AI for SMBs

Many organizations have invested in generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude, but the tools are sitting on desktops, barely used or not used at all. Employees are uncertain how to get started, unsure what the tools can do, and wary of the risks. The result is a growing gap between the investment made and the productivity gained.

This introductory workshop closes that gap. It gives employees hands-on experience in prompt engineering, and using generative AI to produce real work products such as reports, proposals, client communications, policies, presentations, and research. Participants learn how to direct AI effectively, review its outputs critically, and apply their own judgment and expertise, much as they would when delegating work to a junior team member. They leave with practical skills, real outputs, and a clear framework for using AI confidently and responsibly in their day-to-day roles.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Employees across functions who are expected to use AI tools but are unsure where to start
• Managers and team leads responsible for overseeing AI-assisted work and ensuring quality
• Operations, finance, and administration staff looking to improve efficiency with AI
• Marketing, communications, and business development professionals producing client-facing content
• Project managers and analysts who research, synthesize information, and prepare recommendations
• Teams seeking a shared, practical approach to integrating AI into daily work

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN:

• Prepare effective prompts.
• Use generative AI responsibly in a business context, balancing productivity with accuracy, confidentiality, and professional standards
• Apply a practical decision framework for when to use AI, when it requires close oversight, and when it should not be used at all
• Work effectively with tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude
• Give clear direction and context to AI tools, similar to delegating work to a junior team member
• Critically review, refine, and validate AI-generated outputs using their own expertise
• Produce real work products that are accurate, professional, and ready for use

COURSE OUTLINE

AI at Work: Why It Matters Now

• Why organizations are adopting generative AI and what it means for your team
• Adopting a mindset to produce higher quality work, with less effort, in a more
  enjoyable way

Understanding Generative AI

• How generative AI tools work, without the technical jargon
• Strengths, limitations, and key differences from earlier technologies
• Bias in AI systems and approaches to mitigation
• Privacy, security, and information-handling considerations

A Decision Framework: When and When Not to Use AI

• Assessing task suitability and risk level
• Identifying tasks that require close human oversight
• Recognizing tasks where AI should not be used at all
• Aligning AI use with company policies, client expectations, and professional obligations

Prompt Engineering: Directing AI Like a Junior Team Member

• Why prompt quality matters
• Giving clear instructions, context, and expectations
• Providing the right background information
• Iterating and refining through dialogue
• Ensuring that you remain the directing mind and author of all your work

Hands-On Application: Producing Real Work Products

• Conducting research and synthesizing information
• Drafting reports, proposals, policies and client communications
• Preparing presentations and internal documents
• Developing talking points for meetings and business development

Critically Reviewing and Validating AI Outputs

• Checking for accuracy, hallucinations, and missing context
• Identifying bias and questionable assumptions
• Applying professional judgment to ensure outputs are defensible

METHODOLOGY

This is a hands-on, full-day workshop delivered in-person or virtually for groups of 6 to 20 participants. The day combines short instructional segments, practical metaphors, group discussion, and guided exercises with generative AI tools. It is premised on the idea that participants need to use generative AI in order to understand it. Participants are encouraged to bring a current work task, such as a report in progress, a proposal, or an upcoming presentation and apply AI to it during the day. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have produced real, usable work products and developed a personal decision framework for ongoing responsible AI use.

Course Code: JS2049