This past month, I’ve spent more time talking to many of you than writing. And honestly? I’ve loved it. But let’s be real—we need a healthy dose of both. Conversations spark ideas, and writing helps pin them down before they fly off like squirrels in a caffeine storm.
One of the most energizing topics we’ve been buzzing about is AI. You’re excited, I’m excited—we’re all curious about the possibilities, the pitfalls, and yes, the persistent AI hype machine. We’ve talked about how AI isn’t technically new (surprise! It didn’t just arrive with ChatGPT). But what is new is the lightning speed at which it’s evolving—and the trendy new lingo that’s tagging along for the ride.
Let’s face it: a lot of what we read about AI these days is sizzle. Glorious, smoky, eye-catching sizzle. Stories about AI thinking for itself (gulp), creating things no human ever dreamed of, composing symphonies, befriending the lonely, doing your taxes while simultaneously writing a rom-com… okay, maybe not that last one. Yet.
Now, I’m all for the sizzle—but only if there’s a solid, juicy steak behind it.
Because while these stories are dazzling, many of them are more conceptual than concrete. That’s not a criticism. All innovation starts with a concept! But if we’re going to build something meaningful, we have to start with a vision—and communicate it clearly. Just like you wouldn’t ask a builder to construct your dream home without sharing your must-haves (like a walk-in closet, a dog-washing station, or a secret library ladder), you can’t expect AI to deliver magic without some direction.
Let’s also talk about this idea of AI “thinking for itself.” Intriguing? Sure. A little unsettling? Also yes. But the real issue is not that AI is becoming sentient and writing passive-aggressive diary entries. It’s that AI sometimes just… gets it wrong. Wildly wrong.
People call it “hallucination,” but often it’s more like a case of “bad sourcing.” AI pulls from an ocean of information and occasionally grabs the wrong fish. It’s like posting a job online and getting a flood of resumes. Some look great on paper, but when you meet the person? It’s clear they aren’t the right fit. AI, like a good recruiter, can help with the filtering—but we humans still need to step in and make the final call.
So here’s the deal: while the idea of AI running wild and free is fascinating, what I’m really after is results. Tangible, helpful, problem-solving results. That’s the steak—the stuff that matters to our clients, our teams, and our bottom line. The “sizzle” (AI-generated poems, cosmic horoscopes, and AI-drawn pictures of cats dressed as Shakespeare) can wait for later phases… or at least the office holiday party.
And if you’re at this stage too—focused on results, grounded in goals, and hungry for something more than flash—I’d love to connect. Our team offers free technology audits and other helpful services designed to make AI work for you, not just wow you.
Thank you for all the feedback on our new website—we’ve loved hearing what’s working and what you’d like to see next. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter yet, you can do that here. It’s full of practical tips, useful tech insights, and the occasional cheesy pun (you’ve been warned).
Here’s to more steak, smart sizzle, and the best solutions for you and your team.
All the best,
Kara
