AI tools can do incredible things when used with purpose. If you’re adopting AI in your business or daily workflow, here are some practical best practices to get value without getting overwhelmed.
1. Start with the problem, not the tool
Don’t use AI for the sake of it. Identify a repetitive, time-consuming, or inconsistent task, and then explore how AI could solve it. Whether it’s summarizing meeting notes or predicting customer behaviour, make sure the tech addresses the need.
2. Set boundaries
AI is fast, but it’s not flawless. Review any outputs before sending them out into the world. For example, AI-generated copy might miss tone or context unique to your business. AI-generated code could have logic errors so be sure to build a layer of human oversight into your workflow.
3. Train your tools (or fine-tune your prompts)
Out-of-the-box AI tools are generalists. You’ll get better results by feeding them your tone, your data, or your brand guidelines. With ChatGPT or similar, use examples, constraints, or step-by-step requests to get what you want.
4. Respect privacy and data security
Don’t feed sensitive information into public AI tools unless you’re sure it’s safe. If you’re in healthcare, finance, or legal, double-check compliance before handing anything over to a third-party model.
5. Document what works
Once you’ve created a prompt, workflow, or model that gets great results, save it. Better yet, turn it into a template. This reduces friction for your team and ensures consistency over time.
6. Keep humans in the loop
AI is powerful but decisions still need human judgment. Whether you’re hiring, designing, or forecasting, use AI as your assistant and collaborator, not your replacement.
7. Experiment in low-stakes environments
Not sure where to start? Try AI for internal projects first. Use it to organize notes, brainstorm blog topics, or rewrite outdated SOPs. Build your confidence and experience before applying it client or customer-facing projects.
