AI for Small Business: Working with Instructions & Files

One of the most confusing parts of using AI effectively is understanding where instructions live — and how they differ from the files you share. Some instructions belong at the top level, shaping how the AI responds every time you use it. Others live within a specific project, custom assistant, or tool you’ve set up for a particular type of work. The then are your files — your documents and data — that the AI can reference and build from.

This session gives you a clear, practical map of these layers: what belongs where, why it can feel inconsistent across different tools, and how to approach it without guessing. You'll leave with a stronger understanding of how instructions and files work together — a key step toward using AI more effectively and with less trial and error.