Top 3 Beginner-Friendly AI Platforms

AI Rules and Resources for Those New To Using AI #CareerNotes

AI can seem so scary to so many people. 

Although there is still a lot I have to learn, I’ve decided to lean into the resources available and start making them work to my advantage sooner rather than later. 

If you’re new to the world of AI resources, here are a couple of rules and a few resources you can start with that have started to save me some time and make my work a little bit easier. 

The Rules

1. AI is a starting point, not a final product 

Because it’s still so new, AI is great at pointing you in an initial direction. But it’s just that, direction. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that what you create via AI is final, there may be still be some steps left that you need to take to really have something polished and final. 

2. Double check everything (due diligence is key) 

To the point, you must verify the information AI provides. It will often pull quality, verifiable info. But to be safe, double check that the information is correct before you site it at work or at school. Every once in a while the programs grab info from outdated sources, so even info that may have once been correct may now be wrong. I always do another search on my own, using the findings as a starting point. 

3. Be aware of what’s meant to stay private 

Some models allow you to upload information and documents, and copy and paste questions. When doing this, make sure you don’t accidentally share information that is sensitive or private to your job, clients, or even yourself. You don’t know how this information is stored and re-shared, or how it informs AI inquiries being made by other people. 

Resources

Here are 3 easy to use platforms to get you started.

1. ChatGPT

ChatGPT is the most well known and is very to use. Simply give it a request or command, and it will respond with information. 

You don’t need an account to try it, but creating an account means it will save your questions. 

There is a free version, and for $20 a month you get access to the faster upgraded version. I’ve found not much difference between the two other than speed, so for beginners the free version is just fine. I will likely switch off my paid version, and move that money to Perplexity (see number 3 in this list)

It also has plugins from other sites, like Canva and logo creators, but I’ve found these to be really unhelpful so far.

How I use it most: rewording copy, idea thought starters, admin task outlines (timelines, budgets templates, etc.), and table creation

2. Google Gemini 

Google also has a tool called Gemini. You’ve seen it start to pop up in google searches and maybe even your email, but it also has a dedicated site as well. 

What I like about Gemini is that it will use Googles search platform to fact-check itself, and provide options for answers. 

After you ask your question, click on the multi-colored G at the bottom of the response to double check the info. The info highlighted in green is found to be accurate. Info highlighted in red represents info that may not be as relevant. Regardless of the result on any AI tool, do an extra search on your own to double check the findings if you need to site information. 

Gemini is also free to use, but some companies may not allow you to use in connection with your work email. There is a monthly subscription for $19.99 that includes some other Google services (like enhanced Google Meet video quality) but I have not upgraded. 

How I use it most: I use it as a mirror to ChatGPT if I want more creative copy options, or when I want to check for accuracy or expand a search. This is my least used tool of the three listed in this blog, because of it doesn't work with my work email profile.

3. Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI is the resource I’ve begun using the most, as it has a focus on research. For things like cultural/event calendars, copywriting, and tables ChatGPT or Gemini will still do the trick. 

But I’ve found I have better research results on Perplexity. The platform allows you to narrow your focus, and pull information from videos or education sources which adds a layer of depth to the results. 

Not only do the answers seem more relevant, but the program can also pull images and more relevant external links. You also have the option to upload images and documents (but remember Rule number 3). 

There is a “Discover” tab which is nice for anyone looking to see what is trending in certain industries across multiple sources. 

There is a pro version for $20 a month that lets you visualize answers and upload and analyze unlimited files, which I may give a try soon. 

How I use it most: audience research, topic research, current or historical event timeline creation 

Want to try these AI tools but don’t know where to start? Check out my recent #careernotes post that outlines “20 AI Prompts Every Professional Should Know.” Those prompts are easy to copy and paste, and ready to help you start using AI immediately and efficiently. 

There are many other AI tools that make creating and researching really interesting, but these are definitely the most user friendly options I’ve come across.