Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing business operations but knowing how to use it effectively is essential. Focusing on two main tools; Chat GPT (paid version) and Microsoft Copilot this article distills practical insights from The Edge webinar with Olga Detrixhe and Aubree Broyles, focusing on actionable strategies for integrating AI into your daily workflow. There is no universal solution—businesses should select tools that best fit their unique needs. 

Everyday Applications of AI 

ChatGPT is used for a wide range of tasks, including creative writing, brainstorming, editing, SEO, website improvement, color palette design, drafting agendas, contracts, policies, proofreading, training creation, image generation, report summarization, email drafting, spreadsheet formatting, and even personal tasks like travel and meal planning. 

Copilot’s strength is its seamless integration with business tools, enabling users to create formulas in Excel, generate content in Word, build PowerPoint presentations instantly, take meeting notes in Teams, create video scripts in Stream, and prioritize emails in Outlook. 

Top Five Tips for Getting Started 

• Strong prompts yield better results: Clearly state your goals, audience, tone, format, and length. Ask AI to remove “purple prose” for more natural language. 

• Encourage AI to ask questions: Add “Ask me questions if needed” to prompts for more tailored responses. 

• Assign AI a role: Specify the expert hat you want AI to wear (e.g., marketing strategist, HR manager) for focused output. 

• Use dictation: Dictate your thoughts to AI for faster, more natural input. 
• Use AI to learn: Treat AI as a tutor for professional development, daily exercises, and quick summaries of complex topics. 

Advanced Use Cases 

Copilot can generate full PowerPoint presentations from simple outlines, saving significant time. Custom GPTs and Copilot agents can be trained with company-specific data—such as brand guides, competitor lists, and service areas—to standardize voice and speed up repetitive tasks. Supervisors can use AI to polish reviews, generate engagement ideas, and simulate customer service scenarios for training, saving hours on documentation and coaching. 

Costs and Security Considerations 

ChatGPT Plus costs $20/month, while Copilot licenses are about $35/month and can be assigned selectively. The real investment is in training staff and developing effective usage policies. AI adoption should be accompanied by clear guidelines and regular reviews. Security is critical: ChatGPT is open-source, so organization MUST safeguard against proprietary, regulated or sensitive data being entered; otherwise, it’s on the internet and searchable. Copilot follows Microsoft 365 user permissions, but organizations must ensure proper set-up, data segregation and compliance. 

Will AI Replace Employees? 

AI is not currently replacing employees but is shifting workloads, enabling teams to deliver more with the same resources. It acts as an “extra employee” for brainstorming and efficiency. The future may see changes in work-life balance, with AI handling busy work and potentially reducing the standard work week. 

Getting Started and Next Steps 

Begin with a small group, develop an AI policy, and train staff on both productivity and security risks. For resources like prompt libraries, slide decks, and policy samples, contact the presenters directly. 

Key Messages: 

• AI can dramatically improve creativity, efficiency, and learning in business. 

• Choosing the right tools, crafting strong prompts, and maintaining security are essential for success. 

• AI is a partner for growth, not a replacement for employees. 

By following these strategies, businesses can harness AI to transform operations and prepare for the future.