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This as-told-to essay captures insights from Jessica Camilleri-Shelton, a 35-year-old freelance copy and content writer residing in the UK. For brevity and clarity, it has been edited.
Since incorporating advanced technology into my workflow approximately two and a half years ago, my professional and personal landscape has drastically changed. Balancing various responsibilities has become a more streamlined process: I work as a freelance copywriter, create educational content, and am in the process of launching my own business aimed at equipping professionals to "future-proof" their careers with technology.
Over the past six months, I’ve witnessed a remarkable doubling of my copywriting income while enhancing the quality of my output. The new strategies I employ have allowed me to reclaim two full workdays weekly that I previously spent on copywriting, enabling me to focus on developing my business and enhancing my online presence. Notably, I’ve grown my TikTok account to 20,000 followers in just eight weeks by leveraging technology to structure and script content effectively.
The cornerstone of my efficient utilization of technology lies in understanding each tool’s unique advantages. Below are five key software tools that have significantly boosted my productivity, savings, and overall energy.
- ChatGPT has evolved into a vital assistant for both my professional and personal endeavors. By subscribing to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month), I can effectively plan my days, set priorities, and ensure I meet my objectives. For example, I might use this prompt: "Act as my personal assistant and help me organize my day. Please ask me questions to clarify my tasks, priorities (both personal and professional), meetings, and energy levels to create a manageable schedule that allows for breaks and minimizes context switching. Highlight tasks I could delegate or automate, and conclude with my top three must-do items along with a simple tip for an easier day." Additionally, it serves as an invaluable brainstorming partner for new business strategies and even assists in personal matters like trip planning, recipe ideas, and investment management.
Before implementing this technology, I often struggled with procrastination, feeling overwhelmed by large tasks. Now, I task the assistant to break challenges into smaller, manageable steps, prompting me to tackle one at a time. This approach keeps me motivated; each time I complete a step, I initiate the next until I achieve my goal. ChatGPT also provides motivational support when I need that extra push.
Claude serves as my co-creator in writing. While I find ChatGPT to be a strong tool, I believe Claude produces superior content with less input needed. Depending on my requirements, I switch between the Pro version ($17/month) and Max ($100/month). It has been instrumental in crafting social media video scripts, constructing compelling hooks, and generating my weekly business newsletter. Leveraging Claude for my newsletter reflects a significant improvement in quality compared to my past outputs three years ago. I provide Claude with an idea and past newsletters to create drafts in my style and prompt it for personal anecdotes to enhance the copy’s authenticity.
Perplexity complements my toolkit by aiding in research. Although I use it less frequently than Claude and ChatGPT, it’s essential for sourcing relevant data on topics for social media, business updates, or staying informed about tech advancements. When ideating a newsletter topic, I utilize Perplexity to gather credible research and citations.
Fathom enables me to remain engaged during client meetings. Instead of scribbling notes frantically on Zoom, Fathom records video and audio, transcribes the conversation, and summarizes action items into a to-do list. This eliminates the need to sift through lengthy transcripts post-meeting, saving considerable time.
Canva transcends basic graphic design. With an annual subscription of $120 for Canva Pro, I access useful image editing features such as magic resize and background removal. I’ve even integrated Canva with ChatGPT, allowing me to generate design ideas that can be realized in Canva. This synergy avoids the challenges of starting from scratch for graphic projects. Additionally, I utilize Canva Sheets to plan social media posts across multiple platforms, incorporating captions, visuals, and links seamlessly.
In terms of setting boundaries around technology, I recognize its permanence, emphasizing that instead of resisting its influence, collaboration is essential. I consciously safeguard my privacy by avoiding the sharing of personal or sensitive information. While the integration of technology into my life is deepening, I ensure it does not substitute for professional mental health support. I also make it a point to validate AI outputs with my judgment, expertise, and creativity.
With continuous updates rolling out, the landscape can feel overwhelming. I advise focusing on one or two technological aspects that pique your interest and promise tangible benefits, whether that’s in major models like ChatGPT, image generation, automation, or virtual agents. Mastering even a few key skills can lead to substantial personal and professional transformation.
Do you have a transformative experience with technology that you’d like to share? If so, please reach out at tmartinelli@.
Hustle Verdict
Our take is that this seismic shift in how professionals interact with technology is reshaping career trajectories across industries. By embracing these tools, individuals can where they previously encountered bottlenecks while enhancing their productivity. The bottom line is that the proactive integration of technology not only boosts current capabilities but also prepares professionals for a future where adaptability is paramount.
