Getting started with AI in 2025

This is how I save 10+ hours a week...

Artificial Intelligence sounds complex, but using it doesn't have to be. Let's break down the simple ways you can start using AI in your business in 2025.

What Can AI Actually Do? (Different Types)

Think of AI as a tool that generates things for you digitally. Here are the main kinds you might use:

• AI for Text: This is the most common type. It can help write emails, answer customer questions automatically (like a chatbot), create marketing ideas, shorten long reports, or even translate languages. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are examples.
• AI for Sound: This type can turn spoken words into written text (like making notes from a phone call), or turn written text into speech (like a voice assistant). It can also understand who is speaking on a recording.
• AI for Pictures & Video: This can create new images just from your text description, recognize objects or faces in pictures, or even analyze video (like watching for problems on a security camera).

Sometimes, mixing these types yields the best results. For example, an AI could watch a video, listen to the sound, and then write a summary of what happened.

Where Should Your AI Run: Local or Online?

A big question is: does the AI run on a computer in your office (Local), or do you connect to it over the internet using a service (Online/Cloud)?

Consideration	Your Own Computer (Local)	Online Service (Cloud)
Privacy	Your info stays with you. Good for very secret stuff. You need good security.	Info goes to the service company. Need to trust their security. Usually very secure, but not in your building.
Cost	Need to buy powerful computers (expensive!). Costs money for electricity and fixes. Using the AI itself might be free (if using free tools).	Cheap or free to start. Pay based on how much you use it (like a phone plan). Can get pricey if you use it a LOT.
Performance	Speed depends on your computer. Need more computers to do more work.	Uses super-powerful computers. Handles more work easily. Speed depends partly on your internet.
Maintenance	Need someone techy to set up and manage it. You have to handle updates.	Easier to connect to. The company handles all the tech stuff and updates.
Tool Availability	Mostly free, open tools (like Llama, Mistral). Can train them just for your needs.	Access to the newest, most famous tools (like GPT-4, Claude 3). Often have ready-to-use special versions.

Simple answer: For most businesses starting out, using an Online AI Service is usually easier and cheaper.

How Much Does AI Cost?

Using online AI services usually costs money, often based on usage:

• Paying for Words (Text AI): Many services charge based on how much text the AI reads and writes for you. Think of it like paying per tiny piece of a word. Better AI tools often cost a bit more per piece.
• Paying for Sounds/Pictures: Services that work with sound or images might charge per request, per minute of sound, or based on the picture size.
• Monthly Plans: Some tools offer a flat monthly fee, especially for personal use. Business plans might have different levels.

It's smart to keep an eye on costs when you start using these tools, especially if you connect them to your business software. Try small tests first.

How to Start Using AI (Simply):

My advice is to find a specific problem, especially a repetitive task you don't like. Then tell the AI to automate it. Talk to the AI and have the AI to create the automation on its own. For example, it can write you a Python script and run it for you automatically every day. Or it can create a simple browser extension that you click, and it does the task for you.

What's Next?

AI tools will keep getting better and changing fast. The best thing is to be curious and willing to try new things. It might seem like a lot, but starting small with a clear goal makes it easier.

Want to figure out how AI could help your specific business? Let's chat. I can help you sort through the choices and find smart ways to use AI. Get in touch!