Understanding Terminology

7 Questions You Have About Artificial Intelligence (But Are Afraid To Ask)

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7 Questions You Have About Artificial Intelligence (But Are Afraid To Ask)

“AI” or Artificial Intelligence are the buzz words encapsulating every industry in ways most people don’t understand, though many are afraid to admit that. Even the ones promoting its use and integration into every aspect of our daily lives don’t quite “get it”. We’re still in the “wait-and-see era” of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning taking over and turning things into a real iRobot situation (like the 2004 movie with Will Smith), so in the interim, let’s explore the 7 Questions You Have About Artificial Intelligence (But Were Afraid To Ask):

1. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

In a nutshell, “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines and systems that are programmed to think and learn like humans. Artificial Intelligence systems can perform a range of tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, visual perception, speech recognition, recognizing patterns, and language translation. AI technologies are designed to simulate human cognitive processes, allowing them to learn from experience and adapt to new information.

2. How Does Artificial Intelligence (AI) Work?

The simplified answer: Artificial Intelligence works by using large amounts of data and sophisticated algorithms to mimic human-like thinking and decision-making. AI learns things in a similar way that we do, but much faster and on a larger scale. It takes vast amounts of information (from the web and other sources like our smart devices), then processes it to identify patterns and make connections. For example, an AI system might analyze millions of photos of bananas to learn what makes a banana look like a banana. Once the system is trained, it can then recognize bananas in new images it hasn’t seen before. This ability to learn from data and apply that knowledge to new situations is what makes AI powerful, hence “intelligent”. It can then use this learned knowledge to make predictions, solve problems, or perform tasks, all without being explicitly programmed for each specific scenario.

3. What Are The Risks Associated With Using Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence, while offering many benefits, also comes with several risks that we need to be aware of. One major concern is privacy: AI systems often require large amounts of personal data to function effectively, and the use, misuse, and breaching of this data is an issue that can’t be ignored. There’s also the risk of bias in AI decision-making, where algorithms may inadvertently discriminate against certain groups due to flaws in their training data or design. Job displacement is another worry, as AI automation could lead to significant changes in the job market as people lose jobs that are more efficiently done by AI-powered robots and devices. Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of transparency in AI systems, making it difficult to understand how decisions are made. Safety issues arise when AI is used in critical systems like healthcare or autonomous vehicles, where errors could have serious consequences, including the loss of human life. There’s also the potential for AI to be used maliciously, such as in creating deepfakes (i.e. “fake news” or AI-generated media such as images, videos, or audio that convincingly mimic real people, posing risks for misinformation and privacy violations), or autonomous weapons (i.e. Military systems capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention, raising ethical concerns about the use of lethal force and the need for regulation). Lastly, as AI becomes more advanced, there are long-term concerns about maintaining human control over increasingly sophisticated systems (again, like in iRobot). These risks highlight the need for careful development, regulation, and ethical considerations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployment.

4. How Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Helpful And What Are Some Benefits To Using It?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a wide range of benefits across various sectors, significantly enhancing human capabilities and improving efficiency. By reducing human error and automating repetitive tasks, AI increases accuracy and productivity while allowing people to focus on more creative and strategic work. Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly leads to improved decision-making and valuable insights in fields like business intelligence and medical research. AI’s 24/7 availability enables round-the-clock service, enhancing customer experiences through personalized support and improving safety through constant monitoring in hazardous environments. From streamlining business processes to advancing healthcare diagnostics and treatment planning, AI is proving to be an invaluable tool that not only complements human efforts but also extends our capabilities in ways previously unimaginable, ultimately driving innovation and progress across industries.

5. When Should I Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and How Do I Get Started?

As Artificial Intelligence becomes more prevalent, employees with AI skills will be in high demand. Thus: Now is the time to start! Learning about Artificial Intelligence and how it works in your industry can make you more valuable to your organization and open up new career opportunities. AI is already integrated in so many industries and tools (even if you don’t realize it), so by learning more about how it works, you can position yourself (and your organization) to take advantage of this transformative technology. To get started with Artificial Intelligence, first familiarize yourself with AI concepts so that you can have a basic understanding of AI terminology and concepts. You can start by reading AI guides or perusing online courses that introduce AI basics. I started with my tried-and-true book series for learning anything under the sun: Artificial Intelligence For Dummies (2nd Edition), however, I can understand if you want to start with a Beginner’s Guide Online. Taking some online courses or following some online study guide begins your journey, then your next step is playing around with some user-friendly starter AI tools (I’ll do a future post to delve more into the options, but a fair warning here: Don’t sign up for any new programs without doing some due diligence on what information they’re getting from you (and your devices) and how they intend to use them). There are many AI tools available for various tasks. I’m refraining from naming specific ones at this time, because I don’t want this introductory post to be taken as an endorsement of one over the others. The goal behind your first foray into the world of AI tools is to learn and experiment in a low-stakes environment to get a better understanding of its capabilities and limitations. That’s why I’m saving this AI tool conversation for a more in-depth post. In the meantime, try your best to keep up with the latest trends in information technology and follow AI news and developments. Also, keep an eye out for these discussions in your daily work life, especially if your organization publishes stories or guidance on its use or implementation. There’s likely going to be a push from all walks of life to get you to start using AI in some capacity, opting to give you “free access” to various tools and capabilities. Just be aware: When something is given to you for free: YOU ARE THE PRODUCT!

6. How Can AI Help Me Keep My Job And/Or Stay Competitive In My Job, Industry, or Field?

This is the question that I got most often when I surveyed a group of novices about their curiosity of Artificial Intelligence! A lot of people are nervous about this topic and looking for ways to get a competitive advantage in their job/industry. Thus, embracing AI tools and using them to enhance your skills, productivity, and value to your organization, can give you that competitive edge. To help you leverage AI to stay professionally competitive, Look to: 1) Enhance your AI skills and knowledge by learning how it’s being integrated into your field; 2) Improve your productivity and efficiency by using AI tools to analyze large datasets of information to make data-driven decisions or automate repetitive tasks so you can focus on higher-value work; and 3) Stay informed about industry trends to keep up with the latest developments in your field, as well as how AI-powered tools and devices can help improve your personal and social life. As you work to find the ways that Artificial Intelligence will fit into your professional landscape, remember that AI is meant to augment human capabilities, not replace them, so focus on developing skills that complement AI technologies. Here’s a few ways this is working for these select professionals:

Communications Specialist: AI writing assistants aid in drafting press releases and social media content, and sentiment analysis tools help gauge public opinion on campaigns.
Human Resources (HR) Specialist: AI-powered tools are being used to enhance efficiency and decision-making in employment recruitment processes like analyzing resumes and screening candidates. Additionally, chatbots can be used to handle routine employee inquiries about benefits, policies, and procedures.
Chief Diversity Officer (CDO): Artificial Intelligence tools can be used to automate bias detection in company communications and policies, and gauge sentiment analysis about inclusion initiatives among employees.
[The Other CDO] Chief Data Officer (CDO): AI technology and tools can increase effectiveness by improving data quality, enabling advanced analytics, and fostering cross-functional collaboration within an organization.

7. Was This Article Written By Artificial Intelligence?

You tell me. Now that you’re at the end of it: Did I write this? Or was artificial intelligence the author? Comment below (or message me on LinkedIn after connecting) and I’ll tell you the answer.

*Simplified Cybersecurity Solutions is a joint venture from SSS for Success (Simplified Social Media Solutions).

Beware: Domain Registry of America

By sss4success 9 Comments

Recently, I received a “Domain Name Expiration Notice” from a company called “Domain Registry of America”. What bothers me most about this notice, is that it’s designed to look like a bill, and to the untrained eye, or unlearned domain owner, you are very well led to believe that you need to follow the instructions on this form in order to renew your upcoming expiring domain.

For this reason, I’m issuing this Public Service Announcement to Small Business Owners who may have or will receive a “Domain Name Expiration Notice” from Domain Registry of America. In my opinion, this company participates in an unsavory business practice of preying on individuals, via the mail, who are likely not web-savvy enough to know that this “notice” is nothing more than an advertisement of their high-priced domain transfer and registration service.

And when I say “high-priced”, I mean it. I’ve attached a copy of this notice here:

Page (1):

Page (2):

And on it, you’ll notice that a one year renewal for one domain is $35! This is highway robbery, especially since the worst case scenario I’ve seen for a domain renewal has only been upwards of $12. So, with Domain Registry of America, you’ll likely pay 3 times more than you would with other registrars!

It bothers me that this company is participating in what I believe is a “shady” business practice, especially since they’re going after people who likely don’t know what they don’t know. I’ve been getting these notices for quite some time now, but it recently came to my attention again because one of my clients inquired to me about it, based on some recent domain purchases that I had just procured on their behalf. They thought, that something mentioning their domain name and having their address on it, with what LOOKS like a bill, was a bill, and if they hadn’t spoken to me first, they likely would have been out of at least $40!

Because I knew to intuitively ignore these notices, I assumed that others did as well, but then I later learned I was wrong in my assumption. For that reason, today I say: BEWARE OF “Domain Registry of America” of 2316 Deleware Avenue, #266, Buffalo, NY 14216-2667. They may in fact be a “legitimate business”, but the way they go about business sucks and they need a new model that doesn’t prey on misleading people and taking advantage of them.

I would suggest, if you get one of these notices in the mail that you REPORT IT TO YOUR LOCAL STATES ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER FRAUD! That’s what I intend to do! It’s your State’s Attorney’s job to stay vigilant and protect your state’s consumers from companies with unsavory and predatory business practices, and this should be brought to everyone’s attention, to keep “Domain Registry of America” from sending out these faux-bill notices with its ridiculously small fine print on the back.

I hope that this information has been useful to you, and I’d encourage you to share your experience with Domain Registry of America, and similar companies that operate like them. Have you gotten one of these notices before?

Kindra Cotton, Small Business Survival Specialist

Beware: Domain Registry of America

An Overview of Social Media Tools and Outlets (Part 2)

By sss4success 4 Comments

In Part 2 of An Overview of Social Media Tools and Outlets, I want to talk about other avenues that are used for sending out messages and connecting with others in the Social Media Space, specifically Blogging, Podcasting, and Email Marketing (See Part 1 here).

One of my personal favorites in social media is Blogging. Blogs provide a way to establish yourself as a thought-leader in your field, and regular blogging on a consistent schedule can help you grow your small business because it allows you to build web traffic by providing useful information to your blog’s visitors. At SSS for Success we specialize in providing Branded Blogs which are highly customized blogs built around your brand and designed to amplify your company's message in the blogosphere and throughout the World Wide Web. One good thing about blogs, versus say a regular website, is that blogs are better for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes because a blog is updated more than a traditional website, thus prompting search engine spiders (or robots) to crawl your blog pages more frequently and increasing your chances of being found through search engine results for specific keywords.

The next social media outlet is Podcasting (or digital audio broadcasting) which is like broadcasting your own radio show, where people can choose to download it and listen to it at their leisure. Podcasting can help you drive traffic to your small business's website by providing a platform for you to talk about your area of expertise via your very own broadcast known as “podcast”. It is a great way to amplify your company's message and reach a new audience in a different online medium. Some interesting stats on podcasting: Approximately 45 million people in the U.S. have gym memberships. Why is this relevant? Because most will need something to listen to during the 30-60 minutes that they work out. Another stat: 97 million people who drive to work along on a daily basis, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. Again, a podcast for this lonely driver definitely fills a void. One of the things that I like about podcasting is its relatively low cost of entry into the field. All you really need is a microphone, some recording software, and web hosting space to store your files. This is something you can get started with for $50 or less. As with anything, once you get more sophisticated in your podcasting, it can get more expensive, but I like how you can tinker around with it first, and see if it’s really for you before making a huge financial commitment. If you visit this blog often, you might also be interested in checking out our podcast in iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sss-for-success/id420375160

Last but not least, I want to talk about Email Marketing because even in the age of mobile internet and text messaging, there’s still some people out there that are using email marketing and using it well. It will certainly depend on your industry and audience, but a well-run email marketing campaign can be the difference between an empty inbox and your phone consistently ringing off the hook! Email Marketing through e-newsletters can be used to build bring traffic either to your website or blog, and ultimately enhance your small business's overall brand by nurturing the relationships you have with your customers. For instance, email marketing builds your reputation as an information resource to your core audience, and it lets your audience know that you know what you’re talking about. It also keeps you connected with your audience, and it gives you the opportunity to stay relevant and provide useful information that they’ll appreciate. If you sell things, or at one point will want to promote something, it’s a great way to have a “pre-sold” audience who trusts you and your opinions, and it helps you build traffic and enhance your brand, while engaging in activities that help your business’s bottom line.

Another hot topic in the Social Media Space for business professionals is Mobile Marketing. It definitely has people buzzing, especially as more and more people are using their mobile devices to get more things done. I’ll be talking about Mobile Marketing soon on this blog, so please stay tuned for updates.

So, that’s a general overview of social media tools and outlets, and there is certainly more to share. The main point that I want you to walk away with here is that you want to be sure to choose the right mix of social media outlets that fit with your company’s message and branding. As always, you can feel free to give me a call at 615-336-4325, if you have any questions about how you can better utilize social media in your small business, and I’ll end part 2 of this series by asking: Have you tried any of these outlets, and what’s been your experience with them?

Kindra Cotton, Small Business Survival Specialist

An Overview of Social Media Tools and Outlets (Part 2)