Which AI Model? How to Choose, Train, and Make It Yours (for Coaches Who Want More Than Just “Smart” Replies)
Episode Summary
In this episode, Heather V Masters dives deep into the world of large language models (LLMs) and shows you how to go beyond generic advice. Discover how to pick, set up, and train an AI that truly sounds like you—so your content, outreach, and client interactions are genuinely authentic and uniquely valuable.
If you’ve ever wished your AI knew your voice, your clients, and your vision, this is your fast-track to implementation.
What You’ll Learn
- Why choosing the right LLM isn’t just a tech decision—it’s a business (and brand) decision
- The step-by-step difference between “template factory” AI and a real partner that thinks and writes with you
- Quick, actionable tips for training any AI model—on any budget, with zero overwhelm
- The exact prompts and starter process Heather uses with new models
Chapters:
- 00:10 - Choosing the Right LLM
- 00:55 - The Introduction of AI: A Personal Journey
- 01:59 - Embracing AI: A New Approach to Writing
- 02:59 - Starting with the Right Use Cases for Business Transformation
- 04:29 - Beginning the Client Interaction Process
- 05:11 - Getting Started with AI: Your Voice and Style
Step-by-Step Workflow
1. Know Your Why:
Decide what you want AI to help with most—emails, session notes, outreach, content? Clarity here saves hours later.
2. Choose Your Model:
- Simple/fast content? ChatGPT 4 or Claude 3
- Long docs/complex reasoning? Claude 3 or Gemini
- Private/fully-custom? Llama 3 (Meta, open-source), MindStudio, or a trusted provider
3. Train Your Model—With HEART:
Gather 2–3 pieces of content that are classic “you.” Upload or paste, and use these as prompt fuel.
Sample Prompt:
“Study the following to match my tone and values. Reply as if you are me, helping [ideal client]. [PASTE SAMPLE]”
4. Test and Iterate:
Try real business tasks—client recaps, celebration posts, marketing copy. Give direct feedback. Save the best for future “prompt training.”
5. Safeguard Data & Integrate:
Ensure your model/platform protects privacy. Integrate with your email/CRM/workflow tools for speed.
Heather’s Top Tips (from the Show)
- Don’t settle for bland AI—make it yours by combining your best material with clear, human prompts.
- Feedback is the secret sauce: the more you correct/style, the more useful (and “you”) your model becomes.
- Start now, start small—one use case, one prompt, one win at a time.
Free Resource & CTA
🎁 Get the “LLM Quickstart for Coaches” PDF & Mini-Workbook
Download the complete workbook with checklist, example prompts, and a training tracker.
Link: [Your Download/Signup URL]
💬 Want personal support? DM Heather “MODEL” for tailored model tips and her rapid-training swipe file.
Resources & Links
- Try ChatGPT 4: https://chat.openai.com
- Try Claude 3: https://claude.ai
- Try Gemini: https://gemini.google.com
- MindStudio for open-source/private: https://mindstudio.ai
- Must-read newsletter for AI news: Ben’s Bites, The Rundown AI
Connect & Feedback
- LinkedIn: [Your LinkedIn URL]
- Subscribe for weekly AI implementation tips: [Newsletter signup link]
- Share your #AIVoice wins or questions to be featured in an upcoming episode!
Never miss an episode—subscribe, review, and let’s keep building a smarter, more personal coaching business with AI!
Transcript
Welcome to start with AI and it's day eight and we're continuing with some implementation, but I'm stepping back a bit.
Speaker A:What about choosing your LLM?
Speaker A:Here's some steps for coaches and trainers on how to choose and implement an LLM.
Speaker A:So what?
Speaker A:Instead of using another generic AI assistant, you could have an AI that actually gets you.
Speaker A:One that writes like you, understands your business, and gives advice your client says sounds like your very best days.
Speaker A:That's what's possible when you choose and train the right large language.
Speaker A:Model your way not just for techies or Silicon Valley, but for real world coaches and trainers.
Speaker A:Let me take you back to when I first invited AI into my world.
Speaker A:I remember firing up ChatGPT and feeling that rush.
Speaker A:Wow, this thing is fast.
Speaker A:It blew my mind and it was actually kind of fun, which is really what got me into AI.
Speaker A:But after a few weeks, something began to bother me.
Speaker A:My emails were fast, but felt meh.
Speaker A:My newsletters were smarter, but people noticed.
Speaker A:They noticed the change.
Speaker A:Heather, this doesn't quite sound like you.
Speaker A:Are you using something to help you write these?
Speaker A:And honestly, I was.
Speaker A:But I was using AI as a template factory, not a partner.
Speaker A:Nothing I created felt as warm, as personal, or as thoughtful as I wanted for my clients.
Speaker A:So I switched gears.
Speaker A:I decided if I was going to use AI, it had to sound like me, care like me, and deliver the real value my clients expect.
Speaker A:Even if that meant a learning curve.
Speaker A:That pivot changed everything.
Speaker A:My content started getting replies like I feel like you wrote this just for me and Are you in my head?
Speaker A:And that's the ultimate compliment for a writer or for a coach.
Speaker A:And suddenly I wasn't just saving time, I was multiplying my impact, especially in my newsletters.
Speaker A:So here are five tips to make AI truly yours.
Speaker A:Start with your why begin with asking yourself, what do I really want my AI to do for me?
Speaker A:Is it more leads, deeper client engagement, less admin?
Speaker A:Or all of the above?
Speaker A:And this clarity sets the whole process.
Speaker A:List your top use cases and one of the big things is have a look at the problems you're facing in your business.
Speaker A:Which one, if you solved, it would bring you the biggest impact and transformation.
Speaker A:Choose that and then we move on to step two, which is picking the right model for your job.
Speaker A:ChatGPT4 is easy and handles most writing and content.
Speaker A:Claude shines with long docs and deep reasoning, and it's one of the favorites for copywriting.
Speaker A:Gemini is solid if you want close Google integration if you want full privacy or to build in your own business's style.
Speaker A:Llama 3, which is open source are tools like mindstudio let you train a custom version.
Speaker A:Now don't get distracted by hype.
Speaker A:Focus on what serves your business and your style.
Speaker A:I just begin with one.
Speaker A:Don't go all over the place looking at the shiny object syndrome.
Speaker A:It's really easy to do in there.
Speaker A:So step three Train with heart, not just with data.
Speaker A:And here's the secret that most miss Feed your model with your best work.
Speaker A:Upload 3 to 5 of your favorite emails, a killer workshop intro and maybe a voice memo where you riff as yourself or a podcast and then use this prompt.
Speaker A:Use this as my brand voice, my teaching style and my core values.
Speaker A:Respond as if you care about and then you put in your ideal client's transformation.
Speaker A:Step 4 Test unreal tasks Rough drafts are okay, so don't wait for perfection.
Speaker A:Ask it.
Speaker A:Write a client celebration post the way I would.
Speaker A:Give specific feedback, edit together and praise what it gets right.
Speaker A:The more you interact, the sharper and the more you it becomes.
Speaker A:Number five is check for safety and integration.
Speaker A:You control your data, always double check privacy settings and look for easy integration.
Speaker A:Does it send emails?
Speaker A:Post to your newsletter?
Speaker A:Update your CRM?
Speaker A:Start simple and add more as you master it.
Speaker A:And if you're ready to make AI, your voice, your style, your business advantage, download my LLM Quick Start for coaches.
Speaker A:The link is in the show notes or DM me with the word model for my personal tips on choosing and training your first AI for today.
Speaker A:Pick one thing you want your future AI to master.
Speaker A:Find your favorite version of that thing and let your AI learn from the best you.
Speaker A:Let's keep making tech more human, more personal, and more powerful.
Speaker A:I'll catch you tomorrow on Start with AI.
