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    <title>👋Hey Alex</title>
    <link>https://blog.hey-alex.net/</link>
    <description>I&#39;m the founder of  [Stormz](https://about.stormz.me), [Sparkitup](https://sparkitup.ai) and the [AI Tinkerers&#39; Club](cards.ai-tinkerers.club).</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 16:55:49 +0000</pubDate>
    <image>
      <url>https://i.snap.as/S2PWHoBy.png</url>
      <title>👋Hey Alex</title>
      <link>https://blog.hey-alex.net/</link>
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      <title>VASA-1 by Microsoft, a quick look.</title>
      <link>https://blog.hey-alex.net/im-not-easily-impressed-by-ai-these-days?pk_campaign=rss-feed</link>
      <description>&lt;![CDATA[I&#39;m not easily impressed by AI these days&#xA;But this project? Wow...&#xA;&#xA;https://youtu.be/oAQXJnY6PLM&#xA;&#xA;You only need:&#xA;&#xA;A photo or drawing of a face,&#xA;An audio clip of a speech.&#xA;&#xA;What it creates:&#xA;&#xA;A very realistic animated talking face.&#xA;&#xA;The quality is amazing. It&#39;s a Microsoft project called VASA-1.&#xA;You can see all the examples on their project page.&#xA;&#xA;I cam already see how I can use this (responsibly).&#xA;&#xA;But... it&#39;s just a research project!&#xA;You can&#39;t access it yet.&#xA;&#xA;So, my question to you:&#xA;Is that a good or bad thing?]]&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#39;m not easily impressed by AI these days
But this project? Wow...</p>

<p><a href="https://youtu.be/oAQXJnY6PLM" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/oAQXJnY6PLM</a></p>

<p>You only need:</p>
<ul><li>A photo or drawing of a face,</li>
<li>An audio clip of a speech.</li></ul>

<p>What it creates:</p>
<ul><li>A very realistic animated talking face.</li></ul>

<p>The quality is amazing. It&#39;s a Microsoft project called VASA-1.
You can see all the examples on their project page.</p>

<p>I cam already see how I can use this (responsibly).</p>

<p>But... it&#39;s just a research project!
You can&#39;t access it yet.</p>

<p>So, my question to you:
Is that a good or bad thing?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <guid>https://blog.hey-alex.net/im-not-easily-impressed-by-ai-these-days</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:34:46 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>How to stop the spiral down?</title>
      <link>https://blog.hey-alex.net/how-to-stop-the-spiral-down?pk_campaign=rss-feed</link>
      <description>&lt;![CDATA[Lately, I&#39;ve lost motivation to post on LinkedIn. Here&#39;s my plan to get back on track.&#xA;&#xA;I was thinking about how to reverse this downward spiral.&#xA;&#xA;I realized I need to start with one small step.&#xA;Something quick yet complete that adds a wee bit of value.&#xA;&#xA;So, whenever your motivation is dwindling:&#xA;&#xA;🟢DO:&#xA;Pick one minimal value-creation task.&#xA;It should be small...&#xA;But still add at least a tiny bit of value to someone.&#xA;&#xA;🔴DON&#39;T:&#xA;Spend 60 minutes writing an ambitious three-month &#34;back on track&#34; plan.&#xA;That&#39;s just another way to procrastinate...&#xA;And spiral down even faster!&#xA;&#xA;For example...&#xA;&#xA;Can&#39;t motivate yourself to train for running long distances?&#xA;Restart with a 15-minute jog.&#xA;&#xA;Struggling to eat healthy?&#xA;Spend 30 minutes cooking an easy recipe.&#xA;&#xA;Can&#39;t motivate yourself to write a post?&#xA;Take 30 minutes to write about how you restarted with just one post.&#xA;&#xA;Then, the next day, start again.&#xA;One small step after another.&#xA;&#xA;Who knows, maybe 30 days later you&#39;ll be spiraling up.&#xA;Then, you can plan!&#xA;&#xA;PS1: This was my post. Probably obvious for most of you, but at least I restarted writing!&#xA;&#xA;PS2: Loss of motivation? Need help spiraling up? One more use case for Sparkitup AI coach! Try this board: https://bit.ly/sparkitup-spiral-up]]&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Lately, I&#39;ve lost motivation to post on LinkedIn. Here&#39;s my plan to get back on track.</p>

<p>I was thinking about how to reverse this downward spiral.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.snap.as/YB7c4nn2.png" alt=""/></p>

<p>I realized I need to start with one small step.
Something quick yet complete that adds a wee bit of value.</p>

<p>So, whenever your motivation is dwindling:</p>

<p>🟢DO:
Pick one minimal value-creation task.
It should be small...
But still add at least a tiny bit of value to someone.</p>

<p>🔴DON&#39;T:
Spend 60 minutes writing an ambitious three-month “back on track” plan.
That&#39;s just another way to procrastinate...
And spiral down even faster!</p>

<p>For example...</p>

<p>Can&#39;t motivate yourself to train for running long distances?
Restart with a 15-minute jog.</p>

<p>Struggling to eat healthy?
Spend 30 minutes cooking an easy recipe.</p>

<p>Can&#39;t motivate yourself to write a post?
Take 30 minutes to write about how you restarted with just one post.</p>

<p>Then, the next day, start again.
One small step after another.</p>

<p>Who knows, maybe 30 days later you&#39;ll be spiraling up.
Then, you can plan!</p>

<p>PS1: This was my post. Probably obvious for most of you, but at least I restarted writing!</p>

<p>PS2: Loss of motivation? Need help spiraling up? One more use case for Sparkitup AI coach! Try this board: <a href="https://bit.ly/sparkitup-spiral-up" rel="nofollow">https://bit.ly/sparkitup-spiral-up</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <guid>https://blog.hey-alex.net/how-to-stop-the-spiral-down</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:13:56 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>Updates to the GenAI Cards Guide</title>
      <link>https://blog.hey-alex.net/ive-updated-the-genai-card-guide-with-two-cool-new-activities-that-you-can-run?pk_campaign=rss-feed</link>
      <description>&lt;![CDATA[I&#39;ve managed to work on the GenAI Card Deck this morning and I’ve updated the GenAI Card guide with two cool new activities that you can run with your participants!&#xA;&#xA;DREAAM Matrix&#xA;&#xA;A second brainstorming activity, one that relies on the 6 DREAAM cards and a brainstorming matrix to generate a list of opportunities to use AI.&#xA;&#xA;Risk Assessment: Danger Zone!&#xA;&#xA;An activity to learn about the typical pitfalls of GenAI and brainstorm an action plan to put them under control.&#xA;&#xA;Read the guide here.]]&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#39;ve managed to work on the <a href="https://cards.ai-tinkerers.club/" rel="nofollow">GenAI Card Deck</a> this morning and I’ve updated the <strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tvl83Mo5nYp2nGBUjqjfBRLRAIeajSaOLTju_019z0o/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">GenAI Card guide</a></strong> with two cool new activities that you can run with your participants!</p>

<h1 id="dreaam-matrix" id="dreaam-matrix">DREAAM Matrix</h1>

<p><img src="https://i.snap.as/cSx23L7L.jpg" alt=""/>
A second brainstorming activity, one that relies on the 6 DREAAM cards and a brainstorming matrix to generate a list of opportunities to use AI.</p>

<h1 id="risk-assessment-danger-zone" id="risk-assessment-danger-zone">Risk Assessment: Danger Zone!</h1>

<p><img src="https://i.snap.as/aY4gaQdF.jpg" alt=""/>
An activity to learn about the typical pitfalls of GenAI and brainstorm an action plan to put them under control.</p>

<p><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tvl83Mo5nYp2nGBUjqjfBRLRAIeajSaOLTju_019z0o/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">Read the guide here</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <guid>https://blog.hey-alex.net/ive-updated-the-genai-card-guide-with-two-cool-new-activities-that-you-can-run</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:40:04 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title>How to Explain the Value of Card Decks for Workshops?</title>
      <link>https://blog.hey-alex.net/how-to-sell-a-workshop-using-a-card-deck?pk_campaign=rss-feed</link>
      <description>&lt;![CDATA[I&#39;m a big fan of using card decks in workshops, and I bet you appreciate their value too.&#xA;&#xA;However, we often face skepticism from clients who might see these tools as nothing more than entertaining extras, or worse, dismiss them as trivial and childish.&#xA;&#xA;So let me help you sell the idea of a card deck-enhanced workshop.&#xA;&#xA;I&#39;m going to share eight arguments with you. And stick around, because I&#39;ve saved the best for last—a tried and true method that virtually guarantees to win clients over.&#xA;&#xA;---&#xA;&#xA;Wanna sell GenAI workshops to your clients?&#xA;Download my free GenAI Card Deck.&#xA;&#xA;---&#xA;&#xA;1. Highlight the Fun Element:&#xA;Start by emphasizing that card decks make learning enjoyable. Mention that while the workshops are educational, they&#39;re also designed to be engaging and entertaining. This combination enhances the learning experience and keeps participants interested.&#xA;&#xA;Careful, this argument is dangerous. Use it only in combination with the others.&#xA;&#xA;!--more--&#xA;&#xA;2. Introduce Kinesthetic Learning:&#xA;Explain the concept of kinesthetic learning - the idea that people understand and remember concepts better when they engage physically with the material. Mention that card decks are a perfect tool for this type of learning, as they allow participants to touch, move, and interact with the workshop content.&#xA;&#xA;3. Stress on Collaboration:&#xA;Point out that card decks encourage teamwork and collaboration. They enable participants to share ideas, discuss concepts, and work together towards a common goal. Again “collaborative learning” is a proven way to enhance the effectiveness of any training session.&#xA;&#xA;4. Flexibility and Creativity:&#xA;Emphasize the flexibility that card decks offer. They allow for spontaneous activities and exercises tailored to the group&#39;s needs or questions that arise during the session. Additionally, the visual and tactile nature of cards can spark creativity, leading to innovative ideas and solutions.&#xA;&#xA;5. Long-Term Benefits:&#xA;Discuss how card decks contribute to better retention of information. Since the cards remain visible throughout the workshop, they serve as constant reminders of the key points, helping participants to remember and internalize the content long after the workshop has ended.&#xA;&#xA;6. Make It Tangible:&#xA;Explain that card decks can make abstract concepts tangible. This is particularly useful for complex topics, as it breaks down difficult ideas into manageable, understandable pieces.&#xA;&#xA;7. Share Success Stories:&#xA;If possible, share testimonials or success stories from previous workshops where card decks were used. Real-world examples can significantly boost credibility and convince potential clients of the effectiveness of your approach.&#xA;&#xA;Finally, the best way to convince your client!&#xA;&#xA;8. Demonstrate the Experience: The ultimate argument lies in firsthand experience. Whether meeting in person or connecting digitally, giving clients a taste of the card deck experience—be it through a few sample cards on the table or a quick online demo—can make all the difference. This direct interaction allows them to see the value and effectiveness of using card decks in workshops, turning skeptics into believers.&#xA;&#xA;---&#xA; &#xA;👋Hey, this is Alex.&#xA;I&#39;m the founder of Stormz, Sparkitup and the AI Tinkerers&#39; Club.&#xA;&#xA;I speak mostly about artificial intelligence, creativity and innovation.&#xA;Learn more about me, my products &amp; services.]]&gt;</description>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>I&#39;m a big fan of using card decks in workshops, and I bet you appreciate their value too.</strong></p>

<p><strong>However, we often face skepticism from clients who might see these tools as nothing more than entertaining extras, or worse, dismiss them as trivial and childish.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://cards.ai-tinkerers.club/" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://i.snap.as/5ML8w2dx.jpg" alt=""/></a></p>

<p>So let me help you sell the idea of a card deck-enhanced workshop.</p>

<p>I&#39;m going to share eight arguments with you. And stick around, because I&#39;ve saved the best for last—a tried and true method that virtually guarantees to win clients over.</p>

<hr/>

<p><strong>Wanna sell GenAI workshops to your clients?</strong>
Download my free <a href="https://cards.ai-tinkerers.club/" rel="nofollow">GenAI Card Deck</a>.</p>

<hr/>

<p><strong>1. Highlight the Fun Element:</strong>
Start by emphasizing that card decks make learning enjoyable. Mention that while the workshops are educational, they&#39;re also designed to be engaging and entertaining. This combination enhances the learning experience and keeps participants interested.</p>

<p>Careful, this argument is dangerous. Use it only in combination with the others.</p>



<p><strong>2. Introduce Kinesthetic Learning:</strong>
Explain the concept of kinesthetic learning – the idea that people understand and remember concepts better when they engage physically with the material. Mention that card decks are a perfect tool for this type of learning, as they allow participants to touch, move, and interact with the workshop content.</p>

<p><strong>3. Stress on Collaboration:</strong>
Point out that card decks encourage teamwork and collaboration. They enable participants to share ideas, discuss concepts, and work together towards a common goal. Again “collaborative learning” is a proven way to enhance the effectiveness of any training session.</p>

<p><strong>4. Flexibility and Creativity:</strong>
Emphasize the flexibility that card decks offer. They allow for spontaneous activities and exercises tailored to the group&#39;s needs or questions that arise during the session. Additionally, the visual and tactile nature of cards can spark creativity, leading to innovative ideas and solutions.</p>

<p><strong>5. Long-Term Benefits:</strong>
Discuss how card decks contribute to better retention of information. Since the cards remain visible throughout the workshop, they serve as constant reminders of the key points, helping participants to remember and internalize the content long after the workshop has ended.</p>

<p><strong>6. Make It Tangible:</strong>
Explain that card decks can make abstract concepts tangible. This is particularly useful for complex topics, as it breaks down difficult ideas into manageable, understandable pieces.</p>

<p><strong>7. Share Success Stories:</strong>
If possible, share testimonials or success stories from previous workshops where card decks were used. Real-world examples can significantly boost credibility and convince potential clients of the effectiveness of your approach.</p>

<h2 id="finally-the-best-way-to-convince-your-client" id="finally-the-best-way-to-convince-your-client">Finally, the best way to convince your client!</h2>

<p><strong>8. Demonstrate the Experience</strong>: The ultimate argument lies in firsthand experience. Whether meeting in person or connecting digitally, giving clients a taste of the card deck experience—be it through a few sample cards on the table or a quick online demo—can make all the difference. This direct interaction allows them to see the value and effectiveness of using card decks in workshops, turning skeptics into believers.</p>

<hr/>

<p><strong>👋Hey, this is Alex.</strong>
I&#39;m the founder of <a href="https://about.stormz.me" rel="nofollow">Stormz</a>, <a href="https://sparkitup.ai" rel="nofollow">Sparkitup</a> and the <a href="cards.ai-tinkerers.club" rel="nofollow">AI Tinkerers&#39; Club</a>.</p>

<p>I speak mostly about artificial intelligence, creativity and innovation.
Learn more <a href="https://hey-alex.net" rel="nofollow">about me, my products &amp; services</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
      <guid>https://blog.hey-alex.net/how-to-sell-a-workshop-using-a-card-deck</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:43:17 +0000</pubDate>
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