40 Editions Later: What I’ve Learned and What’s Still Unwritten
Also as John O'Donohue reminds us: "This is the time to be slow!"
Hi Guys,
As I write to you, I’m humming a song that’s on repeat inside my head “Staring at the blank page before you… la la laaa “ and yes, the SMILE on my face says it all.
This song just makes me dream of things yet unwritten, and that excites me.
I love the concept of stepping into your potential, and equally what this time of tech adjustment holds for us all.
Which is why I wanted to share my story, about celebrating 40 editions of "Ease into AI and No Code".
It's all about my journey and the radical new opportunities that have come my way during these 40 editions, since I started back in November 2023.
But before I begin (because you know I do love a chat 😆), let's take a moment.
As John O'Donohue reminds us: "This is the time to be slow!"
So, drop your shoulders, release all that needs to be done, grab a lush cup of something invigorating, and let's chat about my journey with both AI and No Code.
Co-created this with image with Dalle 3 as I feel that Ants are known for their strength, persistence, and lovingly build something meaningful over time :)
40 Editions Later and 40 Beautiful Lessons Learned
Here is the honest truth about what I've learned and why I'm so grateful for “waking up” to this profound time.
Behavioral changes are tough. There's no quick fix or easy solution, like a "drive-through McDonald's." Initially, I felt threatened and was quite resistant, but looking back, it's amazing to see how my perspective has shifted.
It's a bit of a contradiction, but it's not really about the tech; it's about the unseen strengths, like the inner bravery you develop and how you learn to articulate yourself better with AI tools.
GenAI is a tool, and like all tools, we must read the user manual first (ie take the time to understand its capabilities and limitations).
AI and data literacy are the skills of a future already being created. There is no better time that now, as the Godfather of Data & AI literacy Jordan Morrow reminds so often reminds us.
If you're serious about this tech, there's a wealth of info from YouTube videos to Skool communities and Discord channels.
Awareness is crucial. Once you see that the tech is here and can mimic a human, start asking questions (e.g., What can it not do that I can?)
This tech has transformed my CX and the way I engage with clients (e.g., sending a dashboard view of sales in the pipeline or building a form to avoid old-school back-and-forth emails).
GenAI is a mindset shift. For years, we searched for info via Google with keywords. Now, we have AIs we can talk to in human language.
Learning is not linear. Take your time and don't compare yourself to others.
A good friend Tanye reminded me it's cool to consume info, but don't just consume non-stop. Take the leap and build with the software, no matter the outcome.
Kevin Kelly is right; we he says that we are all becoming. I love this quote: “Because of technology everything we make is always in the process of becoming. Every kind of thing is becoming something else, while it churns from “might” to “is.” All is flux. Nothing is finished. Nothing is done. This never-ending change is the pivotal axis of the modern world.”
Join communities. As my mother-in-law says, people need people. Join online or meet in person; this could be the break you're looking for.
You don't have to be technical to join the GenAI and No Code revolution, as the tech speaks human.All thats required is desire and willingness to at least try.
Revisit the internal stories you tell yourself: e.g., Zapier is too hard, I'm too old, I'm not great with logic. Thats the whole point of this tech, its been designed to intuitively support us humans, as we now interact with the data.
Ethan Mollick is right. Treat AI as a person. Just tell it what kind of person you want it to be. Bear in mind: "Specific is Terrific."
If you want to be noticed or promoted at work, use this time to look at the issues in your company and come up with an internal build solution (use AI for brainstorming, etc.).
Your life will change. Mine has. I now get to host webinars on what I'm passionate about: AI, No Code, and Hiring.
Be insatiably curious with your AI (ask it questions, as it won't get fed up, and keep "vibing with it," as Evan from Every says).
Choose perspective: listen to as many people as you can tell the GenAI story, from Henrik Kniberg to Armand Ruiz from IBM to Andrew Ng from Deep Learning.
When you work with GenAI, employ critical thinking skills. I learned from the best, Becki Saltzman, and I recommend her courses. She's right: always ask your AI to double-check its work. It even says on ChatGPT: ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
Be brave. Put your camera on in video meetings. Meet people and join hackathons or build-a-thons. If this is your thing, check out Chipp, BTK, Zapier (Zappy Awards), and MVP Bootcamp with Max 100 Days School.
This tech changes while we sleep. Accept that, like the wind, we cannot chase it, as it's ever elusive. Stay up to date, but also keep in mind you are human and must rest and restore.
Choose your tech stack. I know, I know. I also want them all. Hee hee 🤭.
Keep it lean. Choose one or two tools for all you need in your day (e.g., Zapier OR Make Fillout OR Tally, etc.)
For the best prompting tips, my biggest tip is: you learn by doing. So practice, practice, practice.
If you're keen on the best prompting design examples, check out OpenAI's documentation as well as Claude's; but bear in mind, there is no exact framework that exists, as the tech is still new.
If you want to get better at image creation, check out the galleries on Ideogram and see how users are creating their images. You can also check out Microsoft Designer.
Try it FREE first. Then, when you're sure it's something you'll use, totally subscribe.
Accept that it's no longer business as usual. Changes are unfolding in real time, so it's time to rewire your brain and think in ways you wouldn't normally think.
Don't be afraid to ask. That's how we learn. If you're in a webinar or a channel, ask. People love to help other people.
Celebrate the small steps you take each day. They matter, as you are rebuilding this new you and future.
31. Being Human is Your AI Advantage. Read that again :)
This time is a reflection of what it means to be human. We have a gorgeous ability to tap into our divine and infinite consciousness, overflowing with creativity.
We are all creators and builders. I mean that. Whatever you wish to bring into life, now's your chance. And yes, it can start with a template build. Keep in mind, we all have to start somewhere.
I've met such wonderful people. This made me realize I had been hiding away from the very resource that has brought me so much joy in my work each day.
Every single day, I am learning, and I love that.
We are still in early AI and No Code adoption stages, so it's not too late to start on this journey.
As a small business owner, this tech has injected new life into our hiring business. I wrote about it here: Meet My Dream Team: The Tools Making.
I've waited my whole life to be this happy career-wise. I'm doing all the activities I love, from writing my letters of growth to building with NoCode to hosting workshops on GenAI.
At first, you'll likely feel pretty uncomfortable because it's all new. There are a lot of different platforms to go through, and that's okay. Over time, you'll get used to it as things become more familiar.
You can change your entire life like I have. You just have to be willing.
Zapier Digital Cafe
A beautiful way to explain what Zapier does. Watch the video here.
Credit to Mandi on LinkedIn.
Meet Loren
AI & You Course
Come and spend next week Friday 20th September with us.
We are doing a lunchtime conversational AI & You Workshop with Tanye
Time: 12:30-13:00 SAST Time zone
I would adore to keep writing, though I'm aware we need to get back to our desks (hee hee 🙄😀)
Thank you for choosing to spend your time here.
Blessings always,
Until next week,
Lets keep showing up each day and learning.
Nix G
Cape Town
So much great advice, thanks for sharing your learnings with us