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The Human-First AI Series

An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Using AI

How to Use AI to Save Time, Work Smarter, and Get More Done

Your practical starter kit for using AI to work smarter and get more done, without needing a technical background. Written for working professionals who feel overwhelmed by the AI hype cycle, it covers the fundamentals - what AI actually is, how to talk to it clearly, when to use it, and how to build reliable workflows.

By the end, you'll have real workflows in place and the confidence to keep up as the technology evolves.

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An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Using AI book cover

What's inside

  • Pick the right job for the task - a quick chat, a search for current facts, a slower reasoning pass, a documented research run, or letting AI carry out the steps.
  • Use Butler Mode to get work done, and Advisor Mode to challenge and improve your thinking.
  • Brief AI clearly with GOAL - goal, output, added context, look over - instead of hunting for the perfect prompt.
  • Know when not to trust the answer. The Verification Tax tells you whether AI actually saved you any time.
  • Use AI safely at work: what belongs in an approved environment, and what should stay out of it.
  • Turn experiments into habits with a small set of repeatable workflows for the work you actually do.

What you'll have when you finish

  • One AI tool you know how to use.
  • A way to pick the right job for the task.
  • A repeatable way to brief it.
  • A verification habit you trust.
  • A small library of workflows for real work.

Who this is for

Working professionals - consultants, managers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, educators - who are curious about AI but overwhelmed by the jargon and pace of change. No prior AI experience needed. The book assumes only basic computer literacy. It's designed for people who value their time and want tangible results, not theory. If you can use email, you can use this book.

Written from real workshops and client work

Alastair McDermott is a former software engineer who now helps professionals and teams put AI into working practice, without the hype.

What to read next

Hello, I'm New Here!

Tired of re-briefing AI? Hello, I'm New Here! shows you how to build context you control - four short files that carry your role, your current work, your style and your decision rules between the places you use AI.
→ learn more

The AI Pilot Handbook

Ready to run a team pilot? The AI Pilot Handbook is a field manual for leaders who need to show ROI on their first structured AI project.
→ learn more

Want hands-on help applying this?

Let's turn this into results for your business

  • A short call about where you are and what you want to do with AI
  • A clear view of the fastest path from book to results in your team
  • If we're not a fit, I'll point you somewhere useful
Alastair McDermott

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