Using ChatGPT ≠ Understanding AI

Welcome to the Dave vs. AI.

The real value isn’t in prompts… it’s in building.

Over the past year, something fascinating has happened:

Millions of people started using ChatGPT to write emails, summarize PDFs, brainstorm content, answer trivia, you name it.

And suddenly, “learning AI” meant… getting better at prompting.

That’s like saying you understand cars because you can drive one.

Knowing How to Use AI Isn’t the Same as Knowing How to Build with It

Using ChatGPT is helpful.

It can absolutely speed up tasks and spark ideas.

But it’s surface-level.

It’s the equivalent of knowing how to search Google.

Which is not the same as knowing how to build Google.

Because real AI mastery goes way deeper.

Here’s Where the Real Value Lies

The companies I talk to aren’t looking for more people who can ask ChatGPT to write a LinkedIn caption.

They’re looking for people who can:

• Integrate AI into core workflows

• Spot hallucinations or biased outputs

• Understand the limitations of models, not just their possibilities

• Think critically about the ethical and operational risks

Most AI training stops at “write better prompts.”

That’s not enough anymore.

If You Work in Business, Marketing, or Product, Read This Twice

• If you’re in management: You need to know how AI can optimize operations, not just write meeting notes.

• If you’re in marketing: You need to know how to spot and prevent misinformation before it hits your brand.

• If you’re building products: You need to understand how to deploy AI responsibly, not just demo it in a sprint.

This isn’t a “learn to code” message.

It’s a “learn to think in systems” message.

From Consumer to Creator

The real opportunity now is in closing the gap between using AI and building with it.

Because at this point, everyone can use the tool.

But very few people can design workflows, products, or services around it.

That’s where the edge is.

That’s where the career growth is.

That’s where the leverage is.

If you’re still focused on writing better prompts… you’re already behind.

The next chapter of AI isn’t about usage.

It’s about integration, judgment, and creativity.

The future belongs to the people who build, not just those who click “submit.”

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If you’re building before selling, you’re 6 months late already.

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