My Dad’s Old Computer, A Table, and Why AI is Your Wake-Up Call

Relationship Building

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

My Dad’s Old Computer, A Table, and Why AI is Your Wake-Up Call

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Hey there,

Can we get real for a minute? Like, really real?

There’s something that’s been keeping me up at night. But before we get into that, I need to tell you about a memory that’s burned into my brain…

The Moment That Changed Everything

Picture this: I’m 10 years old, sitting cross-legged on our living room floor. My dad—an absolute legend who flew helicopters into combat zones in Vietnam, saving lives while dodging bullets—lugs in this massive computer. I mean, this thing was practically furniture.

With the same no-BS intensity he used briefing his flight crew, he looks at me and says:

"This is the future."

Man, was he right. And now, I’m getting that exact same feeling about AI.

The Future is Here (Whether You’re Ready or Not)

Ever get that gut-punch feeling that something huge is about to hit?

That’s AI right now. It’s not coming—it’s already here. And just like my dad didn’t wait around when he saw technology changing the game, we can’t afford to either.

And that brings me to the table.

The Table That Holds a Lifetime

My dad’s in the early stages of dementia.

Recently, the VFW made him an incredible custom table—a tribute to his service. They built it with a glass top and filled it with old war photos my stepmom found. It’s like a time capsule of a man who spent his life putting others before himself.

The look on his face when he saw it? Pure happiness. Like he was back in those moments—flying over the jungle, radio crackling, doing what he was born to do.

And that table? It’s a reminder.

A reminder that technology changes, time moves fast, and you have to see the future before it hits you.

AI is that next shift. And if you don’t start using it now, you’re already behind.

How AI Actually Works (and Why You’re Probably Using It Wrong)

Most people are treating AI like a glorified Magic 8 Ball—asking it random questions and hoping for genius.

The reality? AI is only as powerful as the way you use it.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Threads – The Text Chain That Never Ends

A regular thread in ChatGPT is like texting someone who never forgets what was just said—but has the memory of a goldfish when you start a new conversation.

🔹 Good for: Quick brainstorming, one-off questions, idea generation.

🔹 Not great for: Keeping track of complex projects.

💡 Example: Need a snappy email subject line? A thread is fine. Need a quick sales script? Same deal. But if you need AI to remember past work, this won’t cut it.

2. Projects – AI With a Notebook

A Project is where AI starts acting like an organized assistant instead of an easily distracted toddler.

It remembers everything within that project—so if you’re working on a long-term content strategy, client outreach, or deal pipeline, this is where you want to be working.

🔹 Good for: Newsletters, tracking client conversations, managing content creation.

🔹 Not great for: Things you need AI to apply across your entire business.

💡 Example: If you’re writing a weekly newsletter, keep all editions inside a Project so AI remembers your tone, past topics, and audience preferences.

3. Custom GPTs – The Highly-Trained Employee That Knows Your Business

A Custom GPT is like hiring a specialist. Instead of retraining AI every time you use it, you program it once with your guidelines, processes, and best practices.

🔹 Good for: Compliance-heavy industries (like mortgage & real estate), brand voice consistency, scaling expertise.

🔹 Not great for: Casual, one-time tasks that don’t require ongoing customization.

💡 Example: Want to make sure every email, ad, and script follows your brand voice? Create a Custom GPT trained on your content so it writes exactly how you talk.

Now imagine the mortgage industry using this—lenders could upload all their underwriting guidelines into a Custom GPT and let it pre-screen loans before they even hit an underwriter’s desk.

This isn’t futuristic—it’s happening right now.

4. AI Agents – Your Digital Employees That Work 24/7

This is the next level: AI that actually takes action for you.

An AI Agent doesn’t just answer questions—it can execute tasks on its own.

🔹 Good for: Automating workflows, scheduling follow-ups, running marketing campaigns.

🔹 Not great for: Creative tasks that need a human touch (yet).

💡 Example: Imagine an AI agent running your CRM follow-ups. It texts clients, sends reminders, and even updates records—without you lifting a finger.

The scary part? AI agents will soon be better at prospecting than most salespeople.

Here’s What You Need to Do Next

AI is not about replacing people—it’s about multiplying your output without adding more work.

And the truth is, the businesses that figure this out first will dominate.

This isn’t a drill.

We’re testing, breaking, and mastering these tools inside Referral Boss every single day. Not theory. Real-world AI that makes you more money.

My dad taught me that the future belongs to those who see it coming.

I’m telling you—this is your moment.

Let’s make sure you’re at the table, not on the menu.

📌 P.S. The table in the image above? That’s the one the VFW made for my dad. A tribute to a man who saw the future before anyone else did. Now, it’s your turn.