Next, we consider the idea of becoming an early adopter of new tech. We explore using AI proactively, not just because you have to, but to get ahead. Being one of the first to use new AI tech can cause people to see you as an ideas person — and that’s a good thing!
The term “early adopter” originated in innovation diffusion theory, describing people who embrace new technology well before the majority.
Adopting new technologies
Using and experimenting with AI tech is important. Try out different software or tools in your job or even for fun. This will help you get better at them and let you see how they can help in your work. Here are a few examples of tools to consider:
- ChatBot (
www.chatbot.com): ChatBot is an AI chatbot builder that allows businesses to create and implement conversational agents for customer service, enhancing customer interaction and support. - ChatGPT (
https://openai.com/chatgpt): ChatGPT is a powerful GenAI chatbot that excels in generating text that is useful for content creation, automated customer service responses, and language translation. - Jasper (
www.jasper.ai): Jasper is an AI writing assistant that helps create high-quality content, from marketing copy to blog posts, enhancing productivity for content creators and marketers. - Synthesia (
www.synthesia.io): Synthesia is an AI video generation platform that creates realistic videos from text, useful for business presentations, training videos, and marketing, as shown in Figure 7-2. - Zapier (
https://zapier.com): Though not exclusively AI, Zapier automates workflows between various web applications, streamlining processes for businesses and increasing efficiency in tasks.
Trying new things, even if they don’t always work out, is part of learning. Every time you try new things, you’re likely to learn something new. Being ready to test, learn, and change is what makes someone good at using new tech.
Keeping up with new tech, practicing it, talking with others about it, and being ready to try it out can really help you at work. It can make you a leader in using new tech and help you do your job better.
What are some AI tools you’ve heard about but haven’t tried yet? What might be holding you back?
Want to go deeper? The science behind early adoption.
Early adopters are often key drivers of innovation in organizations. Research shows that experimenting and sharing feedback about new tech can influence broader adoption and organizational change. This behavior is linked to higher creativity and adaptability, making early adopters valuable assets.
Utilizing AI for thought leadership
AI can play a key role in boosting thought leadership. By using AI, you can bring fresh ideas to the table and be perceived as a more advanced thought leader. Here are a few ways AI can advance your thought leadership:
- AI gives you a massive amount of information and different perspectives quickly. This information can spark new ideas that you may not have thought of on your own. For example, AI can analyze trends and data in your field, helping you see where things are going and what you should focus on.
- AI helps you understand your audience better. AI tools like data analysis platforms can show you what the public is interested in or worried about. This can help you create messages or content that really speaks to the concerns of your audience.
- AI lets you test out your ideas quickly. You can see what works and what doesn’t without spending a lot of time or resources. This means you can try more new things and find the best ideas faster.
Industry leaders often use AI-powered analytics to spot emerging trends and tailor content to community concerns, positioning themselves as forward-thinking experts.
Choose one AI tool from the list above and use it for a small task.
- Pick a tool (e.g., ChatGPT or Synthesia).
- Create a short piece of content or automate a task.
- Reflect on how the tool changed your workflow or thinking.
How could AI help you understand your audience or customers better? Think about your current role or goals.
The ability to influence others with innovative ideas and insights, often by leveraging new tools and technologies like AI.
Someone who embraces and experiments with new technologies before they become mainstream, gaining a reputation for innovation.
Businesses that adopt AI-powered customer service chatbots often report improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency compared to competitors who wait.
Gaining a competitive advantage through innovation
Adopting AI can give you a competitive advantage. It lets you do things in new and better ways. AI can look through lots of information quickly and find helpful insights. This can lead to new ideas, like different ways to talk to customers or solve problems that have been without a solution for a long time.
Being innovative isn’t always about huge changes. Sometimes it’s about making small improvements that make your work better and easier. AI can take care of routine tasks, so you have more time to think of new ideas and solve problems. Even small changes can make your work much better.
Consider a routine task you do regularly. How might AI help you improve or automate it so you can focus on more creative work?
When you use AI with what you’re already good at, you can come up with truly creative ideas. It isn’t just about using AI tools; it’s about making them a part of how you work. This helps you do new and exciting things.
Being ready to test, learn, and change is what makes someone good at using new tech.
- You’ve learned how early adoption of AI can position you as an ideas person.
- Experimenting with new AI tools can open up new opportunities at work.
Becoming an early adopter means you need to master every new technology immediately.
Early adoption is about a willingness to experiment and learn, not instant mastery—trying, learning, and adapting are key.
What is an early adopter?
Tap to revealA person who embraces new technology before it becomes widely used, gaining advantages from early experimentation.
How can AI support thought leadership?
Tap to revealBy providing new perspectives, fast analysis, and helping generate innovative ideas and targeted messages.
What’s one way AI can give you a competitive advantage?
Tap to revealAI can quickly sift through large amounts of information to uncover valuable insights and new solutions.
Which of the following best describes the benefit of being an early adopter of AI technology?
Describe a time when you tested a new technology before others and what you learned from the experience. How might you apply that approach to AI tools?
Being an early adopter of AI technology allows you to learn, adapt, and innovate—giving you a reputation as an ideas person and helping you gain a competitive advantage.
Small experiments with AI tools can lead to big improvements in creativity, productivity, and thought leadership.
How confident are you that you can explain why early adoption of AI creates a competitive advantage?
The Shift
- Early adoption of AI can position you as an innovative ideas person in your field.
- Experimenting with new tools, even if imperfect, is essential for learning and gaining an edge.
- Integrating AI into your workflow leads to creative solutions and improved productivity.