Navigating the GenAI Explosion

This week I had the great pleasure to be invited as a guest lecturer to an Executive MBA Marketing on the topic of GenAI which I gladly accepted.?

No surprise that basically all of the 40 plus participants already use ChatGPT - some more and some less. So I took the opportunity to provide some foundations, some practical tips and some ways to get better.?

And I addressed the questions that came up. One key question: Do I really have to keep up? Or - how do I choose the best tool??

As this is such a prevalent question, I wanted to address it also here in this newsletter.?

The pace of the development of Generative AI (GenAI) tools is not just fast—it's explosive. With each passing day, it seems a new tool (or often multiple tools) emerges from the digital ether, promising to revolutionize everything from how we write emails to how we design cities. It's a veritable gold rush, but instead of pickaxes and pans, we're armed with algorithms and APIs.

The Paradox of Plenty ??

In this vast landscape, the plethora of choices can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Major Language Learning Models (LLMs) are not just growing; they're evolving, competing, and constantly one-upping each other.?

A good example is the announcement of Claude 3 from Anthropic this week. A model that beats OpenAI (Version 4!) in every measured metric.?

It's like watching a high-stakes race where every participant is on rocket-powered skates. Just when you think you've grasped one model, another comes along with new features, more efficiency, or a cooler name.

Do You Need to Keep Up? ??♂???

The million-dollar question (or, given the stakes in the tech world, perhaps the billion-dollar question) is: Do you need to stay on top of every GenAI development to remain relevant?

To answer that, let's take a stroll down memory lane, back to a simpler time when the choice of tech tools was more like choosing between a handful of ice cream flavors rather than the entire catalog of a gourmet gelateria. Back then, mastery of a few key tools could make you the go-to expert in your field.

Finding Your GenAI Soulmate ??

In the current GenAI explosion, adopting a similar approach might not just be wise—it might be essential for your sanity. Trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, constantly hopping from one GenAI tool to the next, can be as dizzying as spinning in circles trying to watch a fireworks display. Instead, consider finding your GenAI "soulmate," that one platform or tool that aligns with your needs, your work style, and your aspirations.

For instance, focusing on becoming as proficient as possible with a platform like OpenAI can provide a solid foundation. This doesn't mean putting on blinders to the rest of the GenAI universe but rather establishing a home base from which to explore.?

This was also my recommendation to the participants. Become really good at using all of OpenAI’s tools. That is in particular ChatGPT - and yes in the paid version 4! That gives you access to all the hundreds of other GPT’s for pretty much every single use case.?

Yes, you can go for Google’s LLM or Anthropic, but when you utilise only 20 or 30 percent of what is possible in one model, you do not need another and better model.?

The Explorer's Mindset ??

Think of yourself as an explorer. You have your trusty ship (let's say, OpenAI), but you're always ready to embark on expeditions to discover new lands (or in this case, tools). This approach allows you to develop deep expertise and understanding, making you a master navigator of your chosen tool, while still keeping an eye on the horizon for emerging technologies that might complement or enhance your toolkit.

Conclusion: The Art of Staying Grounded ??

In the end, the goal is not to become a fleeting visitor to every tool that pops up on the GenAI landscape but to become a resident expert in a domain that you're passionate about. This doesn't mean you should ignore the rest of the field. Instead, let your curiosity guide you to explore other tools when and if they might serve your needs or spark your interest.

Remember, in a world full with innovations, the true north is not just knowing about every tool out there—it's about knowing deeply the tools that serve you best and keeping an open mind about new possibilities.?

And that in itself is already a significant challenge.?

If you or your team want help with that, reach out to me.?

Keep Innovating! ??

Stay curious, stay focused, and most importantly, stay excited about the possibilities. The GenAI explosion is not just a challenge; it's an opportunity—an opportunity to find your niche, to innovate, and to lead as we are still at the first inning as the Americans would say.

Have a wonderful weekend.?

Michael

P.S.: We love hearing from our readers! If you've found your GenAI soulmate or have thoughts on navigating the explosion of tools, hit 'reply' and share your insights or reach out to me!?

And yes, this article was also supported by GenAI.