In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses and individuals aiming to stay competitive and innovative, explains Jason Joukhador, GM Merchandise and Dealer Channel at Ampol.
While the concept of AI may seem daunting and complex, getting started doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are my top three simple tips to kickstart your journey:
1. Getting Familiar with AI Platforms:
One of the first steps in embracing AI is getting acquainted with the platforms and tools that make it accessible and user-friendly. You can gain practical experience with AI technologies, such as machine learning models, natural language processing, and computer vision. These platforms provide easy and practical learning opportunities, allowing you to build, train, and deploy AI models without requiring extensive technical expertise or coding skills.
Most people are aware of ChatGPT which can be used free by signing up with an account and an obvious starting point. I would also suggest exploring Microsoft’s Copilot and Googles Gemini as great starting places. These platforms provide a safe and engaging environment to experience the power of AI firsthand. Don’t be afraid to experiment; play around with prompts, ask questions, and see what kind of responses you get and which platform suits you best.
2. Research and Continuous Learning:
The vast resources of the internet are your greatest ally in learning about AI to expand your knowledge, stay updated on the latest trends, developments, and gain insights from industry experts and thought leaders. Here are some simple ways to quench your thirst for knowledge:
YouTube: A treasure trove of AI-related content exists on YouTube. If the video is too long, putting it on 1.5x speed is a helpful tip and an easy way to consume content on the go.
Social Media: Follow prominent AI researchers, influencers and companies to discover valuable content, and engage in conversations about AI innovations, applications, and best practices.
The Web: Renowned institutions like MIT, Stanford’s, research blogs by DeepMind and OpenAI publish insightful articles, research papers, and reports on various AI applications and advancements.
3. Give It a Go – Start Small and Be Consistent:
Set Time Aside Every Week: Adopting AI is a journey, not a destination. Allocate dedicated time each week to explore, learn, and experiment with AI technologies. Whether it’s interacting with a chatbot, analysing data, or implementing AI-powered tools, starting small and being consistent in your efforts can lead to significant progress and growth over time. In order to do this you need to embrace a growth mindset, face into challenges, learn from mistakes, and continuously seek opportunities to improve and innovate.
Starting to adopt AI may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, resources, and mindset, it can be a rewarding and transformative experience for you and your business. By getting familiar with AI platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini, engaging in continuous research and learning, and taking consistent action by experimenting with AI technologies and embracing a growth mindset, you can pave the way for successful AI adoption.
This opinion piece was written by Jason Joukhador for the June/July issue of Convenience and Impulse Retailing magazine.
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