AI That Actually Works: 3 Rules for Real Results
AI That Actually Works: 3 Rules for Real Results
AI isn't magic—it's a sophisticated pattern-matching tool that can transform your business when used strategically. After 25+ years in branding and technology, helping thousands of business leaders and entrepreneurs implement AI, I've distilled success down to three essential rules.
Most people fail with AI because they start with the technology instead of their business goals. Here's how to approach it correctly.
What AI Actually Is
Think of AI as a machine doing what a human normally does. It is an incredibly well-read assistant that recognizes patterns and generates responses based on millions of examples. If you've used spell-check or Netflix recommendations, maybe even asked Alexa for the weather, you've already used AI. Tools like ChatGPT and Claude are just more sophisticated versions of the same concept.
AI doesn't think for you—it thinks with you. It can handle the part you hate, giving you back time to focus on what you love. To get started, simply follow my three essential rules.
Rule #1: Have a Clear Goal
Wrong approach: "I want AI to help with marketing."
Right approach: "Create 5 LinkedIn posts that establish my expertise in financial planning for women in their 40s"
Before using any AI tool, answer these three questions:
What specific outcome am I trying to achieve?
How will I measure success?
What would good look like in concrete terms?
This transforms AI from a confusing experiment into a strategic business tool.
Rule #2: Choose the Right Tool
The AI landscape is overwhelming, but focus on tools that solve your specific problems.
Knowing what your goal is will narrow the field of AI tools considerably. Different AI tools excel at different tasks:
Content Creation: ChatGPT and Claude work great for writing, brainstorming, and research. Over the last six months, they have significantly improved their ability to conduct in-depth research.
Visual Design: If you need graphics or images, you'll have better luck with tools like Canva AI, Adobe Express, Midjourney, or even Google's latest Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (yes, it's actually called "Nano Banana"—I know it sounds made up, but it's real).
Research: Perplexity excels at fact-checking and gathering current information.
Task Automation: Zapier and Notion AI help streamline workflows and organize information.
My selection framework:
What's my primary use case?
What's my budget?
How much time do I want to invest learning it?
Does it integrate with my existing workflow?
Start with one tool and master it before adding others. It's too easy to get swept up in FOMO and chase the latest shiny object. But remember—if you're not taking action and implementing with the tools, they're actually taking away from AI's main benefit: getting time back to do what you love with the people you love.
Rule #3: Review for Accuracy
AI generates responses based on patterns, not necessarily facts. It can confidently deliver completely wrong information. The industry term for this is a "hallucination." This is why verification isn't optional—it's your competitive advantage. Check, check and recheck. AI should NOT be used to make you an expert in something you don't know.
5-Point Verification Checklist:
Fact-check claims - Verify statistics, dates, and assertions
Voice alignment - Does this sound like you?
Audience relevance - Is this valuable for your specific audience?
Brand consistency - Does the tone match your brand?
Strategic accuracy - Does this support your business goals?
Implementation Blueprint
Get started with just 4 steps!
Step 1: Choose one business challenge and define success metrics using the three-question framework.
Step 2: Select one AI tool based on your defined need.
Step 3: Create your first AI output and review thoroughly before using.
Step 4: Analyze results and refine your approach.
Getting Started Today
Pick one business challenge you're facing this week. Define your specific goal. Choose one AI tool. Create something. Review it thoroughly. Use it and measure results.
The technology is ready. Start with clarity about what you want to achieve, approach AI as a strategic tool, and always verify the output.
Free Recommended Starting Tools:
ChatGPT (free): Versatile writing and brainstorming
Claude (free): Conversational content creation
Canva AI or Adobe Express (free): Visual content creation
Perplexity (free): Research and fact-checking
Now comes the fun part—watching your work and life get easier with AI! I'm genuinely invested in your success and love celebrating every breakthrough. Comment below and share which tool you started with and what success you had. I love celebrating every win!
Elizabeth K. Goede, known as the AI Whisperer, helps business owners implement AI solutions that enhance human capabilities and create immediate efficiency gains. Because, as she says, "we're doing it wrong if it takes us more time." She is dedicated to championing women in AI and creating a future where technology amplifies female voices in leadership and addresses bias in AI systems.
