Time is Money: How I Reclaimed 12 Hours Using AI Tools

As an AI advocate and educator, I don't just talk but also walk the walk. This week, I immersed myself in AI-driven productivity to demonstrate how I both produce and consume AI technologies. The results were astounding: I saved an impressive 12 hours across various domains, some outside of my immediate expertise. This time savings allowed me to reinvest in valuable self-learning with the help of Allie K. Miller, a truly priceless opportunity! Let me take you through my AI-powered week, showcasing how these powerful Generative AI (GenAI) tools can revolutionize your workflow and expand your capabilities.

Streamlining Geospatial Data Collection in Microsoft Power BI

One of my projects involved creating an executive report in Microsoft Power BI, a leading business intelligence tool. I needed a comprehensive dataset of U.S. states' respective longitudes and latitudes. Instead of spending an hour scouring various sources, I turned to ChatGPT. Within five minutes, I had a perfectly formatted table ready for implementation in Power BI. This simple yet powerful use of AI saved me 55 minutes of valuable time.

Complex Financial Modeling Made Easy

For another client, I faced the challenge of apportioning a QuickBooks P&L across multiple active housing projects - a capability not native to QuickBooks. The solution lay in creating a custom DAX formula in Power BI. By explaining the requirements to ChatGPT in layman's terms, I received step-by-step guidance to craft the perfect DAX code. Through iterative refinement with the GPT called Power BI Wizard in ChatGPT, I successfully implemented a complex financial model, elevating my expertise without requiring specialized DAX consultations. This powerful use of AI saved me 5 hours of valuable time in finding the best solutions.

Expanding My Social Media Presence on X Platform

Recognizing the importance of diversifying my social media strategy, I sought AI assistance to break into the X platform (formerly Twitter). ChatGPT provided me with a tailored marketing strategy, offering insights that would typically require consultation with a social media expert. This AI-driven approach allowed me to rapidly develop a robust plan for expanding my digital footprint. Watch this space @DataBIAnalytics on X Platform.

This powerful use of AI saved me 4 hours of valuable time educating myself on Cross-Platform Personal Branding and Content Amplification strategies.

Empowering the Next Generation

As an educator, I'm passionate about equipping students with cutting-edge skills. I recently assigned a project comparing various large language models. I encouraged students to utilize generative AI tools for research while emphasizing the importance of fact-checking. This approach not only familiarizes them with AI capabilities but also develops their critical thinking skills, which are essential for the modern workplace. This powerful AI can create a detailed table comparison of LLMs without requiring you to be a subject matter expert. Time saved: 2 hours as minimum.

Exciting Innovations on the Horizon

I'm always on the lookout for game-changing technologies. Recently, I discovered Paradigm, an upcoming product promising to revolutionize spreadsheets with super-intelligent columns and automated row population. While still in development, tools like these represent the next frontier in AI-enhanced productivity. The application is centered around the primitive of a spreadsheet, Paradigm puts swarms of intelligent agents at your fingertips. The real power of Paradigm comes with scale: imagine having tens of thousands of interns working for you in parallel. Paradigm is 1000x faster than manual data collection, completing an average of 500 cells per minute. Watch the demo presented here by co-founder Anna Monaco .

https://x.com/annarmonaco/status/1831347029202915478

Real-World AI Applications

To provide a broader application of generative AI, I recently watched Allie K. Miller 's quick LinkedIn learning video, "How to Use Generative AI: Building an AI-First Mindset," where she showcases her use of GenAI in daily business operations. Check this out on LinkedIn Learning! She made it free for you with the link below. The time I saved on these tasks allowed me to reinvest in valuable self-learning, a truly priceless opportunity!

https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/zdenka-cumano_artificialintelligenceforbusiness-generativeaitools-activity-7236740926956613633-u8qU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Critical Takeaways for Executives and Teams

1. Time Efficiency: AI can dramatically reduce time spent on data collection and analysis tasks, as evidenced by my experience with Microsoft Power BI.
2. Skill Enhancement: Leverage AI to quickly gain expertise in complex areas like DAX programming, allowing you to tackle challenges that previously required specialized knowledge.
3. Strategic Planning: Use AI for brainstorming and developing strategies in unfamiliar domains, such as expanding into new social media platforms.
4. Educational Integration: Incorporate AI tools in learning environments to prepare the future workforce, fostering both technical skills and critical thinking.
5. Continuous Innovation: Stay informed about emerging AI technologies to maintain a competitive edge, like the promising Paradigm spreadsheet tool.

Conclusion

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, it's not about being the absolute best at what you do, it's about mastering the art of leveraging generative AI tools to elevate your performance. By effectively utilizing these powerful resources, you can unlock your full potential and redefine what it means to be the best in your field.

Let’s champion the democratization of AI tools across organizations, empowering individuals to upskill and discover their true potential. Together, we can create a future where everyone can access the resources they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.