In this enlightening episode of Dial It In, hosts Trygve Olsen and Dave Meyer delve into the world of AI with marketing strategist and CRM specialist Michelle Stinson Ross. With her decade of experience in digital operations and customer engagement, Michelle provides invaluable insights into understanding AI, its misconceptions, and its practical applications in business.
The conversation begins with a discussion of AI's fundamental concepts. Michelle simplifies AI by comparing it to nested boxes or Russian nesting dolls, where AI is the largest box encompassing all its subsets, including machine learning and large language models (LLMs). The hosts emphasize that understanding these basics is crucial for anyone navigating the modern business landscape.
Michelle elaborates on the importance of LLMs, explaining their role in language pattern recognition. While they don't "think" like humans, their ability to mimic human language through pattern recognition makes them powerful tools for communication and ideation. Michelle shares her personal preference for Claude, an LLM, due to its effectiveness in language and writing aid.
One major theme Michelle addresses is the common misconceptions surrounding AI. Many believe these models can think or hold biases similar to human prejudice, but Michelle highlights that AI's "thinking" is merely sophisticated pattern recognition. With AI slop—the output derived from poor-quality data—being a common pitfall, the conversation stresses the importance of feeding accurate, high-quality data to ensure reliable AI responses.
Michelle illustrates AI's utility in businesses with practical examples, such as recommending and booking a restaurant autonomously. This level of efficiency shows AI's potential to streamline processes, a theme echoed by Trygve and Dave as they discuss AI's role in enhancing marketing activities. Michelle also touches on leveraging AI for personalized communication, emphasizing the balance between automation and human oversight.
In today's digital age, privacy and security are paramount. Michelle advises maintaining control over what information is shared with AI tools, especially in free versions that use data for model training. Through practical tips, she reassures listeners on how to better manage their data when engaging with these technologies.
Wrapping up, the hosts and Michelle reflect on integrating AI into everyday business activities. Michelle encourages small-scale experimentation to understand AI's capabilities better—and not to fear technological advancements. This approach, she argues, can significantly enhance efficiency and innovation in business practices.
From understanding AI's basic concepts to applying them effectively in business, this episode offers a comprehensive guide for listeners looking to integrate AI into their operations. Michelle's insights underline the transformative potential of AI when used intelligently and ethically, while also emphasizing the importance of human oversight in navigating AI’s capabilities.
For those interested in further exploration, Michelle’s expertise in emotional intelligence links the human experience to AI, leading to more impactful communication strategies. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to harness AI’s full potential in driving business success.
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction to AI Innovations
01:15 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Michelle Stinson Ross
01:45 Sponsor Message: We Fix HubSpot
02:22 The AI Rodeo: Exploring Different AI Tools
08:38 Understanding AI and LLMs
12:27 Agents vs. Assistants: What's the Difference?
19:26 The Evolution of AI Reasoning
22:03 Understanding Algorithmic Probability and Pattern Matching
23:34 AI as an 11-Year-Old Boy: The Importance of Specificity
28:05 Misconceptions About AI
32:38 AI Hallucinations and Data Quality
34:59 Privacy Concerns and Responsible AI Use
38:09 Practical AI Tips for Business Users
39:54 Final Thoughts and Self-Promotion