How to Actually Use AI for Creators
The IPO Framework to Identify Right AI Tools
Index:
The Problem : How to Use AI for Solopreneurs
The Solution: Go back to the roots and use IPO Framework (Input- Process Output)
Content: Learn about using AI as a tool in all the 3 element of Solopreneurship, Input- the phase where you understand a problem, Process- The step where you process the problem to a solution using your experiance, Output:- The Step where you present the outcome in a presentable way.
Learn about how to identify AI tools in all these 3 steps.
FREE Resource:
Access the summerised Framework- [ Access Here ]
Access the Detailed framework- [ Access Here ]
Audio overview if you prefer listening
You know what’s happening right now?
Solopreneurs everywhere are dumping ChatGPT prompts into their business. Throwing it at everything. And watching their revenue stay flat.
They think AI will replace the grind. It won’t.
They think AI will do the thinking. It can’t.
The real problem? They’re using AI like a magic wand instead of like a tool.
And the magic wand approach? That’s how you compete on price, not value.
Let me reframe this for you.
Thousands of years ago, farmers didn’t just have crops. They had a system.
Input → Process → Output
Here’s how it actually worked:
Farmer identified a problem (hunger). Gathered resources (seeds, land, water). Then worked the process (planting, fertilizing, protecting). The output? Food that fed families.
The input-process-output (IPO) model is one of the most important business frameworks used in systems analysis. It breaks complex systems into three parts so you can analyze and improve each separately.
The tools-shovels, plows, irrigation-they didn’t replace the farmer’s judgment. They amplified it.
Same with AI today.
AI isn’t your replacement. It’s your shovel.
But you have to use it in the right spot.
Here’s the framework every solopreneur needs.
Before you touch AI, two things must exist:
Clear Mission — What problem are you actually solving?
Customer Persona — Who are you solving it for?
(We’ve covered this before. Skip if you already have clarity.)
Now. Here’s where AI fits.
Here is the AI System, I use.
This is not a tools, it is the complete framework with all the template for me as a newsleter creator- [ Access Here ]
INPUT PHASE — Gathering Your Raw Materials
This is collection mode. Knowledge. Skills. Experience. Understanding the real problem.
Real example: You’re a content strategist for SaaS companies. Instead of guessing what problems your clients face, use AI to research. ChatGPT helps you understand their pain points. Gemini finds competitor gaps. Note-taking apps organize it all.
The first step is identifying all the various inputs involved in the system by looking at materials, resources, data, and information.
AI tools that crush it here:
ChatGPT - Research and context gathering
Gemini - Pain point discovery (ask it to think like your customer)
Note-taking apps - Organize everything you’re learning
The mistake: People skip this. They jump straight to output. Don’t.
Spend time in inputs. Let AI help you think deeper about the problem you’re solving.
PROCESSING PHASE — Where You Actually Add Value
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: This is where you’re irreplaceable.
Processing is taking raw information and adding your perspective. Your experience. Your unique lens on the problem.
This is what separates you from every other solopreneur using the same AI tools.
AI tools that help here:
Claude - Thinking partner for refining your approach
Notion Template + Google AI Studio - Building your framework
SAAS platforms (Softr) - Structuring your process
The mistake: People let AI do the processing for them. Then everything sounds like everyone else. Generic. Soulless. Remember what happened in my last newsletter? Readers can feel when work is AI-generated without human thought behind it.
Process yourself. Use AI as a sounding board, not an autopilot.
OUTPUT PHASE - How You Deliver It
Output is how your ideal customer experiences your value.
And here’s what matters: The format has to match your customer’s preference.
Are they time-starved? Make it fast. Are they experienced? Make it deep. Are they confused? Make it simple.
The solopreneur business model emphasizes structuring your offering so your business serves both you and your client through different delivery models.
Three delivery models exist:
• DIY - You teach them to do it themselves
Example: Templates, courses, guides, checklists
AI tool: Create course templates with Claude
Customer saves: Time, money (they do the work)
Margin: High (you create once, sell many times)
• Done For You -You do it for them
Example: Full service delivery, done-with-you packages
AI tool: Automate 80% of work, handle the complex 20%
Customer saves: Time (maximum value), effort
Margin: Medium (you’re involved)
• Done With You - You walk them through it together
Example: Coaching, group programs, workshops
AI tool: Personalized learning paths, automated feedback
Customer saves: Clarity, expertise access
Margin: Medium-high (scalable but limited by your time)
Real example: Dein Isac combined SEO, copywriting, and customer success skills to offer Airbnb optimization with three packages: consulting-only (video analysis), done-for-you (implementation included), and premium (with custom apartment layout plan). Different formats. Same expertise. Different price points.
The value you create:
Saving time (they move faster)
Sharing experience (they avoid mistakes)
Providing clarity (they understand the path forward)
Creating convenience (it’s easy for them)
AI tools for output:
Google Docs - Clarity in writing
Gamma - Visual presentations
Notion Site - Knowledge bases
Canva - Design without the designer
Here’s what this actually means for your business.
Stop thinking of AI as a replacement.
Start thinking of it as a system enabler.
Define your inputs clearly. Let AI help you research faster. Process through your unique lens. Use AI to test and refine. Then output in the format your customer actually wants.
That’s how you build a solopreneur business AI actually can’t touch.
Because you’re not competing on speed or price anymore.
You’re competing on understanding.
And understanding comes from you.
Your action this week: Pick ONE phase (input, process, or output). Map out which AI tools could help. Start there. Don’t try to optimize all three at once.
One phase. One week. Let me know what you discover.
Your Biggest Fan,
Mike