How to Win in 2026 With AI (Even If You’re New)
2026 is a breakout year for AI, but the real advantage is not the tool itself.
The advantage is the action you take, week after week, while others hesitate.
If you already run an online business, this is for you.
That includes affiliate marketing, network marketing, and creators who want more leads and better follow-up.
It also includes travel lovers who want to build a premium travel income stream without the timeshare nightmare and without the hassles of being a travel agent.
Why you can trust my perspective
I have served in education for over 25 years, and I still believe teaching is a calling.
I serve on our district AI committee, and for the past couple of years, I have helped train teachers to use AI for practical automation.
We use AI to reduce busywork like drafts, outlines, and routine messages so that educators can invest more energy in students, relationships, and responsible use. That experience convinced me of something bigger: entrepreneurs can use the same tools to save time, sharpen their message, and stay consistent.
When you pair AI with clear values and real service, you create momentum that lasts.
Quick Start (10 minutes)
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Pick one goal: more leads, more sales calls, more content consistency, or better follow-up.
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Choose one prompt from this post and run it once.
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Take one action today: publish a post, send a follow-up, or build a simple opt-in page.
Reason 1: AI gives you speed and clarity
Bottom line: in 2026, speed with quality is a competitive advantage.
AI can help you draft what used to take hours: a post, an email, a simple follow-up script, or a weekly plan. You still review and edit, but you start with momentum instead of a blank page.
Action step: pick one weekly task and let AI produce the first draft, then refine it in your voice.
Reason 2: AI reduces content stress with a simple system
Bottom line: you do not need more hype; you need a repeatable process.
Use this simple content system:
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One weekly topic
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One main post (blog or video)
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Five short posts pulled from the main idea
Action step: choose your weekly topic now, and keep it specific.
Example: “How I use AI to save five hours a week in my online business.”
Reason 3: AI makes follow-up easier and more consistent
Bottom line: follow-up is where trust and income often grow.
Most people do not fail because they lack talent; they fail because follow-up feels awkward or takes too much time. AI can help you write short, friendly messages, and then you send them as a real person.
Prompt (copy and paste):
Write 10 short follow-up messages that sound warm, confident, and not pushy. Include 3 for new leads, 3 for warm leads, 2 for “not now,” and 2 for money or time objections. Keep each under 240 characters.
Reason 4: AI helps you explain your offer in plain language
Bottom line: people buy when they understand what you do and why it helps.
AI can help you simplify your message: who you help, what problem you solve, and the next step to take. This is not about sounding clever; it is about being clear.
Prompt (copy and paste):
“Help me explain my offer in plain language. Write a 1-sentence version, a 3-sentence version, and a 30-second version. Keep it clear, friendly, and specific. Avoid hype.”
Reason 5: AI is powerful for premium travel because curation matters
Bottom line: premium travelers pay for confidence, curation, and care, not bargain-basement deals.
If you love travel, AI can help you create destination shortlists, itinerary drafts, trip prep checklists, and concierge-style FAQs. That lets you build a premium travel community and content engine without chasing cheap deals, without timeshare pressure, and without living like a full-time travel agent.
Prompt (copy and paste):
“Create a premium travel lead magnet called ‘The Luxury-Ready Trip Plan.’ Include timing, packing, upgrades, dining ideas, and a simple FAQ. Then draft a 4-day itinerary template for [destination].”
Reason 6: Trust will be the real separator in 2026
Bottom line: anyone can use AI, but not everyone can lead with integrity.
Here are my simple “responsible AI” rules:
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Verify key facts before you publish.
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Protect privacy and sensitive information.
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Keep your voice; AI drafts, you decide.
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Use AI to serve people, not to pretend to be someone you’re not.
If you do that, your audience will feel the difference, and trust will compound over time.
The 7-Day Massive Action Plan
Day 1: Pick one goal.
Day 2: Use AI to draft one main post.
Day 3: Publish it and share it.
Day 4: Repurpose it into five short posts.
Day 5: Write 10 follow-up messages and use them.
Day 6: Set up one opt-in page for your free resource.
Day 7: Review what worked, improve one step, and repeat.
Call to Action: Get my AI 2026 Handbook (Free for a limited time)
If you want a simple guide you can actually use, I made one for you.
My AI 2026 Handbook goes on sale in mid-January for $27, but right now you can get it free.
Opt in below to receive your free AI 2026 Handbook.
Inside, you will find prompts, templates, and a weekly plan you can follow without feeling overwhelmed.
AI is never a substitute for human relationships.
AI is a tool, not a replacement for human connection. People still buy from people and businesses they know, like, and trust, and that will not change in 2026.
My goal is to help you use AI to support honest conversations, better service, and consistent follow-through, so your relationships get stronger instead of colder. AI can help you show up with clarity and consistency, but you still lead with character, service, and truth.
If you want a steady guide on your entrepreneurial journey this year, I would be honored to help. Let’s build something real, practical, and lasting.
New Year Verse (NIV)
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Happy New Year, and wishing you a strong, wise, and joyful 2026.
Warmly,
Bill Garner
P.S. Don’t forget to click Send Me the Free Handbook.
AI Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the easiest way to start using AI in my online business in 2026?
Start with one repeat task. For example: write your weekly post, draft follow-up messages, or outline an email. AI works best when you give it a clear goal and a simple example.
2) Can I use AI for affiliate marketing without sounding generic?
Yes. The key is to feed AI your voice and your real experience. Ask it for a first draft, then add your story, your results, and your honest opinion. AI can save time, but you bring the trust and credibility. Sprout Social+1
3) How can network marketers use AI for follow-up without being spammy?
Use AI to write short, friendly follow-ups that sound like you. Then send fewer, better messages—focused on helping, not pushing. Consistency builds relationships, and relationships build sales.
4) Can I build a premium travel business with AI if I’m not a travel agent?
Yes. AI can help you create curated destination shortlists, draft itineraries, and build trip-prep checklists. Your value is curation and community—AI just helps you move faster. Travel Differently+1
5) Will AI-written content hurt my SEO on WordPress?
It can if you publish low-quality, generic text. It can help if you use AI as a draft tool and make the post genuinely useful, clear, and written from real experience (with your examples and guidance). “People-first” content wins long-term. Yoast+1
