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  • When AI Takes the Joy Out of Coding (But It’s Not All Bad)

    When AI Takes the Joy Out of Coding (But It’s Not All Bad)

    Let’s be honest: generative AI is everywhere. It’s writing our emails, generating our art, and yes, even helping developers code. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: not everyone’s loving it—especially video game developers.

    I get it. As a writer, I understand the joy of creating something from scratch, watching it come to life, and thinking, “I made that.” For many developers, writing code isn’t just a job; it’s a creative process. But when AI takes over the heavy lifting, what’s left? Reviewing and debugging AI-generated code can feel like babysitting a robot, which doesn’t quite have the same magic.

    According to a recent article on GameDeveloper.com, developers are feeling less engaged with their work when AI does the coding for them. Instead of diving into problem-solving and innovation, they’re stuck tinkering with code they didn’t write. That’s frustrating for anyone who loves the craft of development.

    But here’s where I think we need to zoom out. While AI might take some of the fun out of coding, it also frees up developers to tackle bigger, more complex problems. Imagine having the time and mental bandwidth to design a more immersive game world or refine gameplay mechanics because AI handled the grunt work. Sure, it’s an adjustment, but the trade-off might be worth it.

    The key is balance. Generative AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. It’s up to us—whether we’re writers, developers, or any kind of creator—to figure out how to work with it in a way that enhances our craft. Let’s keep the joy in creation while embracing the efficiency AI brings to the table.

  • Why Small Businesses Should Work with Local AI Talent—Especially in Seattle

    Why Small Businesses Should Work with Local AI Talent—Especially in Seattle

    In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s tempting to believe geography no longer matters. After all, you can hire a talented AI developer in another time zone—or another continent—at the click of a button. And I’m not here to argue against that. Sometimes, the best person for the job is halfway around the world.

    But often, there’s equally qualified talent right here in Seattle. And when that’s the case, I believe it’s worth choosing local.

    Seattle is quickly becoming a major hub for artificial intelligence and automation. From university research centers to enterprise-scale consultancies and cutting-edge startups, the talent pool is deep. That means small businesses don’t need to look far to find experts who understand AI—and understand the local business climate.

    Hiring a local AI consultant or developer offers a few tangible advantages. First, there’s the option of face-to-face meetings. Sometimes, the best ideas and clearest understandings come from sitting across a table, not a screen. Even one in-person session can accelerate a project, especially during discovery or troubleshooting phases.

    Second, local support often means faster response times when urgency strikes. If your business runs into a sudden issue with an AI-powered tool or an automation workflow that’s gone off the rails, having someone in your time zone—or better yet, your neighborhood—can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-day disruption.

    Third, hiring local helps strengthen the Seattle economy. Every dollar spent with a local service provider is a reinvestment in the community we all share. That might not be the main reason you choose a vendor—but it’s a meaningful side benefit. As local businesses, we rise together.

    Finally, working with a Seattle-based AI partner can help you tap into valuable local networks. Whether you need help finding a technical hire, collaborating with another firm, or getting plugged into local startup events or meetups, a homegrown consultant may have just the right introduction at just the right time.

    To be clear, I’m not saying “buy local no matter what.” But when you’re choosing between two great options—one based here in Seattle, one remote—it’s worth considering that a local partner can bring more than just technical know-how. They can bring proximity, accountability, and an invested stake in your success.

    So if you’re thinking about automating your operations, exploring AI tools, or building a smarter internal workflow, give your local experts a look. You might be surprised by what’s available right here in our own backyard.

    —
    My firm, Avanzar AI, is dedicated to helping small businesses unlock the power of AI and automation, with a focus on no-code and low-code solutions. We’re based in Seattle and proud to serve the community we live in.

  • Should I Build My App with No-Code or Low-Code Platforms?

    Should I Build My App with No-Code or Low-Code Platforms?

    If you’re launching a new app or internal tool for your business, you’ve probably run into the terms no-code and low-code. These platforms promise faster development and lower costs—but how do you know which one is right for you?

    Let’s break it down simply.

    No-code: great for speed and simplicity

    No-code platforms like Glide, Softr, Adalo, and even Bubble (in many use cases) are designed for non-developers. You can build an app using visual tools—no programming required. If your app fits a common pattern—such as a CRM, booking tool, or internal dashboard—no-code is likely a great starting point. You’ll launch fast, keep costs low, and stay in control.

    That said, no-code tools come with limitations. As your app grows in complexity, or if your business operations are unique, you may start to hit walls. Workarounds pile up, and suddenly your simple app feels like a Rube Goldberg machine held together with duct tape and Google Sheets.

    Low-code: for customization and complexity

    Low-code platforms like OutSystems, Retool, and Make let you go further by combining visual interfaces with the ability to add custom code. While Bubble is often categorized as no-code, it also allows enough extensibility through JavaScript and APIs that it straddles both worlds.

    If your app needs features that go beyond what drag-and-drop builders offer, low-code can give you that extra power. You can create tailored workflows, connect to obscure systems, and build business logic that no-code tools can’t easily handle.

    But there’s a tradeoff: low-code apps usually require app developers. Not necessarily full-blown software engineers, but someone who understands JavaScript, APIs, and how apps work under the hood. You’ll likely need help to build, maintain, and troubleshoot your app over time.

    A question of tradeoffs

    So how do you choose?

    Start with no-code if your app is relatively standard and you want to get to market quickly with minimal investment.

    Go with low-code if your app needs to reflect complex or unusual parts of your business that no template can capture.

    A good rule of thumb: the more your app needs to behave differently from every other app out there, the more likely you’ll need low-code—or even full-code.

    And here’s the most important advice: no matter which path you choose, make sure you have a partner who understands both your business and the tools you’re using. Low-code projects, in particular, can suffer if your developer disappears or lacks context about your operations. You’ll end up with something you can’t update, can’t fix, and can’t rely on.

    In the end, the best choice isn’t just about code. It’s about control, scalability, and having the right support when things change.

  • How Students Are Pioneering Responsible AI Use: A Lesson in Self-Regulation

    How Students Are Pioneering Responsible AI Use: A Lesson in Self-Regulation

    Hey there! I recently came across a survey highlighted in Inside Higher Ed reveals that college students are increasingly integrating generative AI tools into their academic routines. Interestingly, the findings suggest that students are likely to self-regulate their AI usage to mitigate potential issues. What’s truly encouraging is that these students aren’t just diving in headfirst—they’re consciously setting their own boundaries to ensure they’re using AI responsibly.

    They’re tapping into AI for perks like personalized learning and quicker information processing. At the same time, they’re staying alert to challenges like maintaining academic integrity and avoiding over-reliance on technology. This self-awareness is leading them to self-regulate, using AI in ways that genuinely enhance their learning without crossing ethical lines.

    What’s even more impressive is that these students aren’t waiting around for schools to lay down the law. They’re taking the initiative to use AI thoughtfully, striking a balance between leveraging its benefits and steering clear of potential downsides. This proactive mindset shows a mature grasp of how technology fits into education and underscores the need for digital literacy and ethical awareness in today’s academic world.

    In a nutshell, as generative AI becomes more common in higher education, students’ tendency to self-regulate is a promising sign. By combining personal responsibility with support from educational institutions, the academic community is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-enhanced learning effectively.

    More research needs to be done, but research is showing students are early adopters of AI tools like Anthropic’s Claude, making them pioneers in the frontiers of technological advance.

    This development is a positive example of how ethical challenges, like plagiarism, are being addressed organically, without the need for heavy-handed rules and regulations. It’s great to see such a balanced and thoughtful approach emerging among students!

  • The Rise of AI in Seattle: 5 Startups to Watch in 2025

    The Rise of AI in Seattle: 5 Startups to Watch in 2025

    Seattle is rapidly emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) jobs. The Emerald City’s unique blend of tech talent, innovation, and proximity to cloud computing giants has made it a magnet for AI companies. This growth is evident in the rising number of startups securing venture funding to bring cutting-edge technologies to market. Below, we’ll explore five AI startups in the Seattle area that received significant funding recently, highlighting their innovative solutions and competitive advantages.

    1. Read AI: Revolutionizing Meetings

    Read AI specializes in enhancing virtual meetings through its AI-powered tools. Its core product provides real-time meeting analysis and automated summarization, designed to help teams stay focused and efficient. By leveraging natural language processing and sentiment analysis, Read AI’s technology can assess engagement levels, generate actionable insights, and summarize key takeaways in seconds.

    The startup’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate with popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. This compatibility makes Read AI an essential tool for businesses that rely on remote collaboration. The $21 million Series A funding it secured in April 2024, led by Goodwater Capital, will be used to scale operations and refine its algorithms for even greater accuracy.

    2. Gradial: AI-Powered Content Transformation

    Gradial focuses on using generative AI to help businesses maintain up-to-date digital content. Its flagship product enables companies to automatically refresh and optimize their website content to align with evolving customer needs and SEO trends. The tool also provides creative recommendations to enhance user engagement, offering a seamless way for organizations to modernize their online presence.

    Gradial’s competitive edge lies in its emphasis on personalization and scalability. By integrating generative AI with advanced analytics, the platform helps businesses of all sizes adapt quickly to market changes without sacrificing quality. With $5.4 million in seed funding from Madrona in February 2024, Gradial is poised to expand its team and refine its product offerings for broader adoption.

    3. PreemptiveAI: Transforming Healthcare Diagnostics

    PreemptiveAI is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, offering real-time diagnostic solutions powered by AI. Its system analyzes patient data to detect potential health risks early, enabling providers to intervene proactively. By utilizing machine learning algorithms trained on large datasets, PreemptiveAI delivers high accuracy in predicting outcomes and personalizing treatment plans.

    The company’s competitive advantage is its focus on speed and precision, addressing a critical gap in healthcare diagnostics. Its platform reduces the time and costs associated with traditional diagnostic methods while improving patient outcomes. After raising $6.4 million in seed funding in March 2024, PreemptiveAI plans to expand its capabilities to cover a broader range of conditions and deploy its technology in more healthcare settings.

    4. Enzzo: Simplifying Hardware Development

    Enzzo operates in the AI-driven hardware development space, providing tools to streamline product design and manufacturing. Its platform leverages AI to optimize prototypes, predict performance issues, and improve overall efficiency in the development lifecycle. This approach reduces time-to-market for hardware products and minimizes costly errors during production.

    Enzzo’s competitive strength lies in its ability to democratize hardware innovation, making advanced tools accessible to startups and small businesses. With $3 million in seed funding from Unlock Venture Partners in March 2024, the company aims to expand its engineering team and enhance its platform’s AI capabilities, empowering more creators to bring their ideas to life.

    5. Healionics: AI Meets Medical Devices

    Healionics is innovating in the medical device sector by developing artificial blood vessels for dialysis patients. Its flagship product, STARgraft, utilizes AI-enhanced designs to mimic natural blood vessels, reducing complications such as infections and clotting. These features make Healionics’ products a game-changer for patients undergoing long-term dialysis.

    The startup’s competitive edge is its combination of cutting-edge material science and AI-powered design, which allows for highly customized solutions. With $5.5 million in funding secured in February 2024, Healionics is focused on advancing its product through human trials and exploring additional applications for its technology in other areas of medicine.

    Final Thoughts

    Seattle’s vibrant tech ecosystem, supported by an abundance of talent, strong venture funding, and proximity to cloud leaders, has made it a thriving hub for AI innovation. While challenges like high living costs remain, the opportunities for AI professionals and companies in Seattle are unparalleled. For job seekers, investing in skills relevant to AI and connecting with innovative startups like the ones above can open doors to exciting, high-paying roles in this rapidly growing industry.

  • Why AI Jobs Are Moving to Seattle: Pros, Cons, and Job-Seeking Tips

    Why AI Jobs Are Moving to Seattle: Pros, Cons, and Job-Seeking Tips

    Seattle is increasingly recognized as a hotspot for artificial intelligence (AI) jobs. According to an Axios article on Seattle’s AI boom, the city’s unique combination of tech infrastructure, talent, and innovation is making it an attractive destination for companies and professionals alike. But what exactly makes Seattle so appealing for AI, and how can job seekers take advantage of these opportunities? Let’s dive into the reasons, weigh the pros and cons, and explore tips for landing a high-paying AI role in the Emerald City.

    Why Seattle? The Draw for AI Companies

    1. Tech Ecosystem and Talent Pool
      Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and startups specializing in cloud computing, AI, and machine learning. These companies have cultivated a deep pool of talent in software engineering, data science, and AI research. With the University of Washington’s leading AI and robotics programs, fresh talent continually enters the market, further strengthening the ecosystem.
    2. Proximity to Cloud Leaders
      Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, two of the world’s largest cloud platforms, are headquartered in Seattle. The cloud computing division of Google has a large presence here, too. AI relies heavily on cloud infrastructure for computing power, and being near these resources provides a significant advantage for companies working in this field.
    3. Innovation Culture
      Seattle’s reputation as an innovation hub is well-deserved. The city fosters a collaborative environment between established companies and startups. AI companies benefit from this cross-pollination of ideas and resources, driving advancements in technologies like natural language processing, computer vision, and generative AI.
    4. Access to Funding
      Seattle is gaining recognition as a place for venture capital investment in tech and AI. While it doesn’t rival Silicon Valley’s funding levels, it offers a more affordable and focused alternative. Investors are increasingly turning to Seattle as a promising location for high-growth companies.

    Pros and Cons for AI Companies in Seattle

    Pros:

    • Access to Talent: An abundance of skilled workers trained in AI and machine learning.
    • Networking Opportunities: Proximity to tech giants fosters collaboration and partnership opportunities.
    • Quality of Life: With its vibrant culture and natural beauty, Seattle attracts top talent.
    • Cost Savings: Compared to Silicon Valley, Seattle offers lower office space and operational costs.

    Cons:

    • Cost of Living: Housing and living expenses in Seattle remain high, which can be a challenge for attracting junior employees or startups with limited budgets.
    • Traffic and Infrastructure: Commuting in Seattle can be problematic due to congestion and limited public transit options.
    • Competition: The city’s tech saturation means that there’s fierce competition for top talent.

    Tips for Job Seekers in Seattle

    If you’re looking to land a good-paying AI job in Seattle, here are some actionable steps:

    1. Enhance Your Skills: Upskill in areas like machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning through online courses or certifications.
    2. Leverage Networking: Attend tech meetups, AI conferences, and networking events in Seattle. Building connections with professionals in the field can open doors to opportunities.
    3. Explore Local Startups: Many startups in Seattle are focused on AI innovation. These companies often offer exciting roles with growth potential.
    4. Target the Big Players: Apply to roles at Amazon, Microsoft, and other local giants who are constantly hiring for AI positions.
    5. Use Niche Job Boards: Platforms like AngelList, Built In Seattle, and AI-specific job boards can help you find AI-focused roles.

    Final Thoughts

    Seattle’s unique combination of a skilled talent pool, proximity to cloud infrastructure, and a thriving tech culture makes it an attractive hub for AI jobs. While challenges like cost of living persist, the city remains a land of opportunity for companies and professionals in the AI space. By investing in the right skills and leveraging local resources, job seekers can thrive in Seattle’s growing AI job market.

  • The Hidden Cost of Spreadsheets—and How No-Code Can Help

    The Hidden Cost of Spreadsheets—and How No-Code Can Help

    Spreadsheets are everywhere. From budgeting and inventory tracking to client lists and scheduling, small business owners rely heavily on tools like Excel and Google Sheets to manage day-to-day operations. And why not? They’re familiar, flexible, and free (or already included in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace). But here’s the truth: for most small businesses, spreadsheets are holding you back.

    When Spreadsheets Stop Working

    At first, spreadsheets feel like a lifesaver. You can spin one up in minutes, customize it however you want, and share it with your team. But as your business grows, so do the risks:

    • Version control issues (Who edited what? Is this the latest file?)
    • Broken formulas that throw off your data without warning
    • No user permissions, which means everyone sees (and can mess with) everything
    • Manual processes like copying data between tabs or updating statuses
    • And worst of all, no automation—which means endless time wasted on repetitive tasks

    Google Sheets helps a bit with real-time collaboration, but it still inherits many of the same fragilities. Even Excel, with its powerful macros and pivot tables, can be overkill for most teams—and hard to maintain unless you’re a spreadsheet wizard.

    Why No-Code Tools Are Better for Business

    No-code platforms like Airtable, Glide, Softr, and Make are designed to take the power of spreadsheets and wrap it in structure, automation, and usability. You still get the flexibility, but with guardrails that make your data more reliable and your workflows easier to manage.

    Here’s what you gain when you make the switch:

    • Automation: Connect apps, schedule tasks, and update data automatically—no copy-pasting required.
    • User permissions: Control who sees and edits what, protecting sensitive information.
    • Interfaces: Replace messy rows and columns with clean, mobile-friendly apps or dashboards.
    • Integrations: Sync with Google Workspace, QuickBooks, email tools, CRMs, and more.
    • Scalability: As your business grows, your systems do too—without having to rebuild everything from scratch.

    A Real-World Example

    One Seattle client of mine was managing customer inquiries and orders through a shared Google Sheet. It worked at first—but as volume increased, so did the confusion. Orders went missing, team members stepped on each other’s edits, and the sheet became so complex that no one dared touch the formulas.

    We rebuilt the system using Airtable and Make.com. Now, customers fill out a form online, the data flows into a structured database, and automated notifications keep everyone on the same page. No more chaos—and no more spreadsheet-induced anxiety.

    The Bottom Line

    Spreadsheets are powerful—but only in the right hands and for the right use cases. If you find yourself spending hours maintaining them, patching problems, or wondering if there’s a better way… there is. No-code platforms are built for business people, not spreadsheet specialists. And once you switch, you won’t want to go back.

    Ready to leave your spreadsheet woes behind? Let’s talk about how no-code tools can streamline your workflow—so you can get back to running your business.

  • Boost Your Writing with Multiple Personas: An Advanced AI Prompting Technique

    Boost Your Writing with Multiple Personas: An Advanced AI Prompting Technique

    As someone who works in AI communications, I’ve seen firsthand how generative AI is transforming the way we write. But here’s the secret sauce to taking your content to the next level: multiple personas. It’s an advanced prompting technique that taps into AI tools trained on different datasets to enrich your writing with incredible depth and variety.

    Think of it like having a team of co-writers, each with their own voice and expertise. One persona might specialize in data-driven analysis, another could channel a creative storyteller, while a third offers a casual, conversational tone (like this one). By blending these perspectives, you get content that’s nuanced, dynamic, and, most importantly, engaging.

    Why does this work so well? Because different personas bring different strengths to the table. As highlighted in this Forbes article, combining personas helps bridge gaps in tone and perspective, creating more balanced and versatile content. It’s like tapping into multiple viewpoints to ensure your message resonates with a broader audience.

    Here’s an example: Say you’re writing a blog on climate change. You could prompt one persona to take an academic approach, diving into hard data. Then, you could ask another persona to write a heartfelt call to action. Finally, a third persona might add practical tips for readers. Merge these inputs, and suddenly you’ve got a well-rounded, compelling piece that informs, moves, and inspires.

    The key to mastering this technique is knowing your audience and selecting personas that align with their needs. Whether you’re crafting marketing copy, educational materials, or storytelling, the multi-persona method adds layers of sophistication to your work.

    So, why settle for one voice when you can have a chorus? With AI personas, you’re not just writing—you’re orchestrating. And the results? Complex, captivating content that stands out.

  • From Blog Builder to Business Backbone? The Rise and Limits of WordPress in the No-Code Era

    From Blog Builder to Business Backbone? The Rise and Limits of WordPress in the No-Code Era

    When we talk about no-code development today, the conversation quickly turns to platforms like Bubble, Webflow, and Make. But long before these tools emerged, one name quietly led the charge in democratizing website creation: WordPress.

    WordPress launched in 2003 as a blogging tool. Over time, thanks to its open-source roots and plugin-based architecture, it became a popular platform for everything from personal blogs to small business websites. For a long stretch in the 2000s and early 2010s, WordPress was the web—powering over 40% of websites online by the mid-2020s.

    I find this fascinating because, in many ways, WordPress was the original no-code tool. It allowed non-programmers to spin up websites using themes, plug in functionality like shopping carts or contact forms, and manage content without writing a single line of code. The ecosystem was rich with plugins like Elementor (a visual page builder), WooCommerce (for e-commerce), and Advanced Custom Fields (for structured content). The result? Tens of millions of people, many with no technical background, were able to publish and grow their digital presence.

    But as the no-code movement gained steam—particularly around 2018 and beyond—WordPress started to feel… stuck. While newer platforms were being built from the ground up for visual programming, integrations, and automation, WordPress was still tethered to its blogging legacy and PHP-based architecture.

    Let’s unpack this a bit.

    WordPress: A Pioneering No-Code Platform

    The original no-code promise of WordPress was empowering. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits—you name it—could launch a web presence cheaply and quickly. Page builder plugins like Divi, Beaver Builder, and Elementor extended its no-code reach by offering visual drag-and-drop editing. Services like WP Engine and Bluehost made deployment easier than ever.

    For many years, this was enough. And to be clear, it still is—for the right use case. WordPress remains an excellent platform for simple landing pages, personal blogs, and content-focused websites. In fact, this very site is built on WordPress because my goal is to manage blog content quickly and easily without unnecessary overhead.

    Some clients also prefer WordPress for its familiarity and ease of use, and when that’s the case, my no-code app development consultancy is happy to recommend it. It’s still one of the best tools out there for fast, content-first publishing.

    Where WordPress Falls Short for Sophisticated Applications

    That said, today’s businesses often want more than a static site or content platform. They want dashboards. Internal tools. Multi-user portals. Smart workflows that span email, CRM, databases, and AI integrations. And this is where WordPress starts to show its age:

    • Plugin overload: Achieving complex functionality often means stitching together a dozen or more plugins, each with its own settings and compatibility quirks. It’s like building a car from parts that weren’t made to work together.
    • Scalability issues: WordPress wasn’t designed as a platform for dynamic applications with real-time data or advanced logic. The more custom you get, the more you bump into performance ceilings—or require a developer to hack your way out.
    • Limited logic and automation: Unlike tools like Make, Bubble, or Retool, WordPress doesn’t offer native automation, data pipelines, or visual logic flows. You’re on your own integrating with APIs unless you install yet another plugin—or hire a PHP developer.
    • Security concerns: With so many third-party plugins and themes, WordPress sites are frequent targets for bots and exploits. For business-critical apps, this can be a dealbreaker.

    The New Frontier of No-Code

    If WordPress was the first wave, the new generation of no-code tools is the tsunami. Platforms like Bubble allow you to build full web apps with database-backed logic. Tools like Make and Zapier let you automate operations between platforms with ease. And increasingly, AI is joining the party, letting users describe an app in plain English and receive working prototypes in minutes.

    WordPress still holds value. It’s a reliable, flexible choice for clients who want something familiar, fast, and simple. But if you’re building a truly custom application for your business, it may not be the best fit.

    My Takeaway

    As someone who helps small businesses leverage AI and automation, I often see clients start with WordPress out of habit. But when we dig into their actual needs—custom forms, database logic, user accounts, automation—it becomes clear they’ve outgrown what WordPress is really good at.

    That’s when we start exploring more modern no-code or low-code platforms. WordPress helped bring no-code into the mainstream. But for today’s business apps? It’s often just the beginning of the journey.

  • Why Agentic AI Could Be Your Small Business’s Next Big Thing

    Why Agentic AI Could Be Your Small Business’s Next Big Thing

    Hey there, small business owners! Let’s chat about something that’s buzzing in the tech world and could be a game-changer for you: agentic AI.

    According to the AI Glossary, agentic AI refers to:

    Artificial intelligence systems that can autonomously plan, make decisions, and take actions toward achieving specific goals—often with minimal human intervention. Unlike traditional AI models that respond only to direct prompts or inputs, agentic AI exhibits goal-directed behavior, adapting its actions based on the environment, feedback, and outcomes.

    So, why should you care about agentic AI?

    1. Boosting Efficiency: Imagine automating those repetitive tasks that eat up your time. Agentic AI can handle complex processes, freeing you and your team to focus on what truly matters—like growing your business.
    2. Enhancing Customer Experience: With the ability to understand and anticipate customer needs, agentic AI can provide personalized interactions. Think of AI-powered chatbots that handle inquiries swiftly and accurately, keeping your customers happy and engaged.
    3. Scalability on a Budget: As your business expands, agentic AI scales with you without the hefty costs. It manages increased workloads efficiently, ensuring consistent performance without breaking the bank.
    4. Smarter Decision-Making: By analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time, agentic AI offers insights that help you make informed decisions quickly. In today’s fast-paced market, this agility is a significant advantage.

    Before you dive in, here are a few things to consider:

    • Data Security: Protecting sensitive information is crucial. Ensure you have robust security measures in place to safeguard your data.
    • Ethical Use: Transparency in how AI makes decisions builds trust with your customers. Be open about AI’s role in your operations.
    • Cost vs. Benefit: Assess where agentic AI can make the most impact in your business to ensure a good return on investment.

    In a nutshell, agentic AI is on the horizon, poised to transform how small businesses operate. By embracing this technology thoughtfully, you can enhance efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and scale your operations effectively. Stay tuned—exciting developments are coming your way!

  • Why Writing for Business Still Matters—Even in the Age of AI

    Why Writing for Business Still Matters—Even in the Age of AI

    When I first started writing content for Seattle-area professionals and small businesses, I thought I had it all figured out. I had excelled in English during college and grad school, and I was working as a technical writer at Microsoft. Writing was my thing—how hard could it be to write for local businesses?

    Turns out, a lot harder than I expected.

    Writing for business isn’t just about being good with words. It’s about capturing the voice of your client in a way that feels authentic and elevated at the same time. That takes time. Years, in fact. And with all due respect to the clients I worked with in the early days of my freelance career—thank you for your patience while I figured that out.

    What makes this kind of writing so tricky is the listening. To write well for someone else, I have to get to know them: their voice, their story, their values, the language they naturally use when they talk about their work. This isn’t something you can fully capture through a generic intake form. That’s why I still meet with clients one-on-one—whether in person at a Seattle coffee shop, on Zoom, or over the phone. Those conversations give me the raw material to write something that actually sounds like them, not like ChatGPT’s best guess at what a CEO should sound like.

    Now that I work as an AI consultant through my firm, Avanzar, I often get asked if AI can replace a skilled writer. The answer? Not even close. AI can help you write faster, sure—but only if you already know what you’re doing. If you don’t have a solid understanding of your subject matter or a good ear for language, you’ll just end up with fluff. Generic, lifeless content. The kind of writing that sounds like it was written by a bot. Because it was.

    But in the hands of an experienced writer, AI is a golden goose. Not just because it lays golden eggs (fast drafts, sharper headlines, repurposed content in seconds), but because it keeps laying them—consistently, reliably, and with surprisingly little overhead. It can transform a writing process that once took 10 hours into one that takes two. And that time savings means I can do more for my clients, more affordably, and with no dip in quality.

    Here’s a concrete example: I recently worked with a regional logistics company that had no online content strategy at all—just a static homepage and a contact form. I helped them build a lightweight content management system that fit their needs, then used AI to accelerate the production of blog articles that boosted their discoverability on Google. To make the content stand out, I interviewed the CEO personally—several times—to capture their vision for the industry, their long-term priorities, and the unique ways they were navigating supply chain challenges. We turned those insights into thoughtful, forward-looking articles that positioned the company as a leader in their space.

    Some companies might turn to an internal comms specialist or a PR agency to do the same thing, and that’s a valid approach. But those teams are often stretched thin. That’s where I come in. I build AI-powered systems that support internal teams, automate parts of the content workflow, and enhance what your staff is already doing.

    So no, AI won’t replace the art of good writing. But it can make great writing more accessible, more efficient, and more powerful—if you know how to use it. That’s the sweet spot where I work.

  • Why Generative AI Still Feels Like Trial and Error (And How to Fix It)

    Why Generative AI Still Feels Like Trial and Error (And How to Fix It)

    Generative AI is incredible. It can write essays, plan trips, and even help you brainstorm a business idea. But let’s be honest—it’s not perfect. If you’ve ever tried to use AI for something complex, like crafting a detailed travel itinerary, you’ve probably hit some roadblocks. And as someone who works with small businesses navigating the world of AI, I can tell you: the problem isn’t the AI itself. It’s the way we interact with it.

    AI interfaces today still feel…clunky. Sure, you can ask it to “plan a week-long trip to Italy,” but when it spits out a generic list of cities and tourist attractions, you realize it’s not quite the seamless co-creation experience you hoped for. The issue? These tools aren’t great at managing multiple layers of context, like balancing your love of museums with your need to keep a strict budget.

    As noted in recent discussions, such as this TechCrunch article, AI’s limitations often boil down to poor communication. Humans are nuanced, and our requests can be complex. Without better ways to clarify or refine our prompts, AI struggles to deliver results that truly meet our needs.

    To unlock generative AI’s full potential, we need smarter, more intuitive interfaces—ones that feel more like a collaboration and less like trial and error. Think interactive feedback loops, where AI asks follow-up questions to clarify your preferences. Or modular systems that let you build on AI’s suggestions instead of starting from scratch every time.

    For small businesses, these advancements would be game-changing. Imagine using AI to create an entire marketing campaign, not just piecemeal suggestions. It’s a future worth working toward, and the key lies in rethinking how we design AI interactions.