A Writer’s Perspective: AI Skeptic to AI Advocate
Surfacing fresh learnings from an AI deep dive.
by Tammy L. Ward, Your Human in the Loop
Rather than chronicle my AI journey, I’ve immersed myself in learning and testing GenAI tools in my content writing and my business. I’ve been all-in since late 2022 when my client and friend Sean Bailey, Editor-in-Chief at Horsesmouth, said that my life was about to change.
Sean is always visionary so I couldn’t resist–but I did resist his screen-share of Copy.ai in the beginning. Because right then, before my very eyes, I saw my freelance writing business evaporate. Or did it?
Two years in, my writing business is even more enjoyable with generative AI pals like ChatGPT4O and Claude.ai. I still love crafting my own words, but when I’m stuck or need a spark, these chat buddies are always there to help. There are dozens of AI use cases for making business better, and I’m pretty fired up to share the basics and some insider insights I’ve picked up.
AI Experts 24/7
One of the most interesting aspects of using GenAI is how you can summon an expert for just about anything, just by assigning it a role. Here’s one of my favorite personas for business that I assign my AI all day, every day.
My AI Tech Support Specialist
This one is a game changer for me and truly keeps me from creating chaos at global call centers. No tickets to submit, no hold music, no disconnected calls, none of it–just step-by-step instructions, in plain language, that help you troubleshoot or fix your own issue. On demand.
I use ChatGPT for all tech-y questions: from software how-tos to iPhone questions to WordPress tweaks for my website. The result is faster and more precise than combing through YouTube videos or Google results. This also means the end of searching for Google product support or any other hard-to-find tech specialist.
Note: You may have noticed, AI tools lack user manuals. Just ask your AI model to act as a specialist for (insert model).
Quick tip: in your prompt, assign your chat model the role of a Technical Support Specialist, expert at (insert specialty). I change the specialty constantly depending on the need. For example, Role: Technical Support Specialist, expert at troubleshooting Mac OS 17.5 on a MacBook Air M2.
Caveat–this is only the “role” part of my prompt. Getting prompts right, I’ve learned, is the difference between good and non-satisfying results. You can get pretty far down the road with just a fair prompt but not if you’re working out a strategy or something that requires deeper output from your AI.
The Verdict: did my writing business evaporate?
My business didn’t just survive–it transformed my entire approach to content creation and problem-solving. While some aspects changed, I’ve gained new skills, simplified my day and discovered innovative ways to add value. Now, I’m happy to share these lessons.
Ready to turn AI from a business threat into your secret weapon? Let’s chat, like humans do!
Whether you need expertly written content with a cutting edge, or want to empower your team with AI skills, I’m here to help. If you’d like to ask a question or learn more, drop me a line!
P.S. If you’re new to AI or need a refresher on terms, check out my AI Glossary for Modern Marketers and Industry for a quick guide to common AI terminology.