Introduction: Embarking on an AI Adventure
As the owner of Strategic Links LLC, my journey with the GameChangers Accelerator was initially fueled by a simple curiosity about AI. I envisioned it as a new skill set, potentially a lucrative one, that could broaden my consulting horizons. I was keen to explore how AI could align with and advance my business goals and personal interests.
Initial Expectations: A Blend of Hope and Uncertainty
Stepping into this program, I was excited about learning anew, expanding my skill set, and connecting with other individuals working in a variety of fields. Despite a slight concern about the time commitment required, I was fully invested in the idea of gaining AI expertise and achieving certification.
Section Reviews: A Deep Dive into Learning
Project Management: Discovering a Powerful Ally in ChatGPT
The project management section was my first encounter with ChatGPT, and it didn't take long for me to realize its transformative potential. I could see its future use in suggesting risk management strategies and pinpointing project plan vulnerabilities. This section deepened my interest in mastering prompt generation and exploring Notion usage, despite its clunkiness.
Marketing: Gaining Confidence and Clarity
This section was a revelation. Without formal training in marketing, I gained valuable insights into marketing funnels, methodologies, and the strategic use of AI as a confidant and idea generator. It opened my eyes to the vast possibilities AI holds for business development and personal affairs. It's like having a virtual assistant that you can bounce ideas off of any time of the day.
UX/UI: Reigniting a Passion for App Development
The distinction between UX and UI design and their synergy in creating a great user experience with any app was a key takeaway. This section, aligning with my computer engineering background, renewed my interest in app/software development, emphasizing the importance of iterative design for optimal user experience.
No-Coding: A Nostalgic yet Forward-Looking Approach
The no-coding section reminded me of my early consulting days, particularly the use of AI in a software generation tool I used in the mid-90s called Software Through Pictures at GE. But it was not called AI back then. Learning to use tools like Adalo, Zapier, and CustomGPT effectively was not only nostalgic but also enlightening, showcasing the time-saving potential in app development.
Overall Experience: Challenges, Growth, and Gratification
The program was nothing short of outstanding. Instructors Vince and Nick were exceptional. Their abundance of knowledge in this space was evident. They gave great guidance and were very patient. Despite my challenges like delayed access to ChatGPT-4.0 and personal hurdles, the experience was immensely rewarding and reignited my thirst for knowledge.
Outcomes of the Program: A Transformative Journey
Enhanced Business and Personal Productivity: AI will now be a core component of my consulting services, promising significant improvements in productivity and business engagement.
Spreading AI Awareness: I've become an AI advocate, encouraging partners, friends, and colleagues to embrace this technology for their benefit.
Continued Learning and Certification: This experience has rekindled my passion for continuous learning, leading me to consider further certifications and even a master's degree.
Future Application Plans: A Roadmap to AI Integration
Short-Term (3-6 months): I plan to add an AI offering to my consultancy, focusing on task automation and app development with AI and gamification features. I'm already in contract negotiations related to this.
Long-Term (12 months and beyond): I intend to integrate AI into Strategic Links LLC's operations, enhancing our business app with AI and gamification features. I am in the very early stages and hopeful of collaborations with DiverseForce and DVNC, with the intent to expand AI training in Strategic Links LLC hub cities and in other countries. As a former National Chairperson of NSBE (The National Society of Black Engineers), I feel responsible for bringing this knowledge to communities that might otherwise lag in AI adoption.
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