Seattle AI Consultant

Tag: GenAI

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.