AI by NicheHow to use AI at work, if you've never used it
You don't need to "learn AI". Using it at work mostly means typing what you need into an AI chat tool, getting a first draft back, and checking it before you send it. Start with one boring job, not your whole business.
Five steps for your first go
- Pick one boring job you do every week. A quote, a reply to an enquiry, a reminder, a chaser for a late invoice. Something you know well, so you can spot mistakes.
- Open an AI chat tool. ChatGPT (chatgpt.com), Google Gemini (gemini.google.com) or Microsoft Copilot (copilot.microsoft.com), on your phone or computer. You can start with a free version of ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot; each tool sets its own limits, so check its own page.
- Paste a prompt written for that job. Our playbooks give you the exact words for each job. Fill in the parts in [square brackets] with your own details.
- Check the draft. Read it as if a new member of staff wrote it. Check names, prices, dates and anything that sounds like a rule or a legal point.
- Send it yourself, and save the prompt. Next time the same job is quicker.
Good first jobs to try
- Turn your rough job notes into a clear written quote
- Write a clear, fair booking and no-show policy
- Price a regular clean from a walkthrough voice note
- Chase missing records with a clear, tailored checklist
- Log repair requests and reply to tenants promptly
- Follow up enquiries that go quiet after you send your prices
- Reply to weekly check-ins with feedback that keeps clients going
More ideas, grouped by type: what can AI do for a small business?
What to keep out of AI tools
Don't paste customers' full names, addresses or other personal details into AI tools unless you need to and you've checked the tool's privacy settings. Some of our playbooks say never to paste certain information at all; when a job says that, follow it.
Find the playbook for your business
Trades and home services
- AI for plumbers
- AI for electricians
- AI for gas and heating engineers
- AI for builders
- AI for roofers
- AI for plasterers
- AI for painters and decorators
- AI for gardeners and landscapers
- AI for tree surgeons and arborists
- AI for window cleaners
- AI for cleaners
- AI for locksmiths
- AI for pest controllers
- AI for removals and man-and-van firms
- AI for solar and heat pump installers
- AI for mechanics and garages
- AI for car dealers
Health, beauty and wellbeing
- AI for hairdressers and salons
- AI for beauty and nail salons
- AI for tattoo artists
- AI for personal trainers
- AI for yoga and pilates teachers
- AI for physiotherapists
- AI for therapists and counsellors
- AI for private child therapists
- AI for dental practices
- AI for independent opticians
- AI for community pharmacies
- AI for independent vet practices
- AI for dog groomers
- AI for dog walkers and pet sitters
- AI for dog day care and boarding
Creative, digital and events
Food, drink, retail and hospitality
Professional services and property
- AI for accountants and bookkeepers
- AI for solicitors and law firms (admin)
- AI for estate agents
- AI for landlords and letting agents
- AI for mortgage brokers and advisers
- AI for recruiters
- AI for building surveyors
- AI for energy assessors
- AI for fire risk assessors
- AI for ecological consultancies
- AI for RTM and RMC directors
- AI for independent funeral directors
Childcare and education
Community, charity and the arts
Common questions
Do I need to pay for an AI tool to start?
You can start with a free version of ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot; each tool sets its own limits, so check its own page.
Do I need to learn how to write prompts?
No. Each job in our playbooks gives you the exact prompt to copy. You fill in the parts in [square brackets] with your own details.
Will the AI send anything for me?
Not in these playbooks. The AI writes a draft; you read it, fix anything that is wrong, and send it yourself.
Can I paste customer details into an AI tool?
Don't paste customers' full names, addresses or other personal details into AI tools unless you need to and you've checked the tool's privacy settings. Many jobs work with first names or placeholders.
What if the answer looks wrong?
AI tools can get facts, prices, dates and rules wrong, so treat every answer as a first draft. Each job has a "check before you send" list for exactly this.