In every article and every presentation, the speaker or writer typically says “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is coming and you need to be prepared”. What I would like to say is that AI is here and if you aren’t using it right now, you are behind. For example, ChatGPT, which is a language-based AI model went from zero users to 100 million users in just two months. It took a company like Facebook over four years to reach that number. It now has a staggering almost 200 million users with more than 1.6 billion visits in December 2023 alone. It is here and it is here to stay and evolving a rapid pace.
For those of us that ask the question, what is AI, here is the way I would describe it. Imagine you have a really smart friend who can learn new things incredibly fast, solve complex puzzles in seconds, and even predict what you’re going to say next. This friend doesn’t get tired, can read through thousands of books in minutes, and understand dozens of languages. But here’s the twist: this friend isn’t human. It’s like a super-smart computer program that’s been designed to think, learn, and make decisions kind of like how we do, but at lightning speed and on a massive scale. That’s what AI is like—a blend of computer science magic and brain-like smarts, all rolled into one.
The Journey from Monochrome to Kaleidoscope
The narrative of AI began with single-minded systems adept at conquering chess boards and solving algebraic puzzles. These early iterations of AI, while impressive, barely scratched the surface of potential. Today, we stand on the cusp of a new era marked by multi-modal AI (Integrating multiple data type), which I believe will be the focus in 2024. This advanced breed of intelligence does not just understand text or images in isolation but can weave together insights from diverse data types to craft rich, contextualized responses. Imagine a system that can analyze market trends, predict member behavior, and even generate captivating marketing content, all with a nuanced understanding of language, visuals, and human emotions.
Think of this, ChatGPT came out in November 30, 2023 and hit close to 200 million users. I liken this to the first iPhone. We are currently at the same stage as where the first iPhone was. It was basic with integrated applications, but was just a baby “creating” the smart phone market place. In 2010, 3 years after launch, the iPhone had 60 million users growing to a projected 1.56 billion users in 2024. Just think about the immense change that the iPhone had on the rest of the cellular phone industry and what it has done to shape the industry in 2024. ChatGPT and multi-modal AI will do the same but at a much faster rate.
Tools of Tomorrow, Today
For organizations looking to harness the latest in technological advancements, a variety of AI tools are available to revolutionize routine tasks, enhancing both creativity and operational efficiency. AI-enabled video editing software empowers content creators by efficiently condensing extensive video material into captivating narratives, precisely aligned with viewer preferences. These AI tools, encompassing both automated video editing and sophisticated analytics platforms, have become essential in the fast-paced digital content sector, enabling creators to produce high-quality content more efficiently.
Beyond the realm of video production, AI’s capabilities extend deeply into fundamental business processes. For instance, AI applications like Parrot.AI are designed to enhance administrative efficiency by automating tasks that traditionally require significant human effort. This includes the accurate transcription and summarization of meeting discussions into concise minutes, as well as the intelligent scheduling and time management tasks typically handled by experienced administrative personnel. Through these AI solutions, organizations can achieve a higher level of operational efficiency, allowing them to focus more resources on their core mission-driven activities. Also, who loves writing minutes!
Here is an example of two tools that I use that I believe can be a game changer.
InVideo.ai – InVideo.ai stands out as a cutting-edge, online video creation platform that automates the process of video production. Designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, this tool provides a wealth of pre-designed templates that users can easily adapt to their specific needs. Its drag-and-drop interface ensures that even those with minimal video editing experience can produce professional-looking videos in a fraction of the time.
For associations, chambers, and any other organization, InVideo.ai offers a particularly valuable set of capabilities. We know that your organizations often operate under tight budget constraints and may lack dedicated multimedia staff, making traditional video production challenging. InVideo.ai enables your organization to create compelling content for various purposes—be it fundraising, awareness campaigns, member engagement, or event promotion—without the need for significant financial or human resources. The platform’s extensive library of stock media, along with features like automated text-to-speech, ensures that even complex ideas can be translated into engaging visual narratives. This ability to quickly and affordably produce high-quality video content can significantly enhance a ‘s ability to communicate its mission, share success stories, and mobilize support.
As it relates to InVideo.ai, I like to show, not just tell. Here’s a sample video created with a quick 5-second prompt, and the AI handled the rest. To view it, simply scan the QR code.
This illustrates the progressive layering of AI capabilities. Having crafted our video with InVideo, we’re now able to transform it into engaging shorts suitable for Facebook reels and similar platforms. This leads us to our next innovative tool:
Opus Clip –Opus Clip is a user-friendly video editing platform that simplifies content creation. It’s particularly useful to easily craft engaging videos for fundraising, awareness, and community engagement, even without extensive editing skills. This tool helps convey powerful stories and messages effectively, enhancing communication strategies with minimal effort.
Discover how I effortlessly condensed a clip of over two minutes into a concise 48-second version by scanning the QR code.
There’s a whole world of AI tools out there, but what we’ve shown you are just a couple of examples. These tools can do wonders for your organization, like creating standout videos and then tweaking them into shorter clips perfect for getting the word out. It’s all about making your content work harder for you.
Weaving AI into your Organization’s Website
I’m convinced that weaving AI into the very fabric of websites is the way forward, a leap that goes way beyond just tossing in a bunch of apps or scattered tools here and there. In all the chats I’ve had, the same idea pops up: “Let’s create an AI app.” But I think we’re past that stage. What I envision is a future where AI tools are not just add-ons but are integrated seamlessly across your entire website, ready to assist at any point. The goal for web design and how websites function should be about making AI a core part of how your site feels and works. It’s about turning your website into something more than just a digital space—it becomes a smart, living space that not only meets but anticipates the needs of those who visit, in the moment they need it.
Imagine a website that adapts content based on visitor behavior, offers personalized recommendations, or even engages in natural, conversational interactions through AI-powered chatbots. By infusing AI into the core of your website’s design, you create a more intuitive, efficient, and engaging environment for your visitors. This doesn’t just elevate the user experience; it revolutionizes it, setting a new standard for what websites can achieve. In this future, your website becomes a living, learning, and evolving extension of your mission, powered by AI to serve your audience in the most effective way possible.
A real great example of this type of integration is the new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung didn’t just build smart phone that had a bunch of AI apps but integrated it into device in every experience you will have with it. For example, “transcript assist” that does real transcription of calls. It also has a “circle to search” feature where you can circle an object in a picture and it searches for that item. It can also translate a conversation or phone call…in real time! This is the power of AI build around every element of the device versus a set of apps that may never be opened on their own. In this new device, you don’t have to find an AI app, it finds you. Finally, we are entering an age where devices will be “app-less” and the device just does what we want it to. Two such devices are entering the market, ai-pin is one of them and the other one is rabbit r1, both of which are pocket AI companions, which do not rely on a set of pre-installed apps. Only time will tell if they are successful and accepted as we all know, wearable devices such as Google Glass never made it.
Treading with Caution: The Ethical Compass
With great power comes great responsibility, and AI is no exception. The rapid integration of AI into various facets of business and daily life raises pressing questions about privacy, security, and the ethical use of technology. As we chart this unexplored territory, it is imperative to anchor our journey in a commitment to ethical practices, ensuring that AI serves as a force for good, enhancing lives without infringing on privacy or autonomy.
AI also should not be used in a vacuum as it needs human intervention and oversight to make sure your message is right, the content it is creating is right, and the data it is producing is right. You can’t just “set it and forget it”. There have been too many instances where AI has been used and no effort was put into modifying the content. Your members can see this. If you don’t customize it, finesse it, and craft it properly, it will be easily dismissed as another AI video or email.
Finally, many of the apps coming on the market are here today, gone tomorrow. Look for successful apps that are growing that show longevity. The last thing you want to do is start relying on one app and it goes away. My strategy, personally, is to have five to ten apps that do something very similar so that if I lose one, I have another one that I can count on. This is why it is so important to be immersed in understanding what is out there and what is trending and what is long-term.
Charting the Course: AI Integration Strategies
Diving into the world of AI is more than a leap of faith; it’s a strategic journey that must be carefully planned and aligned with your organization’s unique mission and challenges. The initial step involves a deep dive into your current operations, identifying areas where AI can not only speed up processes but do so in a manner that upholds your core values and ethical standards. Also, this is not just choosing the AI app of the day and believing it will solve every issue. Just like you need a strategic plan for your organization, you also need a strategic plan for your AI journey.
To navigate this journey, here are six essential steps to consider:
- Professional Audit: Kick things off by bringing in an AI expert to assess your existing workflows. This helps pinpoint specific areas where AI can make a meaningful impact, saving time and resources while enhancing productivity.
- Set Clear Goals: With insights from the audit, outline what you aim to achieve with AI. Whether it’s to boost efficiency, improve customer engagement, or innovate your services, setting clear, actionable objectives is key to a focused AI strategy.
- Focus on Training: Equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to embrace AI. Comprehensive training ensures everyone is on board and can make the most of the new tools at their disposal.
- Ethical Framework: It’s imperative to establish a set of guidelines that govern the ethical use of AI within your organization. This includes ensuring data privacy, avoiding bias, and maintaining transparency in AI-driven decisions.
- Pilot and Scale: Start small with pilot projects to test AI solutions in specific areas. This approach allows for fine-tuning and builds confidence in the technology before a wider rollout.
- YouTube: Watch my YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/@TheNonProfitLife for more insights as there are two episodes on my channel where I go more into depth. Also, more content will be posted around tools, AI chatbots, and more.
By embracing these steps, your organization can thoughtfully integrate AI, ensuring that this powerful technology serves your mission effectively and responsibly. As AI continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial to leveraging its full potential while navigating the ethical considerations it brings to the forefront.
Let’s drop the whole “AI is on its way” narrative—it’s not just coming, it’s been here, growing and changing faster than we sometimes realize. The real winners will be those organizations that don’t just adopt AI but really weave it into their fabric, always adapting and growing with it. They’re the ones who’ll not only meet but blow past what their members expect. We’re looking at a future where we can do things more efficiently, make our offerings more relevant and valuable to our members, and become the go-to experts in our fields. That’s not just exciting; it’s a game changer.
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