I ran a live session walking through a real life example of using NotebookLM to turn raw source documents into structured insights, summaries, and visual outputs. If you want to understand: - what NotebookLM actually is - how it differs from LLM's like ChatGPT - what you can practically do with it This is a good place to start. One of the key things that makes NotebookLM different is that it works from the sources you give it — documents, notes, links, and files — rather than pulling from the open internet. In this session, I walk through: - what NotebookLM is - how it works with your own data - how to add and manage source documents - how to ask questions and get grounded answers - how to turn notes into new sources - how to create summaries, quizzes, and infographics

For all you aspiring solo AI agencies and entrepreneurs out there, you will appreciate this story. I was recently engaged to conduct an “Intro to AI” training for 200 employees. Less than a year ago, I was the president of a tech marketing company on a totally different path. One day, I was presented with a fork in the road opportunity and took the AI path. Today, I run a full AI agency offering AI Opportunity Mapping, AI Readiness Assessments, AI App Prototyping, and enterprise AI workflow and automation solutions. More recently, I’ve also added something I call “strategic workforce resiliency”, a strategy to prepare and future proof your business with AI. How did I get here, by surrounding myself with like minded people in the AI industry. In a community like AI Bits & Pieces where professionals like @Matthew Sutherland @Collin Thomas @Mike AI Consultant @Usman Mohammed @Nick Mohler are building, testing, sharing, and talking through real AI business challenges. It speeds things up. It gives you better pattern recognition. It helps you not just use AI, it teaches you to start building with it. Another thing that has changed for me is how I structure client value. I now include my beginner AI fluency training, AI Bits & Pieces, as a free service when signing a multiple month agreement for corporate clients. That has been a strong move because it raises the baseline AI understanding across the team and it completely avoids the “can you do this for less money” conversation. The discussion becomes about value, capability, and how to actually move the business forward with AI. A lot can change in less than a year when you are in the right room - with the right people. Thank you to the members in this community that help us sharpen the saw for all of us to get better.

We just crossed 600 members in AI Bits & Pieces. Consistent growth from day one, fueled by people trying to understand what AI actually means for their work and day-to-day life—and how it can help them stand out in the workforce, business environment, or executive ranks. That’s been the goal from the start. A place for: 🔵 AI Curious — figuring out what this all is 🟢 AI Enthusiasts — using it regularly 🟠 AI Practitioners — applying it to real work 🟣 Enterprise — thinking about scale across teams What’s been interesting isn’t just the number—it’s the mix of people and the conversations starting to take shape. Members are building small things. Members are asking in-depth questions. And members are starting to connect the dots between tools and outcomes. A special shoutout to each and every member, and the people who have supported me from the beginning: @Michele Wacht @Dena Dion @Debra Schmitt @Patti Hoekstra @Mark Zayec @Matthew Sutherland @Jason Hagen @Usman Mohammed @Nick Mohler @Eduard Friesen We have some exciting updates and new offerings for the community designed to help you win the AI game in life, at work, as a business owner, or as an agency. A heartfelt thank you. Michael

Claude is offering an extra-usage discount you can buy on demand. How to find it: just type /extra-usage in the terminal and hit enter and it will take you to the page to buy extra usage. The pricing: - $50 → Save 10% ($45.00 total) - $250 → Save 20% - $1,000 → Save 30% - Custom amount available The bulk discounts make sense if you're in the middle of a big project and can't afford to wait. The charges go to your saved payment method immediately, so you can get back to work without interruption. Just something to know about if you see that limit warning pop up mid-project.

I had a conversation with a friend recently that stuck with me. “I asked ChatGPT how to keep a conversation going.” 💬 What? Why? “Small talk,” they said. They’re the kind of person who shows up, listens, and pays attention. But when there’s an opening to jump into a conversation, they don’t always take it. Not because they don’t have anything to say. More because they’re not always sure where to go next. So they tried something different. 🌱 A few years ago, that probably would have sounded unusual. Now it doesn’t. What stood out wasn’t the question itself. It was what it replaced. This is the kind of thing people used to: - Ask a friend about - Talk through with a mentor - Work out over time through trial and error Now they’re opening a phone or a laptop and starting there instead. 🔄 We talked through a simple example. Someone says: “I went golfing yesterday.” ⛳ Most people go here: - “What did you shoot?” Which is fine. But it often ends quickly. Instead, ChatGPT suggested shifting the direction: - “How did you get into golf?” - “Do you play regularly?” - “What do you enjoy most about it?” Same moment. More momentum. 🏌️‍♂️ They told me the difference wasn’t dramatic. They didn’t suddenly become outgoing. They just didn’t get stuck. They stayed in conversations a little longer. Asked a few better questions. Moved past that pause where things usually stop. And that points to something bigger. 💡 People are using AI for the kinds of personal conversations. Not to replace human input. To prepare for it. They’re using it to: - Think through problems logically - Remove emotion before responding - Practice conversations before they happen - Get quick advice It is not for final answers. It is to gain clarity - and confidence. And that’s the shift. 🎯 AI isn’t just helping people produce. It’s helping them process. ✨ That's AI in Real Life.