The first thing to tell any AI
It takes two minutes and changes every answer.
The one thing worth doing first
Most people open an AI assistant, type a question and get a generic answer. They decide it's not for them. The fix is to introduce yourself first.
Tell it who you are, what you do and how you like answers. Here is a version you can copy and edit:
"I'm a retired company director who sits on two boards. I read a lot of long documents. Give me short, plain answers, lead with the point, and say so when you're not sure. Don't use jargon."
Change it to fit you.
Most assistants let you save this so you don't repeat it. The setting is usually called custom instructions or memory. The names change, so look in settings.
Worth ignoring?
Claim you'll see: "AI will run your business for you by next year."
Ask: Who is saying it, and what do they sell? Can they show it doing one real task, start to finish, that you recognise? If the answer is a demo with made-up data, wait.
Try this week
Take one email you've been putting off. Paste in your rough notes and ask for a clear, polite draft in your voice. Read it, change what you'd change, send it.
Reply and tell me
What's one thing in your week you'd hand off? I'll write about the most common ones.
Conor
P.S. If you'd like to try this with me on a real task, a free 20-minute call is here.