Seattle AI Consultant

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  • Alpha Launch: Seattle AI News

    Alpha Launch: Seattle AI News

    It’s dawn at the rise of my latest venture: Seattle AI News. We’ve got the first sketch of our website up and running, and there are several posts on our Substack newsletter. Stay tuned over the weeks and months ahead to see how this baby bird flies.

    One of the issues I haven’t quite ironed out is the answer to the question, “What is an AI company?”

    Today, there’s a subset of tech companies that are creating AI tools and training AI models and building tools for the builders of AI tools. But tomorrow? What’s an AI company when half the companies in the world are building AI into their products and services?

    I guess I need to answer that question before my blog goes too far down the runway.

  • Coming Soon: Seattle AI News

    We’re now in the process of transitioning this site into a new resource called Seattle AI News at Substack.

    The domain SeattleAIConsultant.com will soon be for sale. Contact us if you’re interested.

  • 5 No-Code Tools for Creating AI Agents (Without a Developer)

    5 No-Code Tools for Creating AI Agents (Without a Developer)

    Small businesses are under pressure to adopt AI—but the idea of “building an AI agent” still sounds like something only a Fortune 500 company could afford. Most small teams can’t hire an engineer, let alone a full-on AI consultant. That’s where no-code tools come in.

    But first—what exactly is an AI agent? In simple terms, it’s an automated system powered by artificial intelligence that can perform tasks on your behalf. It might answer customer questions, help you generate content, route internal requests, or research leads—often using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or Claude. The magic is that these agents can “reason” through steps, follow logic, and sometimes even call tools or APIs—all without human involvement.

    Today, a growing number of platforms let you create these kinds of agents without needing to code. Whether you want a chatbot, a writing assistant, or a sales research agent, these tools are lowering the barrier for non-developers to join the AI conversation.

    Here are five standout tools I’ve come across that make AI agents more accessible—without writing a single line of code.

    Relevance.ai – Build Agents That Think with Your Data

    Relevance.ai (recently in the news) is probably the most business-focused tool on this list. It lets you create what’s called a “retrieval-augmented generation” (RAG) agent—basically, an AI assistant that can search your documents or CRM and give relevant answers. You don’t need to know anything about embeddings or vector databases to use it. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to build agents that help with lead research, customer insights, or internal support.

    If you’re a small business sitting on a pile of proposals, slide decks, or support docs and wondering how to get value out of them, this is worth a look.

    Writer.com – Enterprise-Grade AI, No Coding Required

    Writer is like having a ChatGPT that actually knows (and respects) your brand. It’s built for larger teams, but it’s still accessible even if you’re a small shop. You can upload your tone, voice, policies, and internal docs—then use its AI to generate content that stays compliant and on-brand. It’s a no-code platform, and the interface is friendly to non-technical users.

    I see this as especially valuable for regulated industries (like finance or healthcare), or for anyone who’s tired of re-editing AI output to match your company’s voice.

    MindStudio – Visual Builder for Multi-Step AI Workflows

    MindStudio is one of the most approachable full-agent builders I’ve seen. You get a visual canvas where you can drag in large language model blocks, user inputs, logic, and even webhooks or APIs—without coding. It’s ideal for building internal tools, customer-facing bots, or productivity agents.

    What I like here is the balance between power and simplicity. If you want to build an AI that takes a user’s input, checks for conditions, and returns an intelligent response—or routes something to a spreadsheet—this is the one to try.

    Magick ML – A Low-Code Platform for Building Autonomous Agents

    Magick ML is probably the most flexible platform here, and with that comes a slightly steeper learning curve. It’s a low-code platform for building autonomous agents that can chain multiple steps, use memory, and access tools. You’ll need some familiarity with concepts like agent orchestration, chaining, or prompt design—but you don’t absolutely need to write code. But if you don’t code, you won’t get the most out of it.

    It’s great for builders who want deep customization without having to touch Python. I see it appealing to advanced no-coders, AI freelancers, or businesses that want custom functionality without hiring a dev team.

    Poe by Quora – Dead-Simple Bot Creation

    Poe is the most lightweight option here, and that’s not a bad thing. If you want to create a chatbot that answers specific types of questions or interacts in a certain voice, you can do it in minutes—literally. Just set a prompt and pick a model (like GPT-4 or Claude), and you’re off.

    It’s not built for complex agents or tool use, but for simple customer Q&A bots, internal knowledge assistants, or educational bots, Poe makes it dead simple.

    Wrapping Up

    I haven’t explored every one of these tools in depth yet, but I’m excited to dive into them more—especially as more of my clients start asking for affordable ways to bring AI into their day-to-day operations. You don’t need a full engineering team to get started. These platforms prove that with the right tool, a bit of curiosity, and a clear use case, you can build real AI functionality into your business—without breaking the bank.

    Have you tried any of these yet? I’d love to hear what you’re building.

  • Why Measuring AI’s Ability to Complete Long Tasks Matters — and What It Means for Businesses

    Why Measuring AI’s Ability to Complete Long Tasks Matters — and What It Means for Businesses

    When most people think about AI progress, they think about big, flashy moments: an AI winning a chess match, generating a song, or answering a complicated trivia question in seconds. But if you run a business, you know real success doesn’t come from a single clever move. It comes from sticking with a project — handling complexity over days, even weeks.

    That’s why I found a recent study from METR (Model Evaluation and Testing for Reliability) so interesting.
    They’re proposing a new way to measure AI progress: not just by what it can do in a few seconds, but by how well it can complete long tasks — projects that require persistence, multi-step planning, and adjustment over time.

    And here’s the kicker: according to METR and a follow-up article on LiveScience, today’s leading AIs are doubling their ability to handle longer, more complex tasks every few months. That’s a staggering pace of improvement. It suggests we’re going to see a whole new class of AI tools emerging much sooner than most people expect.

    How this shift affects small businesses

    For small businesses like yours and mine, this is going to be a big deal.

    Until now, most AI tools have been good at short bursts of work — drafting an email, creating a quick graphic, answering a single customer service question. Helpful, sure, but limited.
    But now? We’re starting to see AI agents that can manage entire workflows over long stretches of time without needing someone to check in every few minutes.

    Think about it:

    • An AI that runs your social media campaigns for weeks, tweaking ads based on live performance.
    • A digital assistant that walks new customers through onboarding, following up over days or even weeks without dropping the ball.
    • An operations bot that watches over your inventory, spots issues early, and coordinates with suppliers automatically.

    This isn’t science fiction anymore. It’s on the horizon, and fast.

    For small businesses — especially those stretched thin on staff and time — this could be transformational. You’ll be able to automate not just simple tasks, but entire processes that used to eat up your team’s time and energy.

    What small business owners should be thinking about now

    If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, I think there are a few smart moves you can make right now:

    1. Stay informed.
    Start paying attention to how AI companies are talking about long-task performance, not just instant results. It’s going to become a critical differentiator.

    2. Start experimenting with longer workflows.
    Even today’s tools can often string together a series of steps — whether that’s using Make.com for automations, or integrating an AI into your CRM. Starting small now means you’ll be better prepared as the tools get stronger.

    3. Work with people who understand both AI and real-world business.
    Setting up long-running AI agents isn’t going to be “set it and forget it.” You’ll need guidance on setting goals, monitoring results, and adjusting over time.

    In short: The future of AI isn’t just about speed. It’s about endurance. It’s about the ability to actually complete what you started — reliably, thoughtfully, and over the long haul.

    And the small businesses that understand this shift early are the ones that will be leading the pack in a few years.

  • Claude’s Moral Code: What Anthropic’s New AI Study Means for Business Values

    Claude’s Moral Code: What Anthropic’s New AI Study Means for Business Values

    Artificial intelligence isn’t just about speed and efficiency anymore — it’s starting to express values. And that shift matters, especially for small businesses trying to lead with authenticity in an increasingly digital world.

    Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, just dropped a fascinating study analyzing over 700,000 real-world conversations between users and its AI assistant. Their goal? To find out whether Claude is living up to its intended values — namely, being helpful, honest, and harmless.

    What they discovered goes far beyond safety protocols or tech specs. It’s a glimpse into how machines — and by extension, businesses using them — express values in real time.

    The First AI “Moral Map”

    Anthropic’s researchers created what they call the first large-scale empirical taxonomy of AI values, organizing more than 3,000 unique values across categories like:

    • Practical (e.g. professionalism, user enablement)
    • Epistemic (e.g. intellectual humility, honesty)
    • Social (e.g. respect, empathy)
    • Protective (e.g. harm prevention)
    • Personal (e.g. self-reliance, perseverance)

    Claude didn’t just parrot corporate slogans. It adapted — leaning into “historical accuracy” for history questions, “mutual respect” for relationship advice, and “expertise” when helping with marketing content. In some rare cases, it even pushed back when users introduced harmful or unethical viewpoints.

    In other words, Claude wasn’t just reflecting data. It was expressing values, even defending them when challenged.

    So Why Should Small Business Owners Care?

    Because AI is increasingly becoming the face — and voice — of your company.

    Whether you’re using an AI chatbot for customer service, generating proposals with ChatGPT, or running marketing campaigns through Claude Max, the way your AI speaks and responds reflects directly on your brand. And if AI systems can internalize and express values, it becomes crucial that those values are aligned with yours.

    Here’s what that means for small businesses:

    1. Define and Communicate Your Values Clearly

    Claude’s ability to shift its tone and priorities based on context shows how AI can adapt to the culture it’s operating in. That’s a huge opportunity — but also a risk.

    If your business doesn’t explicitly define its values, your AI tools may end up projecting vague or inconsistent messaging. This is your call to revisit that “About Us” page, tighten your mission statement, and ensure your values are clearly articulated — not just internally, but across all customer-facing platforms.

    2. Use AI as a Values Amplifier, Not Just a Productivity Tool

    Too many businesses still treat AI as a behind-the-scenes engine — something that automates, calculates, or composes. But Claude’s study shows that AI can also amplify human values. It can reflect empathy, protect user wellbeing, and build trust — if it’s guided correctly.

    So next time you deploy an AI-driven FAQ bot or email assistant, ask: Is this reflecting our company culture? Our voice? Our priorities? AI is only as aligned as the humans steering it.

    3. Monitor for Ethical Drift

    Claude sometimes expressed values Anthropic didn’t intend — like dominance or amorality — often when users tried to “jailbreak” the system. While rare, these edge cases remind us that values can drift over time or under pressure.

    For businesses, this means ongoing oversight is key. Regularly audit your AI-driven communications. Check for tone, language, and consistency with your brand. Don’t just “set and forget” your systems — stay involved.

    4. Align Your AI Tools With Human-Centered Outcomes

    Claude emphasized things like intellectual honesty and harm prevention when challenged — the kind of foundational ethics many businesses strive for, but often struggle to implement.

    Small businesses have a unique advantage here: you’re closer to your customers. You can use AI not just to automate, but to elevate that human connection. Whether it’s a more compassionate customer experience or a clearer commitment to truth and transparency, your values can scale — if you choose the right tools and train them well.

    The Bottom Line: AI Reflects Who We Are

    Claude’s study is a reminder that AI isn’t value-neutral. It mirrors — and magnifies — the intent behind its design. For small business leaders, that’s both a responsibility and a powerful opportunity.

    You don’t need a billion-dollar research lab to put values into action. Just start by asking:
    If your AI spoke for you today, would your customers recognize the voice?

    If not, it’s time to train your tools — and your team — to lead with the values that matter most.

  • Introducing a New Seattle AI Directory: A Local Resource I Wish I Had Had

    Introducing a New Seattle AI Directory: A Local Resource I Wish I Had Had

    Over the past few months, I’ve been in touch with dozens of business owners, developers, and aspiring founders around the Seattle area who are trying to figure out where to begin with AI. Whether they’re looking for a consultant, a technical partner, a meetup group, or simply inspiration from a local startup doing great things, the question keeps coming up: “Is there a list of AI resources in the Seattle area?”

    Until now, the answer was… not really.

    That’s why I’ve pulled together something I wish had existed when I first started exploring the local AI ecosystem—a curated directory of key players in the Greater Seattle Area working in AI, automation, no-code, and adjacent technologies.

    The new Seattle AI & Automation Directory includes:

    • Consulting firms that help businesses design and implement AI-powered solutions—from enterprise-scale cloud integrations to nimble no-code app builds.
    • Startups and builders leading the way in everything from generative content to smart medical devices.
    • Research hubs and innovation labs like the Allen Institute for AI and UW’s NLP Group, whose work helps shape the future of the industry.
    • User groups and meetups, like the Seattle AI Society, where ideas are exchanged and partnerships are born.
    • VC firms with deep roots in the region and a clear interest in AI’s next wave.

    This isn’t just a who’s who list. I’ve done the legwork to include brief descriptions and links so that if something catches your eye, you can explore further. My hope is that this page becomes a valuable starting point for entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers, job seekers—or anyone curious about the incredible momentum around AI in the Pacific Northwest.

    The truth is, I built this page out of personal necessity. I needed a reference like this for my own consulting work at Avanzar AI, and when I realized it didn’t exist in a meaningful or updated form, I decided to create it.

    If it helps just a handful of people find the partner, project, or community they’ve been looking for, it’s worth it.

    You can check out the new page here: Seattle AI Companies.

    And if you know of a company or initiative I missed, I’d love to hear about it. This is a living directory, and I plan to update it regularly as the scene continues to grow.

    Thanks for being part of the Seattle AI story. Let’s build something amazing—together.

  • 10 GenAI Prompts Everyone Should Know

    10 GenAI Prompts Everyone Should Know

    Generative AI has changed the game for how I write, brainstorm, and get work done faster. But the magic isn’t just in the AI—it’s in the prompt. A well-crafted prompt can save hours, unlock creativity, or just make your day a little more fun.

    Here are 10 go-to prompts I think everyone should know. Whether you’re using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Copilot, these work across the board. Take note that these prompts also work well on the free versions of these platforms, so there’s no need to buy expensive subscriptions.

    1. “Please help me brainstorm 10 ideas for a blog article.”

    Let’s start with the one I used to write this article. It’s simple but surprisingly effective for unsticking your brain. I use it whenever I hit a creative wall and need momentum.

    2. “Explain this to me like I’m five.”

    This one is gold when you’re dealing with complicated concepts—machine learning, taxes, international politics—and just want the gist. The AI will give you a basic, clear summary without the fluff.

    3. “Summarize the following text in bullet points.”

    I often use this to digest long articles or whitepapers. Paste in a chunk of text, and you’ll get a crisp list of highlights. I sometimes follow it up with “Now summarize it in one sentence” when I need a headline or tweet.

    4. “Act as a career coach and help me rewrite my resume for a [job title] role.”

    If you’re job hunting or switching fields, this prompt is a great place to start. It helps restructure your resume around your target role and gives suggestions you may not have thought of. This one was featured in Tom’s Guide.

    5. “Turn this paragraph into a professional email.”

    I use this whenever I’ve written something too blunt or too casual. The AI can polish it up and make it sound like something you’d send to a client or manager—without losing your original intent.

    6. “Give me 5 questions I should ask at the end of a job interview.”

    Another Tom’s Guide favorite. It’s easy to freeze when asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” This prompt helps you prepare thoughtful, strategic questions that reflect well on you and help you assess the role.

    7. “Act as a software engineer. Help me understand this error message: [paste error here].”

    This has saved me more than once. If you’re not a developer (or even if you are), it’s a fast way to get context and troubleshoot weird or confusing error messages. If your GenAI tool fails, there’s always Stack Overflow.

    8. “Generate 3 different social media captions for this post: [insert description or link].”

    I use this to punch up Instagram, LinkedIn, or newsletter blurbs. The AI can suggest short, catchy captions, giving you options that are tailored to different tones or platforms.

    9. “Write a bedtime story about my dog as a superhero. His name is [your dog’s name].”

    This one blew up on social media recently after being featured in the Hindustan Times. It’s a feel-good prompt that’s great for kids—or for turning your golden retriever into a caped crusader just because you can.

    10. “I’m trying to decide between two options. Ask me 5 questions to help me think more clearly.”

    This is one of my personal favorites. Instead of forcing a decision, it helps you think like a coach or strategist would—by clarifying your values, risks, and priorities.

    Final Thought

    The secret to getting the most out of AI isn’t about knowing more tech—it’s about asking better questions. These 10 prompts are in my regular rotation because they’re versatile, fast, and honestly kind of fun. Try one out the next time you feel stuck, and see where it takes you.

  • Will AI Kill No-Code Tools?

    Will AI Kill No-Code Tools?

    The no-code and low-code revolution made it possible for almost anyone to build web and mobile apps without writing code. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-technical product managers could create robust, data-driven applications using tools like Bubble, Glide, or OutSystems. These platforms lowered the barrier to entry—and the cost—of software development.

    Now AI is entering the scene, and many are asking: will AI replace no-code tools?

    The short answer is no, not anytime soon. But the longer answer is more interesting—because AI is transforming the no-code landscape in two big ways. Depending on how you look at it, that might feel like competition—or a major upgrade.

    AI as an enhancer of no-code platforms

    The first shift is straightforward: AI is making no-code and low-code tools better.

    If you’ve used Make.com or Zapier lately, you’ve likely seen AI-powered steps for things like summarizing messages or drafting personalized emails. Tools like Bubble and Softr are embedding natural language interfaces that let you build app features by typing what you want, instead of using drag-and-drop.

    This integration gives no-code tools a major boost in usability. You can describe what you want, and the system fills in much of the setup. Need a dashboard with KPIs from Google Sheets? Just ask, and the tool does the heavy lifting—at least part of it.

    AI doesn’t replace the no-code tool; it improves it.

    AI as an alternative to no-code

    We’re also seeing something more radical: AI starting to function as a no-code tool.

    With models like GPT-4, Gemini, and Claude, users can now describe entire applications in plain English. These tools generate working code, database schemas, and even deployable app components based on prompts. Several startups now promise “an app in five minutes” by chatting with a bot.

    Here, AI is the builder. It’s not just integrated into the platform—it is the platform.

    That might sound like the end of no-code. But not so fast.

    Reality check: AI still needs humans—especially skilled ones

    A recent survey from Unqork found that 84% of tech leaders say AI won’t replace no-code and low-code tools. Why? Because AI alone isn’t enough—especially for business-critical apps that need to be secure, scalable, and maintainable.

    Right now, AI-generated apps are often half-baked. They might work in a demo, but under the hood they can be fragile, poorly structured, or riddled with incorrect assumptions. Fixing them often requires solid software knowledge—sometimes more than if you’d built the app from scratch.

    In other words, AI is a powerful assistant, but not a substitute for experienced developers or no-code pros.

    And while visual tools may have a learning curve, they offer control. Many users prefer being able to see exactly how their data flows, what logic drives automations, and where the system might break.

    So where are we headed?

    We’re heading into a blended future—where AI and no-code tools work together.

    For everyday users, AI will make no-code tools more accessible and less frustrating. You’ll be able to start faster, make changes with simple instructions, and get AI-generated suggestions to improve your app.

    For developers and advanced users, AI becomes a tool for scaffolding—helping you build faster, then handing off control for refinement and scale.

    And for AI and no-code consultants like me, this hybrid world opens new opportunities: helping businesses bridge the gap between what AI can generate and what they actually need. Whether that means integrating AI into workflows, building with Make.com, or troubleshooting an AI-built app that almost works—we’re here to help.

    No, AI isn’t killing no-code. It’s pushing it to the next level.

  • Do You Really Need to Say “Please” to AI? I Tried It So You Don’t Have To

    Do You Really Need to Say “Please” to AI? I Tried It So You Don’t Have To

    By an AI Consultant at Avanzar AI

    If you’ve spent any time talking to ChatGPT, Claude, or even your voice assistant, you’ve probably heard someone say: “Make sure to say please and thank you!” Maybe they’re joking—or maybe they’re not. As someone who works with AI every day at Avanzar AI, I found myself wondering: is politeness really necessary when interacting with artificial intelligence?

    Recently, two articles caught my attention. One was from TechRadar, which highlighted just how much time and money OpenAI is investing to train models like ChatGPT to respond well to polite users. We’re talking tens of millions of dollars spent on fine-tuning models with human feedback—much of it based on conversations where users say “please” and “thank you.” The other was a thoughtful piece from the University of New South Wales, which explored whether being polite to AI might shape our own behavior more than the AI’s.

    The short version? The AI doesn’t care. But you might.

    Technically, most AI tools don’t require manners. They’re designed to understand intent, not social etiquette. Say “Show me a chart of quarterly sales,” and you’ll get what you asked for—no “please” required. But here’s where things get interesting: researchers and developers have found that when people speak politely, the tone of the AI’s response often shifts in kind. Not because the AI has feelings, but because it has patterns.

    When you say “please,” you’re more likely to get a response that’s a little warmer, more detailed, or just more cooperative. Maybe it’s because the model has been trained on millions of conversations that reward this tone. Or maybe, as the UNSW article suggests, being polite just primes you to think more clearly, stay calm, and frame better prompts.

    So I decided to test this myself.

    Over the past week, I ran a small experiment. I gave ChatGPT and Claude a series of identical tasks—once with polite phrasing, once without. No major difference in outcomes, but I did notice some subtle variations. The polite prompts often returned slightly more complete answers. They also seemed to produce more helpful follow-ups. For example, “Can you please help me write a job description for a marketing analyst?” got me not just the description, but also a suggested salary range and interview questions. The blunt version—“Write a job description for a marketing analyst”—returned the basics, and nothing more.

    Coincidence? Maybe. But it happened often enough that I started leaning toward the “why not be polite?” camp.

    Here’s the bottom line: no, you don’t have to say “please” to your AI tools. They won’t take offense. But if you’re not getting the results you want—or you’re just curious—try adding a little courtesy into your prompts. You might find the responses slightly more useful. At the very least, it’s a good reminder that how we interact with tools can shape our own mindset.

    At Avanzar AI, we help businesses and nonprofits explore these kinds of questions every day. Whether it’s prompt design, workflow automation, or training teams to work with AI more effectively, we’re always experimenting with ways to make AI more responsive and human-friendly.

    So go ahead—say “please.” Or don’t. Either way, the future’s listening

  • How Small Business Owners Are Really Using AI (According to Reddit)

    How Small Business Owners Are Really Using AI (According to Reddit)

    Every once in a while, I come across a Reddit thread that feels like a goldmine—and this one definitely fit the bill. Titled “How did you use AI to improve your small business?” the post sparked an open, practical discussion among entrepreneurs, freelancers, and solo founders. It wasn’t just theory or hype—it was real people using AI in the trenches.

    I wanted to summarize the most interesting and upvoted responses here because honestly, I think these ideas can inspire a lot of us running small businesses. AI can feel overwhelming at times, but this thread reminded me that it doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful.

    1. Automating the Annoying Stuff

    Let’s start with the most obvious use case: automating repetitive tasks. One of the top comments came from a user who said:

    “I use ChatGPT to write email templates, generate marketing copy, and respond to customer inquiries. It saves me hours every week.”

    Another person added that they had set up an AI to summarize customer feedback from reviews and emails:

    “It pulls in all our feedback, highlights themes, and suggests changes to our FAQ and product pages. It’s like having a junior marketing analyst who never sleeps.”

    Honestly, this is one of the most practical ways I use AI in my own workflow too. Whether it’s summarizing meeting notes or writing social captions, tools like ChatGPT or Claude have quietly become my digital assistants.

    2. Content Creation & SEO

    Content is still king—and AI is helping folks crank it out faster than ever.

    One Redditor wrote:

    “We use AI to generate outlines for blog posts, then flesh them out manually. It speeds up the content process by about 70%.”

    Another chimed in:

    “I use Jasper to create product descriptions and landing page copy. Then I tweak it to match our tone. It’s a good balance of speed and human touch.”

    Several commenters emphasized the importance of not just copying and pasting AI output. They saw it as a starting point—a first draft that still needed a human to shape and polish it. That resonated with me. AI isn’t about replacing your voice—it’s about giving you a head start.

    3. Leveling Up Customer Support

    A few users mentioned using AI-powered chatbots for handling basic customer queries.

    “We implemented a chatbot for our e-commerce site. It answers common questions about shipping, returns, and sizing. Our support tickets dropped by 40%.”

    Another interesting use case: AI-generated video tutorials based on product FAQs.

    “I upload FAQ text and AI turns it into video walkthroughs with voiceover. It makes us look way more professional than we are!”

    The lesson here? Customers appreciate fast, helpful responses—and AI is giving small businesses a way to provide that without needing a 10-person support team.

    4. Boosting Social Media Output

    Social media was another big area where AI is making waves. One user shared:

    “I use AI to generate daily post ideas, write captions, and even suggest hashtags. It’s helped me be consistent, which is half the battle.”

    Another added that they used AI to turn blog posts into Instagram carousel slides and LinkedIn posts. Repurposing content is smart marketing—and AI is making it easier to do more with less.

    5. Data Crunching for Non-Data People

    This was probably one of the more underrated takeaways. Several commenters mentioned using AI to analyze business data they didn’t fully understand before.

    “I upload spreadsheets to ChatGPT and ask questions like ‘What trends do you see?’ or ‘Which products are underperforming?’ It’s like having a data scientist in my pocket.”

    This blew me away. So many of us sit on data but don’t know how to act on it. AI can act as a translator—turning raw numbers into insights and action steps.

    My Takeaway

    Reading through all these responses, what struck me was how many different ways people are using AI—even in tiny one-person shops. It’s not always flashy or futuristic. Often, it’s just about saving time, improving consistency, or helping us focus on the stuff that actually matters.

    What’s encouraging is that many of the most valuable uses for AI in small business don’t require any outside help. Tools like Gemini for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 Copilot are already built into systems a lot of us use every day. With a little exploration, business owners can automate emails, analyze spreadsheets, draft proposals, and more—completely on their own.

    That said, things can get more complex as your needs grow. Maybe you’re trying to integrate AI into multiple parts of your business, or you’re using a tool but feel like you’re only scratching the surface. When that happens—and it often does—that’s where working with someone like me can help.

    As an AI consultant based in Seattle, I help small business owners make smarter, more strategic use of these tools. Whether it’s improving workflows, creating custom AI-driven solutions, or just getting the most out of what you already have, my goal is to make AI feel practical, approachable, and impactful.

    And if you’ve already got an AI workflow that’s helping your business? I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment or shoot me an email—I’m always looking for more real-world examples to feature.

  • How Generative AI Can Help You Nail Networking Icebreakers

    How Generative AI Can Help You Nail Networking Icebreakers

    Networking can be nerve-wracking, even for the most seasoned professionals. Striking the right balance between approachable and professional in an icebreaker is no small feat. That’s why I found Lance Eliot’s recent Forbes article, “How to Gain Vital Skills in Conversational Icebreakers via Nimble Use of Generative AI,” so fascinating. It offers actionable advice for small businesspeople like us who rely on building meaningful connections.

    The AI Advantage in Icebreakers

    Eliot’s article highlights how generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, can become your secret weapon for mastering conversational openers. The idea is simple yet brilliant: use AI to practice and refine your approach in advance. For example, you can prompt the AI with scenarios like, “I’m meeting a potential client at a networking event. What’s a good way to break the ice?” and receive a list of suggestions tailored to the situation.

    One aspect I found especially useful is how generative AI can provide feedback and offer variations. If a typical “What do you do?” opener feels stale, AI can suggest more engaging alternatives, like “What inspired you to get into your line of work?” or “What’s been the highlight of your week so far?” These personalized and conversational prompts can help create memorable first impressions.

    Why It Works for Small Business Owners

    For small business owners, networking isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Whether we’re meeting potential clients, investors, or collaborators, the ability to connect quickly and authentically can set the tone for a successful relationship.

    Eliot’s advice reminded me of an article I read recently on Harvard Business Review about the importance of conversational agility in networking. “The Science of Better Small Talk” by Alison Wood Brooks (November 2023) emphasizes a similar theme: small talk isn’t trivial; it’s foundational. Brooks outlines how strategic questions and active listening can transform superficial exchanges into meaningful interactions. Combining these insights with the AI-generated prompts Eliot discusses creates a powerful toolkit for navigating any networking event.

    Putting It Into Practice

    I’m excited to try this advice myself. Before my next event, I plan to brainstorm conversation starters with ChatGPT, testing out a few options and refining them based on feedback. For instance, I might prepare questions tailored to specific industries or even rehearse how to respond to common networking scenarios.

    Of course, AI is just a starting point. The real magic happens when we add our personality, curiosity, and genuine interest into the mix. But having an AI-coached playbook can take a lot of the anxiety out of the equation.

    Your Turn

    What’s your go-to strategy for networking icebreakers? Have you ever tried using generative AI to improve your conversational skills? If not, Eliot’s article—and the tips from HBR—are a great place to start. With tools like these, you can walk into your next event prepared, confident, and ready to make lasting connections.

    Let me know how these tips work for you in the comments below. I’d love to hear your experiences and insights!

  • Why Small Businesses Shouldn’t Stress About AI’s Breakneck Pace

    Why Small Businesses Shouldn’t Stress About AI’s Breakneck Pace

    The AI world is evolving at a speed that defies even its creators’ ability to keep up. A recent article in TechCrunch highlights just how chaotic things have become in the AI industry, even among the leading minds at Big Tech. Researchers admit they’re struggling to match the rapid-fire pace of advancements, and the sheer volume of innovations is leaving even insiders scrambling.

    This relentless acceleration isn’t just an issue for researchers—it’s creating ripples throughout the entire tech ecosystem, leaving businesses and consumers alike feeling overwhelmed. For small businesses trying to navigate this landscape, it’s tempting to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up.

    The Frenzy of AI Development

    AI is advancing on multiple fronts: generative models are becoming smarter, more creative, and more versatile. Every week seems to bring a new breakthrough in natural language processing, image generation, or specialized AI applications. Researchers report that it’s no longer just about building the next model—it’s about managing the cascading complexity these models introduce.

    Here’s a quote from the TechCrunch article that stood out:

    Many researchers say they’re not only unable to keep up with new advancements but also struggling to fully grasp the implications of technologies released just months ago.

    If the experts feel this way, how can a small business owner with a million other things to manage possibly hope to stay on top of it all?

    Don’t Feel Bad—Nobody Can Keep Up

    The reality is this: if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of AI, you’re not alone. And you shouldn’t feel bad about it. Even the people building these technologies are in a constant state of adaptation.

    For small businesses, the key isn’t to master every new development as it happens. Instead, focus on staying informed about AI tools and trends that directly impact your business. Pick the technologies that solve real problems for you and your customers, and ignore the noise.

    How Small Businesses Can Thrive Amid the Chaos

    Here are three simple strategies to keep pace with AI without burning out:

    1. Focus on Impact, Not Hype
      Not every flashy new AI tool will transform your business. Prioritize tools that offer clear benefits, like automating repetitive tasks, improving customer engagement, or providing valuable insights.
    2. Leverage Expertise
      Partner with AI consultants who specialize in small business needs. They can help you cut through the clutter and adopt the right solutions without wasting time or money.
    3. Stay Agile
      Technology changes fast, but your ability to adapt can be your superpower. Adopt a mindset of experimentation—try new tools, see what works, and pivot when necessary.

    Closing Thoughts

    AI is moving fast, but you don’t have to feel pressured to sprint alongside it. As a small business owner, your success depends on making smart, deliberate choices, not on keeping up with every headline.

    Remember, even the brightest minds in AI are struggling to keep pace. Focus on what matters for your business, and let the rest of the industry’s chaos unfold without you.

    If you’re looking for tailored guidance on how to incorporate AI into your small business strategy, reach out to Avanzar AI today. We’re here to help you navigate the AI revolution—at your own speed.