Getting Started with AI: How to Use ChatGPT for Work and Creativity

Getting Started with AI: Tips from Our Open Office Hour

Curious about using AI tools like ChatGPT in your daily work or creative projects, but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. At our recent "Ask Me About AI" Open Office Hour, attendees from a wide range of fields—real estate, legal services, finance, and more—came with real questions and left with practical, confidence-building answers.

Here are a few highlights and takeaways to help you start using AI in a way that supports your goals.

What Can You Do with a Free AI Account?

One of the most common beginner questions is: "What can I actually do with a free ChatGPT account?" Robert, one of our attendees, wondered if he’d be pushed to upgrade after just a few questions. Terza clarified in real time:

“There’s no hard limit on how many questions you can ask in a single session on the free plan. It’s generally based on fair use and system availability. You won’t be forced to upgrade.”

For most new users, the free version of ChatGPT offers plenty of utility. While advanced features like file uploads or access to the newest models are reserved for paid users, free accounts are still great for things like brainstorming email copy, summarizing articles, or drafting social media content.

Think of AI as a 24/7 Business Partner

AI isn't just for techies or students. It can act like a silent business partner—always available, never needing a coffee break. Lois, who runs a LegalShield business, described her experience this way:

“I just typed in a question—'Can you help me grow my LegalShield business?'—and it gave me step-by-step advice, digital marketing tools, ready-to-use scripts! It’s an outline, and it’s fabulous.”

Terza encouraged attendees to think of AI as a brainstorming buddy, assistant writer, or research partner. Even imperfect prompts can spark useful results. Whether you're refining a pitch or looking for newsletter topics, starting a chat can help get the ideas flowing.

Tools for Creators, and a Note on Transparency

Joseph asked about using AI for voice audio and image generation. While he found some tools clunky, Terza offered a few suggestions: Ideogram and Midjourney for images, ElevenLabs or Synthesia for voice. She also emphasized transparency:

“If you use AI for the whole thing, you might say ‘Created by AI.’ Or, if it’s your words and just the audio is AI, try ‘Created with assistance from AI.’ People do care about transparency.”

Finding the right tool often involves trial and error, but the message was clear: keep exploring, keep refining, and let AI be a helpful companion, not a replacement.

Your Next Step with AI

AI tools can feel overwhelming at first, but they don't have to be. With just a free account, you can start small: brainstorm, automate a task, improve a paragraph, or create visuals. The more you play, the more confident you'll become.

Want to keep learning? Join us for next week’s Open Office Hour, or reach out to Terza for 1:1 support. Whether you're dipping a toe in or diving deep, there's a supportive community and plenty of guidance waiting for you.