In a recent discussion, the speaker shared a personal journey that highlights how leveraging technology can lead to significant career advancements. The story revolves around a pivotal moment in their career, showcasing the importance of using tools like AI to amplify personal efforts rather than relying solely on them.

Key Takeaways

• Technology Alone Won’t Make You Rich: It’s your actions that drive success.
• Leverage Your Knowledge: Use your expertise to create valuable content.
• Be Proactive: Take initiative in your career by showcasing your skills.
• Utilize AI Wisely: Use tools like ChatGPT to enhance your work, not replace it.

The Bad News First

Let’s get real. You’re not going to become a millionaire just by using ChatGPT or any other AI tool. The bad news is that many people think technology alone will lead them to success. But here’s the good news: if you’re even a little interested in using technology to your advantage, you’re already on the right path.

A Personal Story

Back in 2004, I was working as a director of sales at a performance-based ad network called Augal. I loved my job and my colleagues, but I wanted more. I aimed to become a vice president of sales. Why? Simple. I wanted to increase my income. My wife was pregnant with our first child, and I needed to step up my game.

I went on several interviews, but they kept offering me director positions with only slight salary increases. Frustration set in. I felt ready for a bigger role, but the opportunities just weren’t there.

The Turning Point

After a few disappointing interviews, I hit a breaking point. I was tired of being overlooked. I started observing my industry closely, reading everything I could find, including the Harvard Business Review. One article caught my attention: it discussed the flaws in pay-for-performance models and how they led to unethical behavior in companies.

This sparked an idea. I realized I could apply this concept to my own work in the ad network industry, which was rife with fraud. I decided to write a blog post about it.

Taking Action

I had no clue how to start a blog, but I figured it out. I created my first post on WordPress, combining my thoughts with insights from the Harvard article. It was a mix of my ideas and the research I had done.

When I went for my next VP interview, I asked the headhunter to send my resume along with the blog post. This was a game-changer. I leveraged my knowledge and the technology available to me to stand out.

The Result

That blog post helped me land a job with a base salary of $200,000 and a $60,000 signing bonus. It was a phenomenal opportunity, and I finally became a VP of sales. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about leveraging technology to enhance my personal brand.

How to Leverage AI Today

If I were in that position today, I would use ChatGPT differently. Here’s how:

1. Find Relevant Articles: I’d start by finding insightful articles, like the one from Harvard Business Review.
2. Extract Key Points: I’d copy the article into ChatGPT and ask it to summarize the top five points.
3. Create Content: I’d use those points to write a blog post or create a video.
4. Share on Social Media: I’d post the content on LinkedIn, maybe even create a newsletter.
5. Design Visuals: I’d use Canva’s AI features to design engaging visuals to accompany my posts.

Conclusion

Stop worrying about the technology itself. It’s not going to make you a millionaire. What matters is how you use it. Focus on your goals, leverage your knowledge, and use technology to amplify your efforts. That’s the key to success. Keep pushing forward, and remember, it’s all about how you apply what you know!