This Ticket’s Reserved for You

Welcome! So you’ve been hearing about AI everywhere, right? On the news, scrolling through social media, maybe even overhearing conversations at Andreini’s or your own favorite coffee spot. And perhaps you’ve thought,“I’m kinda interested… but where would I even begin?”Trust me, you’re not alone in feeling that way.

I’m launching this series as an AI consultant who’s passionate about making AI feel less intimidating and more useful—especially if you’re running a small business, leading a nonprofit, or just retired with a curious mind. If you feel like the AI train is speeding ahead without you, hop on board—I’ve saved you a seat!

What's AI, Anyway?

Let’s cut through the jargon: AI is simply technology that’s designed to do certain thinking tasks the way humans do. It might recognize your voice, understand what you’re asking, spot patterns, or create something new—like when you need an image or some text.

You’re probably already using AI without even realizing it:

• When you ask Alexa to set that timer while your hands are covered in cookie dough

• When Gmail practically reads your mind and finishes your sentence

• When Netflix somehow knows exactly what show you’ll binge-watch next

It’s not about scary robots from sci-fi movies—it’s about helpful tools that make your day-to-day a little easier.

Taking Your First AI Steps

Don’t worry—you don’t need to download a bunch of apps or learn coding. This isn’t technicalAI trainingor complicated software. Just pick one thing you already do regularly—maybe writing emails, creating social posts, or keeping your to-do list in check—and try an AI tool that can help with that.

Here are a few beginner-friendly options to try:

• ChatGPT(openai.com): Perfect for when you’re staring at a blank page trying to write anything from a quick email to an event invitation

• Canva’s Magic Studio: Creates eye-catching graphics and images in seconds (even if you’re not the artistic type)

• Zapier(they have a free version): Handles those repetitive tasks you dread, like sending welcome emails to new subscribers

Just pick one. Give it a whirl. See what happens!

Start Small, See Big Results

The key to getting started with AI isn’t trying to learn everything at once. It’s about identifying one small pain point in your day and finding a tool that makes it easier. Maybe that’s drafting emails faster, creating more engaging social media posts, or organizing your calendar more efficiently.

Pick something that feels manageable, and you’ll be surprised how quickly these tools become second nature. And remember—you don’t have to become an AI expert overnight. Even small improvements to your workflow can add up to significant time savings.

In the next post,I’ll walk you throughspecific AI tools by category and show how real people are using them in practical ways. Stay tuned!

"You don't need to be a tech expert to start using AI—you just need a task you're tired of doing and the curiosity to try something new."

Carol

At AI ADVANTAGE, I make AI accessible, understandable, and useful for small businesses, nonprofits, and anyone ready to simplify their work.

Whether you’re brand new or ready to grow, I’ll help you use the right tools with confidence—and start seeing results right away.