AI seems to be the new tech obsession you can’t stop hearing about, but at least we’ve finally surpassed the Crypto and NFT crazes of the early 2020s (for now, anyways).
You may have only heard of Artificial Intelligence in recent years, but it’s actually been around since the 1950s.
Developments in technology, such as the rise of cloud computing, has meant that AI is now accessible to almost anyone with an internet connection.
And for early business owners and creatives, this is a big game changer!
From developing monthly content plans, to assisting with writing code, AI can be super valuable in supporting with the challenging areas of developing a venture.
So now you can spend more time on the important aspects of your side hustle… like admiring how good the logo you built in 10 minutes on Canva is.
In this article, we’ll explore a few ways you can leverage this powerful technology to support and grow your side hustle.
Ways AI Can Support Your Side Hustle Sections
Idea Generation 💡
Ever notice why your best ideas often strike randomly — like in the shower, at the gym, etc?
Well, there’s actually some science behind why that happens. But rather than waiting for inspiration, you can artificially stir up fresh ideas, using AI chatbots like ChatGPT to stimulate your creativity.
Simply describe the type of ideas you need, and the bot will suggest novel concepts to build upon.
Whether you’re looking for new Instagram captions or creative marketing strategies to target millennials for knitting classes. AI can do it all!
Source: ChatGPT
Content Creation 🎨
It’s 2024 and like it or not, but content is king!
Generating and putting out high quality content is vital for gaining traction online. But doing this consistently can honestly feel harder than trying to remove those stubborn duvet covers in a hotel bed!
And this is where AI can come in (if you allow it).
Those same idea-generating chatbots you can use to jumpstart creativity can also assist in producing all types of content, from full articles to design posters.
I mentioned the story of Joe Popelas in a previous article, the 20-year-old who became a millionaire in just a year, using ChatGPT.
Leveraging AI’s speed, Popelas was able to produce over 40 e-books a month, allowing him to respond to trending topics, much faster than the traditional book publishers.
Platforms like Claude AI can help you produce high quality written pieces such as, articles and email newsletters, from inputting your original drafts or ideas into the platform.
Developments in the technology means we can also enjoy access to unique visual content. Creating hyperrealistic images has never been easier, with new AI tools like Midjourney, DALL-E and Adobe’s Firefly.
Source: Adobe Express GPT on ChatGPT
Boost Technical Skills 🤖
“Everybody in the world is now a programmer. This is the miracle of AI.”
– Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia.
Thanks to the rise in Low-code/no-code development almost anyone can now build impressive websites without coding knowledge, using platforms like Squarespace and Shopify.
Although sometimes, that technical expertise is really needed when you run into certain technical errors whilst working on a project. Like needing some help with a formula to organise your customer data in Excel. Or maybe with some basic coding support for your website.
Well, AI might just be your solution, saving you time and your pockets from paying for a specialist.
And if you come from a non-technical background like myself, this might be the boost you needed to developing your side hustle!
Source: Gemini (Google)
Enhance Research Abilities 🔬
Ever been to a market in a foreign country, with every stall trying to sell you items you really don’t need?
Well, that’s what Google search feels like these days.
Constantly being bombarded with sponsored ads and paid searches, even on the websites with valuable info.
If you’ve faced this problem, you might want to try using AI powered search engines like Perplexity instead.
These can provide you access to multiple credible sources of information, in one search, and summarised clearly in just seconds.
Source: Perplexity.AI
Editing Assistance 📝
Editing your own perfectly written content can be difficult, especially when identifying areas for improvement.
And yes I know I probably sound like a broken record by now advocating for AI, but platforms like Claude AI, can really take your written content to another level.
Of course, you can use it for grammar corrections and to write out entire pieces, just by inputting your ideas.
But for me, the real value is in using it to improve the clarity and wording structures of your sentences. Helping you connect with your targeted audiences more effectively.
Additionally, seeing the AI revisions to your work, can help you to understand better ways to convey your ideas, ultimately improving your writing altogether!
Source: Claude AI
Considerations When Using AI Chatbots
Accuracy
Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI chatbots are powerful tools, but it’s important to remember that their outputs can sometimes be inaccurate. This can happen due to limitations in their training data or even misinterpretations of prompts.
To maintain accuracy, it’s advisable to cross-check the information provided against other resources, especially when using it for factual research.
Quality of Prompts
A famous phrase used in computer science is ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’ which means what it says.
If you put in rubbish, that’s what you’ll get out. (Which also applies to pretty much everything else in life really).
But in the context of interacting with AI chatbots, the idea is to ensure you’re putting in high quality prompts, to achieve the best responses from the chatbots.
Instead of saying, “give me feedback on this LinkedIn post I’ve written”.
You could say ”I’ve written this LinkedIn post on x, how can I improve it to target my audience of Gen Z professionals on the platform”.
It might be weird at first, but the more you talk to it like a real human, the better quality of responses you’ll receive.
This is a super important, because 99% of the time the chatbots will provide responses which look amazing, but in reality, are limited in value, due to the level of your response.
Here’s a resource you can use to learn how to improve your prompts: Prompt Library
AI as a Copilot not an Autopilot
Computers cannot think and feel in the same way humans do.
The technology is at its best when combined with human input, where we can add the emotional touch and context to the amazing output the technology generates.
Leaving it to produce work independently may lead to outputs that feel robotic and lack authenticity.
Future of AI for Side Hustlers & Entrepreneurs 🧑💻🤖
The rapid speed in AI’s advancements is nothing like we’ve seen before.
There’s no better time to get involved and start experimenting with the technology like now!
Those that ignore it will most likely get left behind, but for those that learn to collaborate with it appropriately and use it to improve their efficiency for personal projects, ventures and businesses will definitely be the winners.
Ready to start your journey and level up with AI?
