If you are anything like me, adapting to new technologies requires enormous effort. I was one of the last people to switch from a blackberry to an iPhone, and I did it reluctantly. So, difficult as it is for some of us, if we don’t adapt, learn and change we are at as a distinct disadvantage. And the reality is understanding how to use AI to expedite work processes or market your business has become as essential as knowing how to navigate the internet. Why? Because your competitors are doing it, and if history is any indication, adopting new technology is crucial to staying ahead. Just look at Blockbuster, Kodak, or IBM for examples of companies that struggled by not adapting quickly enough.
So, how can we, as professionals, learn enough about AI to remain competitive? Here are five simple steps to raise your AI Quotient:
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Shift your mindset
- As humans we tend to avoid what makes us uncomfortable, and very often change, or the thought of trying something new does exactly that. The first step in raising your AI Q is to overcome this fear, even if it means asking a teenage family member or Gen X colleague to help you.
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Stay Informed
- Regularly read LinkedIn articles on AI to keep up with the latest developments. But don’t let this overwhelm you. Choose just one area you want to get assistance with, research that and then experiment.
- Take Courses: Enroll in online courses and attend workshops to gain practical knowledge and skills in AI.
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Network with Experts
- Join AI-focused groups and communities to exchange ideas and insights with other professionals. I am thinking of creating an AI support group. Email me if you want to join.
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Implement AI Tools
- Start using AI tools and software in your daily work to understand their practical applications and benefits. For example, if you want to edit videos, learn Videoleap.
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Experiment and Innovate
- Don’t be afraid to try new AI technologies and approaches in your projects. Experimentation leads to innovation and improvement.
By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your AI Quotient and ensure you stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. We are all in this together, and I feel we need to demystify AI for ourselves, or we will feel like we are constantly missing out on something. I am not saying we have to be consumed by it, but like anything else, if we understand it and use it cleverly, we can have more control vs. feeling that we are being controlled.