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Show Notes
AI is everywhere. Whether you love it, hate it, are adopting it, or avoiding it, it is not going away.
It is just like cars. When cars came along, they completely changed things. In New York City, there was once a huge problem with horse manure. It was creating all sorts of issues, and they held massive summits trying to figure out how to solve it. Nobody had the answer.
Then cars arrived and suddenly the problem changed. Yes, people lost jobs. We did not need as many farriers, saddle makers, and horse-related industries. Yet it also solved another issue.
That is the same with AI. For some people, it is going to be amazing. For others, not so much. And yes, it will replace some jobs. Yet probably not AI itself. Probably somebody using AI.
Perspectives from AI Events
This week, I went to two different AI events with very different perspectives.
One focused on coaching and how AI could affect coaching.
The other looked more at AI from a business perspective.
I also recorded a podcast this morning with a guest for Episode 360 talking about what we do not know about AI and large language models. That one gets a little technical at times, though there will still be plenty of learning in it.
AI is something we need to understand and potentially embrace
AI Makes Your Life Easier
At one of the conferences, I was speaking with a gentleman who had recently given his assistant five things to automate using AI.
Within a few weeks and after upskilling, she had essentially replaced herself in those tasks.
Now, you might think that sounds terrible. He thought it was brilliant. Because he simply wanted those tasks completed.
One of the biggest tasks was sorting through his emails to identify what was junk, what was urgent, and what needed actioning. Many of the replies were repetitive things like sending links or event invitations.
She created agents to handle those tasks automatically. Then she built a few more systems and came back saying, “It is done.”
The interesting part? She became even more valuable. Instead of spending all day inside emails, she could focus on more meaningful and higher-value work.
That is the real opportunity with AI. It is not about the tool. It is about the task.
Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome
The problem right now is people are collecting AI tools like Pokémon cards, along with subscriptions to match.
There are now far more flexible ways to use AI without paying for endless subscriptions. Things like OpenRouter and KIE allow you to buy tokens instead of subscribing to every individual platform.
You can test different models, experiment with what works best, and avoid getting trapped in shiny object syndrome.
So rather than asking:
“What AI tool should I use?”
Ask:
“What outcome am I trying to create?”
If you want to sort emails, then focus on solving that problem first. Do not disappear down the rabbit hole trying every tool under the sun.
Another helpful way to think about this is: The models are the tools. The agents are more like people.
What task would you hand to an assistant? That is where agents become powerful because they can use different tools and workflows to create the outcome you want.
AI as a Support Tool
Now obviously, there are important conversations around ethics, privacy, risks, and maintaining human connection. That matters.
Yet we have already been using forms of automation for years:
- Automated emails
- Lead magnet workflows
- Event reminders
- Scheduling systems
- Zoom backgrounds
These things already help simplify business. AI simply expands what is possible.
One of the biggest opportunities is using AI as a support tool rather than replacing your thinking:
- Use it as a thought partner
- Use it to brainstorm
- Use it to structure ideas
- Use it to refine and polish
Yet do not put your brain on the hook. You still need to think. You still need your voice. You still need your perspective.
It is a bit like having a junior assistant. You would not hand them work with no training, guidance or guardrails. The same applies here. You need to train the models to reflect your voice and values.
AI Supports Coaching
Now for coaches specifically, I do not believe AI replaces real coaching.
If your coaching is simply reading from a script and giving generic step-by-step advice, then yes, perhaps parts of that become replaceable.
Though real coaching involves nuance. It involves listening to what is not being said. It involves body language, energy, mindset, reflection, and holding space.
AI can support coaching businesses. It does not replace human connection.
Links
Contacts
Stop Chasing AI Tools. Start Solving Problems
One thing I would encourage you to avoid is going too deep too quickly. Do not try to learn every tool all at once.
Pick one thing. Learn it. Implement it. Use it. Then expand from there.
And remember, if your systems and processes are already messy, AI will simply amplify the mess. Sometimes slowing down to build proper foundations is actually the smartest thing you can do.
Listen to the full episode of Small Business Talk episode 348.
You can also find the video versions of the Small Business Talk Episodes on YouTube.
