Stop Asking AI Questions. Start Giving It Jobs

Stop Asking AI Questions. Start Giving It Jobs

Author: Jeff Sieh May 31, 2026 Duration: 54:00

What if the biggest mistake creators are making with AI isn’t using the wrong tool… it’s using the right tool the wrong way?

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In this episode, Mike Allton, host of The AI Hat Podcast and one of the leading voices in practical AI for business, explains why most creators and solopreneurs are leaving the majority of AI’s value on the table. Instead of treating AI like a smarter search engine, Mike argues that we should be building specialized assistants that handle repeatable work, save time, and act more like members of our team.

Mike shares the mindset shift that changed his own business, from asking AI questions to creating an AI Chief of Staff that understands his goals, workload, and priorities. We unpack the friction audit process he teaches organizations, how to identify the tasks that create the most administrative drag, and why every creator should start thinking about AI as a team of digital workers rather than a chatbot.

If you’ve been wondering how to move beyond prompts and start building real systems, this episode is packed with practical examples and actionable ideas.

Key Takeaways

  • Stop using AI as a search engine and start using it as a specialized assistant
  • Run a friction audit to identify repetitive tasks that waste time each week
  • Build AI workers around specific jobs instead of one giant all-purpose chat
  • Create an AI Chief of Staff that understands your goals, priorities, and bandwidth
  • Use AI to handle podcast preparation, research, meeting prep, and reporting
  • Ask AI to interview you when building a custom assistant or agent
  • Store instructions and knowledge separately so your AI assistants can evolve over time
  • Use projects, notebooks, and knowledge bases to reduce hallucinations and improve accuracy
  • Choose one AI platform and learn it deeply instead of jumping between tools
  • Pay for your AI tools if you’re using them for business and want access to advanced features
  • Save time on administrative work so you can spend more time on creative and strategic work
  • Think of AI as your first hire, not just another piece of software

Resources


Mike and I are both speaking at Digital Wichita on June 18-19! (Come say Hi!)

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JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.

Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.


Staying current in the fast-moving world of social platforms can feel like a full-time job. That’s where Social Media News Live comes in. Hosted by Jeff Sieh, this isn't just a recorded lecture; it's a live, interactive conversation designed to cut through the noise. Each episode connects you directly with the people shaping the landscape-from seasoned marketing experts and platform innovators to successful creators who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear practical discussions about new features, algorithm shifts, and under-the-radar tools that can actually make a difference for your brand or business. The live format is key, allowing for real-time questions and answers that address the specific challenges you're facing right now. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a direct line to a room full of savvy professionals, all focused on translating the latest trends into actionable tactics you can use immediately. Whether you're building a company, growing an audience, or simply trying to understand the next big shift, these conversations provide clarity and a competitive edge.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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