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Happy Friday Reader!

I just finished recording and editing five modules for my Bitkom Masterclass in September, and let me tell you — I'm so ready for a break. The last few days were intense. Tella and ChatGPT were my best AI friends, but even with their help, my Oura ring was like, "Simone, seriously, take a break."

So, I'm listening to it. This weekend, I'm shutting down all work-related activities, spending time with friends and family, and having a glass 🍷(or two!!) after a "sober, curious" week - the latest trend in LA. 🤪

Before I completely switch off, I wanted to share something: Have you noticed how everyone on LinkedIn seems obsessed with showing off their AI tools? Everywhere I turn, there's a new lead magnet:

"Get the top 100 AI tools to 10x your productivity!"

People are lining up to hand over their emails for these lists.

But here's the thing — I wonder what happens after that? Why are we all so caught up in hoarding AI tool lists?

What's Going On?

Who hasn't signed up for something just because it looked cool, only to never use it?

Maybe it's FOMO — the fear of missing out. Collecting these lists and then doing nothing with them might make us feel like we're being productive.

But in reality, it's like buying those books to read them "someday." (I've got a few on my shelf too, no judgment! )

And then there are the comments like, "Oh, I've been using that tool for months, Simone…" which screams shiny new tech syndrome — "I'm first, I'm cool."

Or it's the thrill of trying new tools without a clear use case. I get it — it feels good to be doing something, right (even if you procrastinate after)?

But here's what I've realized: I've been guilty of this, too — getting caught up in the hype and signing up for tools I didn't need.

It felt good, but in hindsight, I realized it was just adding to the noise.

Many of these tools are just basic implementations of OpenAI's API. If you know how to prompt properly and understand ChatGPT or another core LLM, you can get the same results without relying on many external tools — and without the extra expense.

I just canceled a monthly subscription to a LinkedIn analytics tool because I found a free custom GPT, which may be less fancy, that does that for free, and that is all I need as a solopreneur.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the AI tools out there, but using too many can actually be counterproductive. Everyone wants to drive the latest sports car to show off, but most don't even know how to drive. They are missing the foundational knowledge — how to prompt, evaluate tech tools, and find valuable use cases for their job.

The Power of Focus

Here's something interesting: most of my friends and I, teaching AI implementation to hundreds of employees, only use a few tools.

It's not flashy or exciting, I know. But mastering just 2 to 3 AI tools can be all you need to get that pay raise, promotion, or more praise at work.

By focusing on a few essential tools instead of trying to learn dozens, you can:

• Develop deep expertise that sets you apart.

• Solve real work problems more effectively.

• Show real value to your employer.

I've narrowed it down to five tools I use daily:

• ChatGPT,
• Perplexity,
• Canva AI,
• Notion AI,
• and Grammarly.

That's it.

With this setup, I can get 80% of the value with just 20% of the tools. Is that Pareto efficiency?

It's probably the only thing I remember from university. 😉

Problem-First, Tool-Second

When I find a problem in my workflow that AI could help with, I search in real time for the best tool, evaluate it, and test it. I don't need those long lists of 100 new AI tools that are probably outdated by the time you open them (if you can even find them in your computer's digital jungle)

That's why I created my "Keepsake Box" in Notion — a digital knowledge management system inspired by Tiago Forte's Second Brain method.

It works for me, making me super relaxed about "tools FOMO."

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone 🚀

Every now and then, I do step outside my comfort zone and play —because you should try new tools.

How do I do it?

I follow this simple rule when I hear about a tool (from content or a friend):

• 1st time: It's probably noise.

• 2nd time: I should start checking it out.

• 3rd time: I should've already started using it.

That's how I started using Perplexity and said goodbye to my old, dear friend, Google Search. I only use Google Search now if I want to find the best taco truck near me — and even then, I know it's just around the corner on Rose in Venice.

Have you ever been caught up in the AI tool hype?

I'd love to hear your stories. Drop me a note, and let's chat about them!

Share your favorite tool that you can't live without—or maybe a list of 100 best AI tools gathering dust in your inbox. I'll then 'generate' a LinkedIn top 1000 tools list—after this 'think letter,' you know how FOMO works on LinkedIn — 'bigger' always works in marketing. 😉

I wish you a relaxing weekend filled with good food, great company, and maybe a little AI play with Perplexity, asking which two AI tools you need to become Pareto efficient in your job. :-)

❤️ from Venice Beach

Simone

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