AI is everywhere in the news right now, and most of the coverage either oversells it ('it's going to replace everyone') or undersells it ('it's just a fad'). The truth is somewhere in the middle, and it's actually pretty useful if you know what it's good at.
What AI tools like ChatGPT actually are
They're programs that can understand and generate text. You type a question or a request, and they give you a written response. Think of it as having a very well-read assistant who can draft emails, summarise documents, answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and explain things in simple terms.
What they're good at
Drafting and editing text — emails, letters, social media posts, reports. Summarising long documents into key points. Answering factual questions (though you should double-check important facts). Brainstorming ideas. Explaining complex topics in simple language. Translating between languages. Planning and organising — meal plans, travel itineraries, project outlines.
What they're not good at
They sometimes make things up — confidently and convincingly. This is called 'hallucination' and it's the biggest risk. They don't have access to your personal files, accounts, or the internet (unless specifically connected). They don't truly 'understand' anything — they predict what text should come next. They're not a replacement for professional advice on legal, medical, or financial matters.
How to use them safely
Never put sensitive personal information (passwords, bank details, National Insurance numbers) into any AI tool. Don't trust the output blindly — especially for facts, dates, and statistics. Use them as a starting point, not a final answer. Check your workplace policy before using AI for work tasks.
Which tool should I use?
ChatGPT (by OpenAI) is the most well-known. The free version is capable. The paid version (£20/month) is faster and more powerful. Google Gemini is built into Google's products and works well if you already use Gmail and Google Docs. Microsoft Copilot is integrated into Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365 — if you use Office, this is probably the most convenient option.
For small businesses
AI can genuinely save time on repetitive tasks — drafting customer emails, summarising meeting notes, creating first drafts of proposals, generating social media captions. It won't run your business or replace your team, but it can free up a few hours a week if you know how to use it.
Want to learn more?
We run one-to-one AI sessions for individuals and practical workshops for small businesses here in Lewes. No jargon, no hype — just honest guidance on what's useful and what isn't. Get in touch.