Overcoming AI Implementation Challenges: 8 Pe...

9 Upvotes

Overcoming AI Implementation Challenges: 8 Perspectives From Business Leaders and Freelancers

Incorporating AI into freelance work can be challenging, but learning from the experiences of others can be invaluable. We've gathered insights from eight professionals, including an editor-in-chief, corporate investigator, and content writer, who share their challenges and lessons learned from implementing AI into their freelance work.

Refine Prompts and Learn From Experience
Manage Client Expectations and Contracts
Proofread AI Content and Find Your Voice
Ensure Consistency and Accuracy in AI Outputs
Get Approval From Clients For AI Work
Avoid Overdependence on AI
Devote Time to Continous Learning
Master New AI Tools With Patience and Adaptability

Refine Prompts and Learn From Experience

As I began experimenting with AI in freelance writing, one of my biggest obstacles was refining prompts to generate useful and high-quality content. In my first attempts, the content returned was rather generic, not fitting the brand voice, and stylistically sluggish.

The editing needed was extensive, which was counterintuitive to the timesaving potential of the technology. However, with patience, research, and experimentation, I perfected the process.

I sought videos and podcasts to educate myself on prompt writing best practices and did trial and error. Eventually, I figured out how to communicate with the software to return to writing that was up to standards.

Kate Duske, Editor-in-Chief, Escape Room Data

Manage Client Expectations and Contracts

Right now, the biggest challenge is navigating client perceptions and contracts. As a freelance writer, many of my clients are incorporating contract addendums that forbid using AI for research or writing.

It's important for freelancers to track the nuances of each contract to make sure there is no inadvertent breach. Even if there's no formal change in the contract, it's important to be clear on expectations with individual clients, so everyone is on the same page.

Lauren Ward, Writer and Content Strategist, Write With Lauren

Proofread AI Content and Find Your Voice

So I'm an SEO professional and have been present on a few freelance platforms. To land more clients, I also do email outreach to many users via LinkedIn.

I used ChatGPT to craft a message with an attention-grabbing hook that made them want to read more of it.

But then things went wrong. One potential client clicked on one of my sample articles, on a topic they were familiar with, and found grammar errors in paragraphs 1 and 2.

They wrote back saying that my writing didn't match the quality of my outreach. (Their response was harsh.)

I learned that if you're a content writer who justifies software-identifiable and easily rectified grammatical errors as "human" and doesn't appreciate feedback, there's always AI.

I work hard on two things:

Get it right. Proofread, grammar check, and make sure the article works at a basic level.
Find your voice. AI can write generically, but it can't yet give it a soul and a style.

Jugnu Nagar, SEO Specialist, Help In Homework

Ensure Consistency and Accuracy in AI Outputs

I believe that ensuring consistent and accurate results across various projects and clients is a challenge that causes a multifaceted strategy. One aspect entails continuous model training on diverse datasets to expose the AI system to a vast array of language patterns and contexts.

In addition, periodic evaluations and performance assessments are conducted in order to identify areas for development and refine the model. User feedback is crucial in addressing specific circumstances where accuracy may be compromised, allowing for continual improvement and optimization of AI-generated outputs.

Faizan Ahmed Khan, Sr. Content Marketing Specialist, UBUY Australia

Get Approval From Clients For AI Work

One of the most challenging obstacles for freelancers looking to adopt AI into their freelance work, myself included, is the question of legal issues and dealing with grey zones in AI use.

At the moment, there really is no clear consensus on what is considered legal or illegal while incorporating AI into client work, and it's something that has to be clarified for each new project.

I have an open policy when it comes to talking and incorporating AI into my freelance work, and I always strive to get a green light from my clients for AI work that I consider to be particularly useful for our project.

In my experience, this is the best we can do for now to maintain and utilize the great things AI brings to the table, both for us freelancers and the clients we serve.

Ken Savage, Owner, Ken Savage

Avoid Overdependence on AI

I believe that avoiding over-reliance on AI is a critical issue when implementing technology into freelance work. AI can provide valuable insights, but it is essential to strike a balance between the use of AI-generated outputs and human oversight and critical thinking.

The emphasis on human substantiation, fact-checking, and independent analysis ensures that AI is used as a tool and not as a replacement for human judgment. The risk of overdependence can be addressed by encouraging users to critically examine and enhance AI-generated content.

Timothy Allen, Sr. Corporate Investigator, Corporate Investigation Consulting

Devote Time to Continous Learning

AI technologies are continually growing, and to remain competitive, freelancers must keep up with the newest breakthroughs and trends. To overcome this problem, I believe you must devote time to continuous learning, keep up with industry news, participate in AI-related networks, and attend conferences and webinars. By staying up to date on new advancements, freelancers can change their talents and offer to match the market's evolving demands.

Arman Minas, Director, Armstone

Master New AI Tools With Patience and Adaptability

Mastering Midjourney felt akin to learning to swim—a tad wobbly initially, but rewarding eventually.

I was like a fish out of water, attempting to decipher the intricacies of the tool. The interaction with the prompts was uncharted territory, and grasping how to steer the AI to produce the visuals I desired was a challenging climb. Constant research, practice, and consistency were the secret formula.

However, as the adage goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." I approached it incrementally, playing with various configurations, and bit by bit, I witnessed improvement. The voyage had its share of hiccups, but the insights I gained were priceless.

I learned that patience and persistence are key when learning new technology. It's okay to feel overwhelmed at first, but with time and practice, you can master it. I also realized the significance of adaptability. In a rapidly growing field like AI, being open to learning and adapting to new tools is a must!

Anthi Koune, Content Writer and Graphic Designer, Crypto Academy