initial drafts, then apply human creativity and critical thinking. Always check your work; you will rarely get perfect results.

6. Learn Basic AI Concepts: Understand fundamental AI terms and concepts to communicate effectively about AI tools and their capabilities. AI For Everyone by Deep Learning is a great way to get started.

7. Data Hygiene and Ethical Considerations: Be cautious about the data you input into AI systems, especially regarding sensitive or confidential information. Be mindful of privacy, copyright, and ethical implications when using AI-generated content. For example, if you are trying to create a logo, it may not be copyrightable under U.S. law. Or, if you are using your customers' private data in a chatbot, you might be violating your confidentiality obligations.

Free AI Courses from Tech Giants

To further your AI education, consider these free courses offered by leading tech companies:

• Google: Machine Learning Crash Course: A self-study course featuring lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on practice exercises.

• Google Cloud AI Platform: Offers various tutorials and guides on implementing AI in cloud environments.

• IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate: A series of courses on Coursera covering machine learning and deep learning.

• Microsoft AI School: Provides learning paths for AI developers, including courses on Azure AI services.

• Microsoft Business School: Focuses on AI strategy and business applications.

These courses offer a mix of technical and strategic knowledge, catering to different levels of expertise and interest in AI. They're excellent resources for deepening your understanding of AI concepts and applications.

By implementing these basics, exploring the mentioned chatbots, and taking advantage of these free learning resources, you'll be well-positioned to harness the power of AI in your professional endeavors. Remember, the key is to view AI as a powerful assistant that enhances, rather than replaces, human intelligence and creativity.

Coming Soon! More Helpful AI Content

This is what’s going to happen. As we slowly migrate to a single mailing list, you will still get the AI Lessons for the next month or so. Eventually, you will receive the Artificially Intelligent Enterprise instead of the AI Lessons. It's still the same educational AI content from a different email address.

Bonus ChatGPT Tip: Treat ChatGPT as a Collaborator, Not Just a Tool

When interacting with ChatGPT, imagine you're conversing with a knowledgeable colleague rather than a chatbot. This mindset shift will lead to more productive exchanges. Here’s how to do it:

• Be Clear and Direct: Frame your requests as if you were delegating tasks to a team member. Instead of saying, “Explain this,” try, “Can you draft a summary of this topic for our upcoming meeting?”

• Provide Context: Like any colleague, the more context you provide, the better the response. Share background information, your goals, or specific details to help ChatGPT give you a more tailored answer.

• Iterate and Refine: Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions or request revisions. For example, after getting an initial draft, you might say, “This is a good start, but can we make the tone more formal?” Engaging in this back-and-forth dialogue allows you to refine the output until it meets your expectations.

• Ask for Opinions or Suggestions: Treat ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner. Instead of only requesting information, ask for suggestions or different perspectives. For example, “What do you think are the potential risks of this strategy?” or “Can you propose alternative solutions?”

By shifting your approach to engage ChatGPT like you would a trusted colleague, you can unlock more valuable and nuanced insights that align with your professional needs.

Best Regards,