EPISODE 073 | APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

The first time I explored and used AI tools, it was through my eldest son’s enthusiasm about ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022. While he was creating his own ideas, I discovered how AI could transform how I work without compromising what makes my business unique. Being dyslexic, I found myself with an incredible tool that could help polish my writing while maintaining my voice – it was like having a thoughtful editor available whenever I needed one.

What I’ve discovered since then, working with creative business owners, is that AI isn’t about replacing our creativity – it’s about creating more space for it. Think about your typical day and all those tasks that pull you away from the work you love. Those emails needing responses, social media requiring attention, client follow-ups waiting to be done, and the endless administrative tasks that somehow fill our hours.

These are exactly the areas where AI can lift some weight off your shoulders, creating space for more meaningful work – those moments of real creativity, those personal interactions with clients, those bursts of inspiration that often get squeezed out by admin tasks.

“What’s particularly relevant for us as creative business owners is understanding that AI isn’t here to replace our creativity – it’s here to give us more space to be creative.”

Making AI Work For You: A Practical Approach

I’m seeing creative businesses successfully use AI in intentional ways. They’re not trying to automate everything – instead, they’re being thoughtful about where AI can help most. Here’s what’s working particularly well:

• Using AI to spark initial content ideas – not to create the final piece, but to get those first thoughts flowing
• Getting help researching industry trends and developments
• Analysing which social posts or emails are getting the best response
• Creating first drafts of proposals or briefs that you then personalise
• Setting up efficient systems for client follow-ups

The key with all of these? AI handles the groundwork, leaving you free to focus on adding your voice and expertise.

Your First Step: Creating Your Writing Style Guide

One of the most crucial elements in making AI work effectively for your business is having a clear understanding of your own voice and style. This becomes your foundation for maintaining authenticity while using AI to enhance your efficiency.

Here’s how to create your own writing style guide:

1. Access Our Custom Prompt
   • Click here: YOUR WRITING STYLE GUIDE
   • If you don’t have a ChatGPT account, create one (the free version works perfectly for this)
   • The prompt will automatically open and guide you through the process
2. Follow The Process
   • Share your writing examples as guided
   • Let the AI analyse your natural writing
   • Review and refine the style paragraph it creates
3. Save Your Style Guide
   • Keep this paragraph somewhere easily accessible
   • Use it as a foundation for future AI interactions
   • Update it as your style evolves
     

Making The Most Of Your Style Guide

Once you have your writing style paragraph, you can use it to:

• Ensure AI-assisted content maintains your voice
• Guide any team members who help with your content
• Create consistent communication across all channels
• Save time while maintaining authenticity

This isn’t about changing your voice – it’s about helping AI understand and preserve it while making your work more efficient.

Moving Forward

The goal isn’t to replace your creativity with AI but to use it thoughtfully to enhance your work. By starting with a clear understanding of your voice and style, you create a foundation that helps maintain authenticity while gaining efficiency.

Think of AI as a supportive tool that handles the background work, freeing you to focus more on what makes your business special – your creativity, your expertise, and your unique approach to serving your clients.

In the coming weeks, we’ll explore specific ways to implement AI in your business, from customer service to content creation, all while maintaining your personal focus that makes your work distinctive. Having your writing style guide ready will make each of these implementations more valuable and effective for your business.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and/or any questions below.