So, you think you know AI because you’ve asked ChatGPT to write a passive-aggressive email to your landlord? 😏 Cool, cool. But here’s the thing—most beginners (yes, probably you) are missing key fundamentals that make AI actually useful.
I recently dropped $49 and 5 hours on Google’s AI Essentials course (before realizing I could’ve gotten it for free—more on that later). And guess what? Even as an AI power user, I learned some surprising gaps in my knowledge.
Let’s fix that for you—fast.
🤖 AI 101: The 3 Types of AI Tools You Actually Need to Know
AI isn’t just ChatGPT. Shocking, I know. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Standalone AI (The Obvious Ones)
- ChatGPT, Gemini, MidJourney—tools you actively prompt.
- Great for brainstorming, writing, and generating cat memes in medieval art styles.
2. Integrated AI (The Sneaky Helpers)
- AI baked into apps you already use (Gemini in Google Docs, Copilot in Word).
- Example: Highlight text in Docs → Click “Help me write” → Boom, AI rewrites your cringe email into corporate poetry.
3. Custom AI Solutions (The Big Guns)
- Built for specific tasks (e.g., Johns Hopkins’ AI that detects sepsis before doctors can).
- Not for casual use, but good to know they exist (so you can sound smart at parties).
Key Takeaway: Most people only use #1. If that’s you, you’re leaving free productivity on the table.
🔍 How to Write Prompts That Don’t Suck (Because Yours Probably Do)
Ever asked AI for advice and got a response so generic it could’ve come from a fortune cookie? That’s on you. Here’s how to fix it:
💡 Surface the Implied Context
Bad prompt:
“Tips for asking for a raise.”
Good prompt:
“I’ve been at my company for 3 years, exceeded KPIs by 20%, and my boss loves me. How do I negotiate a 15% raise?”
Why it works: AI isn’t psychic. Feed it details like a needy Tamagotchi.
🎯 Zero-, One-, and Few-Shot Prompting (A Fancy Way to Say “Give Examples”)
- Zero-shot: “Write a LinkedIn post about productivity.” (Meh.)
- One-shot: “Write a LinkedIn post like this: [insert example].” (Better.)
- Few-shot: Give multiple examples for sharper outputs.
Pro Tip: Use this for dating app openers (not that I’ve tested this… much).
🧠 Chain of Thought Prompting: How to Trick AI Into Being Smarter
Want AI to handle complex tasks without spewing nonsense? Break it down like you’re explaining it to a golden retriever.
Example:
“Write a cover letter for a marketing job.” → Too vague.
“First, summarize my resume (below). Then, identify 3 skills from the job description. Finally, write a cover letter matching those skills to my experience.” → Chef’s kiss.
Why it works: AI mimics human step-by-step reasoning. The more you guide it, the less it hallucinates (AI’s version of making stuff up).
⚠️ The Dark Side of AI (Where Beginners Get Burned)
AI isn’t all sunshine and perfectly generated haikus. Watch out for:
- Bias: AI trained on internet data = internet-level prejudices.
- Outdated info: ChatGPT’s knowledge cuts off at 2023 (unless you pay for GPT-4 Turbo).
- Hallucinations: AI will confidently lie to you. Always fact-check.
True Story: I once asked an AI for “best budget laptops 2024” and it recommended a model discontinued in 2021. Cool.
🚀 Google’s AI Essentials Course: Worth It?
✅ Pros:
- Great for absolute beginners (like “What is AI?” level).
- Taught by actual Google employees (not some rando YouTuber).
- Free if you enroll in their Project Management Certificate (sponsored link—just sayin’).
❌ Cons:
- Painfully basic if you’ve ever used AI before.
- Real-world examples are surface-level (like a Wikipedia summary).
Verdict: If you’re brand new, it’s a solid intro. Otherwise, save your time (or get it for free).
🎯 Final Tip: Stop Using AI Like a Magic 8-Ball
AI is a tool, not a psychic. The more you treat it like a clueless intern (give clear instructions, examples, and guardrails), the better it performs.
Now go forth and prompt like a pro. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll finally get AI to write that Oscar-worthy apology text to your ex. 😉
TL;DR:
- Use integrated AI tools (they’re hiding in your apps).
- Give context + examples in prompts (or get garbage outputs).
- Break tasks into steps for complex requests.
- Fact-check AI—it lies a lot.
What’s your biggest AI struggle? Drop it below—let’s crowdsource some hacks. 👇