Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: You’re Using AI Every Day Without Realizing It
You might be using AI even if you never signed up for ChatGPT. Here's how to know—and what to do next.
Here’s a question most business owners haven’t thought to ask:
Is AI already working in your business—even if you never chose to use it?
If you’ve ever used Zoom, Notion, Slack, Canva, or Google Docs, the answer is almost certainly yes.
Today’s most popular productivity tools have quietly embedded AI features into their platforms. That means even if you haven’t actively sought out AI, it’s likely operating behind the scenes in the software you and your team rely on every day.
Here’s the kicker: many of those tools now collect and train their AI models on your data by default.
Let that sink in.
AI Is the New Default—But at What Cost?
In my recent LinkedIn Live, I shared how many of the tools we trust for project management, communication, and collaboration are using AI to “enhance user experience.”
That sounds helpful… until you realize what’s being shared:
Client documents.
Meeting transcripts.
Legal and financial details.
Proprietary internal content.
If you’re in an expertise-based business—especially if you work with confidential or regulated client data—this has serious implications.
Don’t Panic. But Do Get Smart.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to fear AI. But you do need to read the fine print.
Start here:
Audit the tools you and your team use. Look for any mention of “AI enhancements,” “machine learning,” or “data usage policies” in their terms of service.
Opt out of AI training where possible. (Zoom and Slack allow this in settings, but it’s buried deep.)
Update your client service agreements to reflect where and how tools are used in service delivery.
Your business’s intellectual property, client trust, and long-term credibility depend on it.
This isn’t about resisting AI. It’s about making it work for you—intentionally, ethically, and with your clients’ trust intact.
P.S. Missed the LinkedIn Live? Catch the full replay here. And feel free to share this newsletter with any expert who’s trying to navigate the AI shift with clarity and confidence.
👀 Coming Soon: How to Use AI Legally, Safely and Ethically Masterclass
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the “what-ifs,” good news: I’m launching a live masterclass covering all the things you need to use AI legally, safely and ethically, including copyright law basics, contracts, ethical use, understanding terms of service, and how to create an AI usage policy specific to your needs.
🎯 Want to be competitive and compliant?
Join the waitlist for the masterclass at thinkbeyondip.com/aiworkshop
Spots will be limited (and the price will be discounted) for the first cohort. Be the first to know when doors open.
If you want the efficiency without the legal risk, this is the masterclass you’ve been waiting for.
IP is fuel 🚀
Erin
PROTECT YOUR MONEYMAKERS: Book an AI & Legal Expert Today 🔒
If your services involve original designs, creative strategies, messaging, or branding—and AI is part of your workflow—you need to understand the legal implications. From copyright ownership to contractual risks, I break down what you need to know to protect yourself and your clients. Let’s make sure AI works for you, not against you.