The Smart Way to Use AI: Validation First, Polish Later

Hi Mate 👋,

Ever wondered why some people crush it with AI while others struggle? The secret isn't in using AI for everything—it's knowing exactly when and how to use it.

What's New

This week, I've been diving deep into how AI can be used strategically for validation.

With Swift Brief, we've been experimenting with AI-generated content, identifying what resonates, and then adding that crucial human touch to the winners.

It's fascinating to see how this hybrid approach is changing the game.

Insight

Here's the thing about AI: it's not about replacing humans—it's about rapid validation and learning.

Think of AI like a sketch artist who can draw 20 quick sketches in the time it takes a master painter to create one masterpiece. Sure, the sketches might not be gallery-worthy, but they let you quickly figure out which concept resonates before investing in that expensive oil painting.

Take ad creation, for instance:

• Traditional approach: $200 for one UGC video, 2-week wait

• AI approach: $200 for 20 videos, 5-minute generation time

The magic isn't in the final product—it's in the speed of learning. You can test 20 different hooks and angles in the time it would take to get one traditional video. Once you find what works, then you invest in making it perfect.

Becoming a Learning Machine

📚 Currently Reading: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Rating: 3/5, a lot of obvious truths but little actionable insights. Things like “Just become aware of this bad habit that you have” sound smart but will not get you real results.

Key Learning: Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.

My Latest Video

Been trying some AI-generated thumbnails for YouTube.

While they're not perfect, they're helping me test different concepts quickly before investing in professional design.

Stay tuned for the results!

Talk Soon,
Stefan