Should You Even Bother Talking to ChatGPT, and If So, How?

Welcome to this edition of AI for Business.

The Unique Twist

An integral part of this newsletter is an AI for Business Assistant named Aissy.

As you explore my content, Aissy is offering personalized insights tailored to your needs and relevant to your circumstances. It aligns with your specific interests, corresponds to your knowledge level, and adapts to your industry.

Behind the scenes, I act as the human in the loop, continuously training Aissy based on the practical knowledge I acquire from applying generative AI in my career and in business. This way, you are essentially engaging with my expertise.

Today's topics:

• Why Understanding and Applying AI Matters
• The Knowledge Engine Meets The Reasoning Engine
• Communicating with ChatGPT = Building its World from Scratch

Let’s get into it...

Why Understanding and Applying AI Matters

Do you need to engage with the topic of AI? Because the title of the newsletter is a bit ambiguous, let me set the tone from the beginning: the question isn't whether you should engage with AI, but rather why it's crucial to do so. I can tell you from my own experience that gaining a clear understanding of AI is not only beneficial but increasingly essential.

No Need for Expertise

It's true that AI can be complicated, but you don't need to be an expert. Similar to how you don't need to be a mechanic to drive a car, you don't need to be an AI scientist to understand and apply it.

Actionable Steps for AI Awareness

1. Stay Informed: Keep up with news about the impact of AI in various sectors.

2. Ask Questions: If something puzzles you, don't hesitate to seek expert advice.

3. Be Mindful: Recognize how AI is affecting your day-to-day life and your job.

4. Get you Hands Dirty: Start using AI regularly in business or your personal life.

The Power of Basic Knowledge

In my experience, keeping yourself informed about AI is no longer optional; it's essential. It's akin to understanding the basics of personal finance or health. While you don't need to know everything, be prepared for the shifts that are happening and will continue to happen.

Investing time to understand how to apply AI equips you with the tools you need to adapt and thrive. It's not just about future-proofing yourself, but about becoming a more informed citizen and professional.

Reader Spotlight: Your Questions Answered

Each week, I answer topic-related questions from my readers.

Copy and paste the following question into Aissy Chat to get the answer.

◢ What are potential pitfalls or challenges of not understanding the fundamentals of AI, in my career or personal life as a [your profession]. ◤

The Knowledge Engine Meets The Reasoning Engine

Building on what was previously discussed, the first concept you need to understand is the following:

Communicating with a knowledge engine (Google) is substantially different than communication with a reasoning engine (ChatGPT).

When you first interact with ChatGPT, you might instinctively treat it like Google—asking for facts or data points. While both can provide information, their primary functions differ significantly. Understanding these differences can help you use each tool more effectively.

Google: Your Go-To For Facts

Google serves as a "knowledge engine," a tool that provides straightforward information. Whether you're looking for:

1. Sports scores
2. Stock market updates
3. Recommendations for the best small-room TV

Google scans the web to deliver the most accurate and relevant information to answer your query.

ChatGPT: Your Thought Partner

In contrast, ChatGPT is fundamentally not a repository of the most up-to-date information. Think of it as a "reasoning engine." It doesn't offer the latest sports scores or breaking news but excels at:

1. Helping you process complex thoughts
2. Assisting in synthesizing and summarizing information
3. Acting as a writing or content creation aid

So while ChatGPT may not always have the most current information, it excels at helping you make sense of the information you already have.

When you need to find facts quickly, Google is your best bet. For complex reasoning, summarizing data, or help in formulating your thoughts, ChatGPT serves as an effective partner.

Communicating with ChatGPT = Building its World from Scratch

Every time you start a new conversation with Chat GPT, you are building its world from scratch, right from the inception of a conversation.

Why is context crucial?

Here's something I realized working with ChatGPT that isn't immediately obvious. The more information you give it up front, the more context you set for it, the better it'll perform.

By context, I'm not just referring to a basic prompt. It’s about presenting a well-defined landscape—whether that’s a detailed paragraph, code snippet, or any structured content. This sets the stage for the language model.

Here’s why context matters

Language Models are designed to mirror our language. Without a proper context, we’re essentially drawing from their training set. It helps them communicate but doesn’t ensure precise data extraction.

My key findings about context

1. Accepting an alternate reality: Sometimes, when we feed AI with incorrect information, it plays along. Like, if we say 2 plus 2 equals 5, and create that environment for it.
2. Mimicking human traits: When AI exhibits emotions, it's tapping into its learning. It recalls how emotions are portrayed or discussed in human conversations.
3. Efficiency skyrockets with proper context: Provide AI with a lengthy article? It will masterfully boil it down, drawing from its ability to reformulate language while holding onto the essence.

The secret: feed ChatGPT the language you seek it to interpret, and then watch it work it's magic.

Reader Spotlight: Your Questions Answered

Each week, I answer topic-related questions from my readers.

Copy and paste the following question into Aissy Chat to get the answer.

◢ Can you provide me a hands-on exercise to practice setting context for AI in [your profession for your industry]. ◤

Quote of the newsletter:

? AI is like spices - when mixed with business, it brings out unmatched flavors of success.?

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Have a great day and until next time.

Roland