15 Smart Ways to Use Generative AI
We’ve all been there: Staring at a blank email, forgetting what was said in a meeting or spending way too much time writing a social media post.
Good news: generative AI can help.
The hardest part? Knowing where to start.
Generative AI tools — like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT — can help with everything from writing an email to creating complex Excel functions.
So, we get it. If you haven’t started using generative AI, then diving in can seem scary and overwhelming.
Our advice? Start small.
Use it to help you draft an email to a client or find a specific Teams message from a co-worker.
You might not get the results you want the first time, and that’s OK. There’s a learning curve with generative AI.
But once you’ve figured out how to master prompting, you’ll wonder how you worked without it.
We’ve compiled 15 real ways to use generative AI tools that actually make your day easier — not just “more productive.” Additionally, if you have co-workers or bosses who are hesitant to try it out, we’ll offer some logical reasons for their objections.
Understandably so, many people are or will be hesitant about using generative AI. It has garnered a lot of media coverage in the past few years — both good and bad — so people have their preconceived notions about it.
15 Ideas to Get Started with Generative AI
Here are 15 ways you can use generative AI to increase your productivity. These prompts won’t revolutionize the way you work, but they will reduce the time needed to complete each task.
- 1.) Summarize a Long Client Email. Copy in a long message about taxes, portfolios or tech issues.
- Example prompt: “Summarize this in two sentences.”
- 2.) Rewrite a Sensitive Reply. Draft a tricky email (e.g., bad news, delays, penalties) then:
- Example prompt: “Make this more professional but still kind.”
- 3.) Get Help Thinking Through a Decision. Ask it to help you weigh the pros and cons — or even challenge your assumptions.
- Example prompt: “Talk me out of buying a robotic lawnmower.”
- 4.) Brainstorm Email Subject Lines. Quarterly updates, review invites, patch notices — punch up your subject line.
- Example prompt: “Give me 5 professional subject lines for this message.”
- 5.) Build a Quick Meeting Agenda. Planning a review, onboarding or strategy session?
- Example prompt: “Make a 30-minute agenda for a client onboarding call.”
- 6.) Draft a Client Follow-up Email. After a meeting or support call:
- Example prompt: “Thanks for meeting — here’s what happens next.”
- 7.) Pull Out Talking Points Before a Call. Paste in prep notes or a client summary.
- Example prompt: “What are the 3 key things I should focus on for this meeting?”
- 8.) Explain a Concept Like You’re 5. Demystify capital gains, MFA or ransomware.
- Example prompt: “Explain this like I’m 5.”
- 9.) Create a Client Checklist. For filings, migrations or portfolio reviews.
- Example prompt: “What should a client bring to a tax prep meeting?
- 10.) Draft a LinkedIn Post. Celebrate wins, milestones or lessons learned.
- Example prompt: “Write a LinkedIn post about finishing tax season strong.”
- 11.) Brainstorm Content Topics. Need ideas for newsletters, blogs or campaigns?
- Example prompt: “What are 5 mistakes small businesses make with taxes?”
- 12.) Identify Common Client Mistakes. Avoid common pitfalls with insight-driven advice.
- Example prompt: “What mistakes do small businesses make with onboarding?”
- 13.) Write a Simple FAQ. Use for common topics like tax extensions, required minimum distributions or password resets.
- Example prompt: “Write a short FAQ for Office 365 migrations.”
- 14.) Summarize a Meeting Transcript. Paste in a few minutes of a transcript or notes.
- Example prompt: “Give me the key action items from this conversation.”
- 15.) Reframe a Client Objection. Use it to sharpen your response to tough pushbacks.
- Example prompt: “What’s a smart reply to ‘Your services cost too much’?”
Activating Generative AI Adoption
Understandably so, many people are or will be hesitant about using generative AI. It has garnered a lot of media coverage in the past few years — both good and bad — so people have their preconceived notions about it.
But if you haven’t tried it yet and are hesitant to jump in, here are some of the more common objections and the arguments against those objections.
Objection | Reasoning |
Time Scarcity "I want to, but don’t have time to learn it." | Usually, when something feels like it’s not worth your time, it's because it hasn’t shown its value yet. Once it saves you 15 minutes, you’ll want to use it more. |
Security "I don't want to leak sensitive info." | In some cases, you’re right to avoid sharing sensitive data. But even without confidential input, GenAI can help you structure your thinking, improve clarity and generate new angles. |
AI Makes Mistakes "If it can hallucinate once, it’s unreliable forever." | It’s not perfect — think of it like a smart assistant: fast, creative, but it still needs your review. You’re still in charge. And remember, humans make mistakes too. |
"Not a Tech Person" "I'm not techy enough for this." | You don’t need to be. If you can write an email or ask a question, you can use AI. It’s a conversation, not a command line. You don’t need to be techy, and you don’t need to be perfect. |
Status Quo Bias "What I’m doing already works." | If what you're doing works, great, but imagine getting it done faster, better or with less friction. That’s what GenAI can do for you. Forget the hype. Try it on something real and boring. That’s where the value shows up. |
Lack of Information "I don’t know where to start. There are too many tools.” | Start with Microsoft Copilot in Outlook or Teams. It’s already included in many business licenses, and you benefit from Microsoft’s enterprise-grade data protection — the same security you rely on when emailing sensitive information like Social Security numbers. If you don’t see Copilot in Teams yet, here’s a quick guide to get it added to your sidebar. |
Perfectionism "I don’t want to use it unless I can use it right." | You don’t get good at it by reading about it. You get good by trying, even if it’s messy at first. It’s just like learning to ride a bike. |
Fear of Being Replaced "Won’t this just replace me?" | AI isn’t replacing you, but someone using AI might. The key is staying in control and letting it amplify your best work. |
Ready To Take the Next Step with Generative AI?
Generative AI is a powerful tool, but only if your organization is prepared.
Do you think your organization could benefit from a Copilot license? Contact us to schedule a consultation to see how AI can streamline your workflow.
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