The New Ulm Chamber hosted an engaging seminar on effective and ethical AI use for local businesses, led by Steve Gasser of Vivid Image. Gasser emphasized practical applications of AI, from brainstorming sales strategies to creating press releases. While showcasing AI’s innovative capabilities, he warned about the risks of relying solely on technology without human evaluation, emphasizing the importance of critical assessment and legal awareness in AI-generated content.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral part of modern business operations, as demonstrated in a recent seminar hosted by the New Ulm Chamber for local small businesses. Led by Steve Gasser, president of Vivid Image, the seminar was designed to equip attendees with effective and ethical ways to leverage AI tools. Just two years post rise of Chat GPT, businesses are exploring pathways to enhance operational efficiency, much like how the advent of credit cards transformed consumer behavior.
During the workshop, participants engaged in practical exercises, such as providing step-by-step instructions to create a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, illustrating how the formulation of prompts can lead to success—or mishaps. Gasser emphasized that AI is best utilized as a catalyst for scaling existing strengths, particularly in creative brainstorming for sales promotions and marketing initiatives. Attendee use of AI varied from generating press releases to crafting entertaining travel itineraries to Canada.
Gasser showcased the capabilities of AI, including generating detailed resumes, creating comprehensive business plans, and producing AI-narrated videos that could be translated into various languages. He also highlighted the potential risks, reminding attendees that while AI can be a valuable resource, human oversight is crucial. The dangers of ‘hallucination’ in AI outputs and legal considerations regarding copyrighted works were also addressed, urging participants to approach AI with a critical mindset.
The seminar concluded with discussions on how local organizations could creatively utilize AI while maintaining the essence of human contribution. Gasser’s hope is that by demystifying AI, businesses can confidently incorporate this technology without fearing its implications on employment or creativity, similar to how the typewriter revolutionized writing without replacing the writer’s voice.
The seminar highlights a growing trend among small businesses to embrace AI as a means for operational improvement. As AI technology rapidly evolves, understanding its effective use becomes essential. Gasser’s approach not only illustrates practical applications but also addresses the ethical considerations surrounding AI. By drawing parallels to past technological shifts, the seminar underscores the need for businesses to adapt to AI’s transformative potential while safeguarding creative expression and legal integrity.
AI presents vast opportunities for innovation and enhancement in business operations, but its implementation requires careful consideration and human oversight. Tools like AI can amplify existing strengths, fuel creativity, and streamline processes, yet the importance of evaluating AI-generated content remains paramount. As businesses embrace AI, they must do so responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces human contributions.
Original Source: www.nujournal.com
