How to take advantage of an AI future

The pace of AI development is undeniable. It’s a powerful enabler for those who want to drive positive change in the world.

If you’re tuned into the rapid improvements, you’re aware that artificial intelligence is quickly integrating straight into our daily lives.

When revolutions like this happen, early action makes a significant difference. In AI, that means understanding how to ride the wave.

But what should you do, knowing how AI is evolving? From us at Stone & Chalk, here's a roadmap you can follow.

Try AI out for yourself

AI is a new frontier, much like the early days of the internet, apps, bluetooth and smartphones.

Imagine being one of the first to understand what websites would mean for business or how transformative an iPhone would be. Today’s AI has that same transformative potential, and those who realise this early have a major advantage.

Don’t just watch from the sidelines; try the tools yourself. AI products, especially for coding, writing and project management, are already out there and evolving rapidly.

You’ve probably tried ChatGPT, but have you used it to make images, scan information from documents, or plan your weekly dinners.

When you explore with these tools, you’re opening yourself up to a future driven by AI. Be a curious user—download AI apps, learn how they work, and see how they can improve your work.

Real-world experience with these tools will teach you more than just reading about them ever could.

In every tech revolution, early adopters have reaped the benefits. They’ve gained insights and skills that set them apart from those who waited.

Use the tools, play with their capabilities, and discover how AI can make your work smoother and faster.

The insights you have now, about AI’s capability, potential, and growth, could be the spark that ignites your next big career or business move.

Build your AI skills

New tools mean new skills are up for grabs, and there’s no better time to jump in than now. If you start learning about AI today, you’re essentially at the beginning of a movement.

This early stage is when you can gain the most leverage from new knowledge. Becoming proficient with AI is like learning to code in the early days of the web or mastering app development when the App Store launched.

Those who jumped in early were well-rewarded with career opportunities.

AI is an open, accessible field. If you want to learn how it works, there’s an abundance of resources online. YouTube videos, tutorials, and open-source projects mean you can explore and learn AI fundamentals from anywhere.

Use them all – every skill you pick up now will become a foundation for the years ahead.

Make a habit of exploring new AI products as they come out. Experiment with how it can improve your workflow and be a serious user.

This approach will put you in a unique position—you’ll have firsthand experience with AI’s latest capabilities and be well-prepared as it develops further.

This ongoing learning will prepare you for the future and give you insights that others, who only read about AI, may miss.

Turn AI into your advantage

Yes, AI comes with a learning curve. But this is true of any breakthrough technology.

People once needed to learn how to use web browsers and smartphones, and AI is no different. Take the time to understand how these tools work and how to make them work for you.

Every bit of knowledge you gain now will pay off as AI becomes more integrated into our everyday lives. Accept the challenge, and you’ll become a more effective and knowledgeable user.

The most important step with the knowledge and insights you have is to take action.

Change something in your work, start a new project, or learn a new skill. Knowledge without action doesn’t yield results, and the advantage of knowing where AI is headed won’t last forever.

The earlier you act, the more leverage you’ll have. With the rise of AI, technical skills have only become more valuable.

Knowing how to troubleshoot, build, and interact with AI technology puts you in a unique position as others rely on tools that feel like “black boxes.”

Technical expertise is essential—those who possess it will be highly valuable. If you’re not technical, this is a great time to partner with someone who is. A technical co-founder or team member is a huge asset in an AI-driven world.

Build (a business) on the opportunity

If you’ve thought about starting a company, this is an incredible moment to jump in. In times of technological shifts, those who create early, succeed.

For example, companies built around early internet technology or the app ecosystem redefined their industries.

The same thing is happening with AI right now. This technology is just getting started, and it’s powerful enough to unlock opportunities that were unimaginable a few years ago.

We’re seeing companies lean into AI and flourish. Even businesses that once struggled are finding new momentum, with improved margins and customers who view their AI-enhanced services as magic.

If you’ve ever wanted to launch something new, AI offers the resources and market excitement you need.

Choose your next job wisely

Even if entrepreneurship isn’t your path, you can still take advantage of AI’s rise by considering where you work.

Choose a place that’s leveraging AI tools actively—a place where people are experimenting, learning, and constantly improving.

A business that’s invested in AI will give you the chance to work with new tools and learn from others who are making the most of these technologies.

This kind of environment will accelerate your skills and set you apart from peers who aren’t adapting.

We’ve seen that smaller, agile startups are leading the charge in AI adoption. If you can join a fast-moving team, you’ll gain hands-on experience that could take years to acquire at larger, slower-moving companies.

Embrace AI now, even if it isn’t perfect. It’s worth the investment. You’ll be gaining skills, insights, and experience that will make you highly adaptable as AI continues to evolve.

Final thoughts on your future with AI

AI isn’t slowing down. As new models and techniques emerge, the capabilities of AI will only improve.

It’s hard to know exactly where the limit is, but what’s clear is that we’re in the early days of an upward trend.

Being part of this trend gives you an incredible advantage. You’re in the right place at the right time to explore what AI has to offer and make the most of it.

Looking back, the people who succeeded in previous tech revolutions found the right wave and rode it. And A is one of the biggest new waves we’ve seen.

Don’t wait—start learning, exploring, and building with AI. You’re setting yourself up to be part of something extraordinary and to make a huge impact on the lives of others.