Mastering AI for freelance success

In the heart of the AI revolution, freelancers are not just adapting to the new ways of working; they emerge as pioneers, adeptly navigating this new terrain. Since 2022, there has been a 250% surge in demand for AI skills. 

However, while 25% of searches for AI skills found a match on Malt in 2022, only 18% were matched in 2023, highlighting a lack of available talent in this industry.

At the same time, AI's impact on jobs continues making headlines, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicting that it will affect 40% of jobs around the world. Everyone asks themselves whether to stick to the basics or embrace upskilling. In the freelance arena, standing out is key, and mastering AI tools to hone your resilience and creativity is the winning combination.

We prepared a quick guide on leveraging AI to ensure you're not just surviving the future but thriving in it.

Embracing tech to boost your productivity

AI isn't exactly new. In fact, in 1997, IBM's chess whiz, Deep Blue, made headlines by outsmarting world champion Kasparov. That was just a glimpse of AI's potential.

Fast-forward to 2024, we've seen a surge in computing power, opening up new possibilities. Suddenly, handling complex tasks is almost child's play. As we look ahead, the rise of new tech tools and AI means we need to rethink our skills and focus on new key strengths.

More and more companies are shifting their roadmaps to include AI. For example, SAP is restructuring 8,000 jobs and investing €2 billion in a shift towards artificial intelligence. The company's focus on Business AI and Generative AI technologies marks its commitment to strategic growth areas and confidence in prospects.

The shift to AI-enhanced working style

Technology has always had a significant impact on our lives, reshaping how we organise our days. The leap to hybrid post-pandemic models (hello remote work and virtual meetings) got a turbo boost from the latest and greatest software features. Enter Hubspot, Slack, Notion, ChatGPT and Canva - apps packed with AI tools that streamline our daily jobs and offer fresh ways to get organised and work in teams.

Moreover, remote work is picking up steam, creating multiple benefits not only for full-time employees but also for freelancers. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, surveying 39,000 people across 27 countries, found that working from home can save an average of 1 hour and 12 minutes daily. While digital and AI tools are game-changers for remote and hybrid working methods, they require fast learning of new tools and top-notch organisational skills to adjust to asynchronous communication.

AI task mastery for modern workflows

Mastering specific management skills is essential to effectively leverage AI for routine tasks. Understanding the task's nature and implications is key when delegating to AI. Regardless of profession or industry, achieving satisfactory results and creating efficient AI solutions require sharp analysis, structured planning and clear communication. These timeless skills will grow in significance as technology evolves to assist with more complex tasks.

Therefore, engaging with AI involves a nuanced approach to communications.

Crafting effective AI prompts

Context is crucial when using AI. Precision and clarity are key, and using simple and descriptive language is generally highly encouraged. It's important to frame inquiries by emerging AI within the specific context of your topic, including the persona and issue at hand. Adrien Fernandez-Baca, CEO of Cubyn, notes that "AI tools such as ChatGPT can unlock vast knowledge and facilitate rapid progress on any issue if used correctly."

Using the RISEN framework can help optimise your prompts and make the most out of AI tools.

Training and testing your AI model

Iterative testing and expanding queries are crucial for tailoring responses to your needs. Breaking down complex projects into simple tasks strategically identified in advance also leads to satisfactory outcomes when experimenting with AI.

Understanding AI Bias and Human Error

As with user surveys, satisfaction questionnaires, sales scripts, or A/B testing, it’s important to recognise and educate yourself about human-induced errors, especially when using AI. For example, John Manoogian's Codex of Cognitive Biases, which lists 180 biases, highlights those often replicated in language models.

Thus, our tendencies to emphasise certain memories, dismiss information, focus on belief-reinforcing details, or ignore external context can skew analysis and AI's information processing. Claire Lebarz, VP of Data at Malt, underscores the importance of assessing strategy impact when working with AI, reminding us that biases are inherently present due to their societal prevalence.

Agility and creativity: essential future skills

Leveraging training and peer learning

With vast knowledge at our fingertips, the challenge is to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. The 2022 Tech Work Report suggests skills may become outdated in just 18 months, highlighting the importance of agility and quick adaptation.

Julie Ranty, co-founder and CEO of the training platform Pollen, believes that "Peer Learning is the most efficient way to quickly impart actionable skills in an engaging manner." According to a LinkedIn Workplace report, nearly 68% of professionals prefer learning from peers, who are best positioned to share their experiences on emerging challenges. Interactive sessions in small groups can enhance the learning of essential skills across vital topics like product design, data and AI, sales, marketing, impact growth, tech, and management. Organisations must address the need for ongoing education to navigate job market shifts.

Creativity: the cornerstone of innovation

Creativity stands as a key innovation driver. Despite AI’s prominence in many industries, human qualities and emotional factors can’t be replicated by AI and, as a result, will enhance future professions. This highlights the importance of creative tasks with high added value, such as:

Make your personality shine

In marketing, content needs to be unique to capture the readers’ attention. Unfortunately, AI-generated materials often lack the personal touch. Therefore, creative projects, though requiring more initial investment, tend to be more rewarding, and marketing leaders should perceive AI as their virtual assistant. It can be a helpful tool for low-value tasks such as generating ideas or proofreading. However, the high-level conceptualisation and structuring of projects remain a domain where freelancers exhibit thoroughness and creativity.

Fine-tune your secret weapon

Freelancers who excel at crafting personal stories are set to shine. The competition heats up as AI recruitment tools widen the talent search globally. Standing out with a touch of creativity could be your secret weapon.

Thankfully, AI has not mastered storytelling yet, a skill that Jamie Wong, an entrepreneur and TV producer, suggests is within everyone's reach. She emphasised key elements to make a story compelling:

As technology advancements rapidly impact every industry, honing these human skills is essential for persuasion and keeping an edge in an ever-evolving job market.

This is your moment. Will you rise to the AI challenge?