Smart Questions Create Business Gold!

September 25, 2025•3 min read

Kenner French, together with Veronica Weindl, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, can be used not only for personal convenience but also for business growth. Kenner emphasized that while many pretend to be AI experts, it’s important to first understand the basics—how to log in, use prompts, and apply AI tools to real-life situations.

To demonstrate, Kenner showed how ChatGPT can generate answers to simple queries such as “What is an LLM?” and create practical outputs like a 7-day vacation plan to Whistler. This showcased how prompts work and how more specific inputs lead to more personalized results. Veronica noted the speed and precision of responses, highlighting both intrigue and slight intimidation over the AI’s capabilities.

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Kenner assured that AI should not be feared; rather, it should be seen as a powerful tool. He explained that just as society once adjusted to Google, people can adapt to LLMs. The real limitation, he pointed out, is not the software itself but the user’s creativity in leveraging it. For entrepreneurs, AI can provide endless opportunities if they know how to ask the right questions.

Shifting to business applications, Kenner and Veronica explored how ChatGPT could help with local marketing on Bainbridge Island. They experimented with prompts to design a marketing plan for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, incorporating SEO, Ask Engine Optimization (AEO), webinars, events, and even partnerships with CPAs and investment firms. They also brainstormed experiential marketing ideas like “Tax Strategy Happy Hours” and community-based events.

Finally, Kenner stressed the importance of staying ahead as search behavior evolves from traditional SEO to AEO through LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. By creating Q&A-based website content and local-focused campaigns, businesses could position themselves as leading tax, finance, and AI resources both nationally and locally. The key takeaway: AI is not a threat, but a tool that entrepreneurs must learn to master to maximize opportunities and reduce tax liabilities.

Takeaways

• Everyone claims to be an AI expert nowadays.

• AI tools like ChatGPT can simplify marketing tasks.

• Specific prompts yield better results in AI applications.

• Local marketing strategies can leverage AI effectively.

• SEO is still important, but AEO is gaining traction.

• Community engagement is key for local businesses.

• AI can help identify tax strategies for innovation.

• Creative marketing ideas can enhance brand visibility.

• Understanding LLMs is crucial for future business strategies.

• AI is a tool, not a threat to creativity.

Sound Bites

• Everyone's an expert in ChatGPT.

• We could do in-person AI Q&A.