Why AI Feels Like Coming Home (Or: How I Went from DVD-Recorder-Phobic to AI Enthusiast)

You know how sometimes you need to explain where an idea came from? Well, grab a coffee and let me share why I started this AI adventure...

Ever had that moment when something just clicks and you think "Where have you been all my life?"? That's me with Generative AI. Not love at first sight mind you - more like that friend you initially found a bit intimidating but now can't imagine life without.

My Mum, the Wizard

For someone who's spent years in marketing (and possibly too much money on productivity tools), discovering AI felt like finding the Swiss Army knife I didn't know I needed. But here's the thing - it also reminded me of my mum, the unofficial tech wizard of our house. She was the only person I knew who could multi-programme a DVD recorder without breaking into a cold sweat and actually knew what that mysterious "Input" button did on the remote. While I was still trying to figure out how to record my favourite programme, she was programming series links like a boss. That kind of technical wizardry left quite an impression.

Headfirst In

I jumped into Generative AI the moment it launched - couldn't wait to get started! It felt like rediscovering that childhood wonder of seeing something magical, mixed with a hefty dose of "Why didn't anyone tell me about this sooner?!" Suddenly, here was a tool that could not only save me time but actually make work fun again. Writing copy? AI became my brainstorming buddy. Designing visuals? It was throwing ideas at me faster than I could drink my coffee (and trust me, I drink coffee like it's going out of fashion).

But then came the plot twist: AI doesn't do your thinking for you - thank goodness! It's not some magical "make everything perfect" button (sorry, mum, still haven't found that one). You still need to know your stuff, understand your audience, and bring your own expertise to the table. Think of AI as your very eager assistant who's had way too much coffee - lots of energy and ideas, but needs your guidance to channel them properly.

Word on the Street

When I started chatting to businesses about AI, I spotted two types of people faster than my mum could find the TV remote:

1. The Dabblers: Bless them - they're like kids poking at a new toy. They've maybe generated a logo or two, written a blog post, and thought "That's clever!" before going back to their usual routine. It's like having a smartphone but only using it to make calls. (Remember when that was all phones did? No? Just me then...)

   
   

2. The Avoiders: These folks look at AI the same way I used to look at that DVD recorder - like it might explode if they press the wrong button. For them, AI sounds expensive, complicated, and about as approachable as a hangry lion. I spoke to a business woman recently and she categorically stated 'No, that's not for me'.

The truth is, both groups are missing out. Because AI isn't about replacing people—it's about helping you shine. Think of it as having a super-enthusiastic trainee who never needs coffee breaks and actually enjoys doing the repetitive stuff.

Better, Faster, Quickly

Here's the thing - I saw AI doing for business what that "Input" button did for my mum's TV setup: making everything work better, faster, and with less headache. Marketing especially can feel like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle - create campaigns, update websites, write copy, post on social media... and that's just before lunch! AI can streamline all of that, giving you back hours every week and better results than you thought possible.

But (and it's a big but): if you don't know what to ask AI to do, you're basically back to random button-pushing on the DVD remote. That's where I come in. My goal is to demystify AI, cut through the techno-babble, and show you how to use it in ways that are practical, fun, and genuinely useful. No PhD required!

Versatile Too

Want to know just how versatile AI can be? Picture this: I worked with a small knitting business (yes, knitting - and if you think that's not tech-savvy territory, you've clearly never seen someone work a complex pattern spreadsheet!). They wanted to refresh their brand but were about as confident with AI as I was with that DVD recorder. Using AI, we created Pearl the Sheep - their adorable new mascot - and gave their website and marketing the equivalent of a cosy winter makeover. The best bit? Now they're using AI with the same confidence my mum had with that remote control.

Look, I'm not here to sell you the equivalent of a fancy universal remote that you'll never figure out how to use. I'm here to help you learn AI your way - whether that's dropping into our live sessions (bring coffee!), working through online courses at your own pace (possibly in your pyjamas - we won't judge), or getting your whole team up to speed with customised training at your workplace.

Almost There

I'm currently in my workshop (definitely not programming DVD players!), building something pretty exciting. While I put the finishing touches to the website and training programmes, why not join the journey? Subscribe and follow our social channels to be the first to know when everything launches.

There's a lot of good stuff coming - from drop-in sessions where no question is too basic, to online courses you can do in your pyjamas, to custom training that'll get your whole team AI-confident. Think of it as having different TV channels to choose from (but much easier to navigate, I promise!).

Want to be part of this from the start? 

Subscribe now and follow me on social - you'll be first to know when the doors open. And unlike that blinking DVD clock, we'll actually keep you up to date!

(Just please don't ask me to programme your DVD player...)

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Subscribing will also give you a free link to a bit of fun, additional reading of: AI In 2025: A Refreshingly Late Guide to What's Actually Coming. Insights for next year from some of the leaders in this exciting field.

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Homegrown

Just a quick bit of feedback about how I created this post (practicing what I preach about AI). I first drafted out what I wanted the 'storyline' to be about. Getting the ideas out of my head to kickstart. I then worked with Claude and Chat GPT - with several edits - to finalise the copy. I then used this to create (in Chat GPT) several prompts for developing some key images in Krea. Brought it all together here in the post.