Which AI Should You Use? A Simple Way to Pick the Right Large Language Model (LLM)
by Sandy Waggett
5 min reading time
Which AI Should You Use? A Simple Way to Pick the Right Large Language Model (LLM)
TL;DR: Choosing the best AI large language model (LLM) doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of debating features, focus on practical factors like team sharing, workflow integration, and reusable custom assistants. Run a quick two-tool test with a real task to find what works best for you and your business.
Understanding the AI Landscape for Small Businesses
If you’ve ever wondered, “Which AI LLM is best for my business?” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get from small business owners and teams exploring AI tools. The internet tends to amplify differences between AI platforms, making it seem like choosing the right one is a high-stakes, complex decision.
But here’s the real talk: for most small businesses, the differences between the top AI tools are much smaller than you might think. Whether you’re writing content, brainstorming ideas, summarizing meetings, or cleaning up emails, any of the leading AI models will probably get the job done.
What Really Matters When Choosing an AI LLM
Instead of focusing on which AI model is technically “better,” the questions you should be asking are about practical usability and team fit. Here are the key factors that impact your day-to-day experience:
Team Collaboration: Can your team easily share AI tools and outputs without having to share passwords or accounts?
Information Security: Can you control what information is shared across the team versus what stays private?
Reusable Mini Assistants: Can you create custom AI assistants tailored to repeat business processes?
Workflow Integration: Does the AI fit naturally into the tools you already use, like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365?
These practical considerations have a much bigger impact on your productivity and adoption than raw AI performance metrics.
Why I Keep Coming Back to ChatGPT for My Team
Having tested all the major AI platforms, I consistently return to ChatGPT — specifically the custom GPT + team environment — for one simple reason: it works best for my team of nine people.
Here’s what makes this setup a game changer:
Shared GPTs: We can build and share tailored GPT assistants across the team without sharing passwords or accounts.
Individual Workspaces: Everyone has their own login and workspace, so personal and team projects stay organized and compartmentalized.
Custom GPTs for Clients and Operations: We create custom GPTs not only for our Performance Marketing Program clients but also for internal processes like financial reviews, contract drafting, and blog writing.
This flexibility drives efficiency and consistency across both client projects and internal workflows. It’s where AI truly delivers leverage.
What About Google’s Gemini and Other Players?
Google’s Gemini AI is making impressive strides, and at MSW, we regularly use Google AI Studio for specific tasks. While it’s promising, I’ll be sharing more detailed insights about that platform in upcoming posts. For now, ChatGPT’s team features remain my go-to for team collaboration and custom AI assistants.
How To Choose Your AI in 5 Minutes: The “2-Tool Test”
If you want a quick, no-nonsense way to pick the right LLM for your business, here’s a simple test you can run yourself. It takes about five minutes and provides actionable clarity without the overwhelm.
Step 1: Pick a Real Task You Do Every Week
Choose a specific, recurring business task. Examples include:
Replying to new leads
Writing a proposal introduction
Creating a standard operating procedure (SOP)
Summarizing a client call
Step 2: Run the Exact Same Prompt in Two Different AI Tools
Use the same prompt and input in two AI platforms you’re considering. This allows you to directly compare output quality and usability.
Step 3: Evaluate the Results
Pick the winner based on these criteria:
Fewer edits: Which output requires less tweaking?
Clearer communication: Which version is easier to understand and more aligned with your tone?
Team sharing: Which tool makes it easier to share, collaborate, and reuse content with your team?
Sample Prompt You Can Use Right Now
Act as my practical business assistant.
Task: [PASTE THE REAL TASK]
My business: [WHAT YOU DO]
My customers: [WHO]
My tone: [FRIENDLY / DIRECT / PROFESSIONAL]
Constraints: [TIME / TEAM / BUDGET]
Give me a first draft I can use today, and ask up to 3 questions only if you truly need them.
Try this out and see which AI platform delivers the best experience for your specific needs.
Putting It All Together: Practical Advice for Your AI Journey
Here are some actionable tips to help you confidently choose and integrate an AI LLM into your business workflows:
Prioritize ease of collaboration: If you work with a team, pick tools that enable seamless sharing and role-based access.
Build reusable AI assistants: Customize GPTs for repeatable tasks to save time and maintain quality.
Integrate with your existing tools: Choose AI solutions that plug into platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 to avoid workflow disruptions.
Test with real tasks: Run the 2-tool test regularly as your needs evolve. The AI landscape changes quickly, and so should your tools.
Stay curious and adaptable: Keep an eye on emerging AI offerings like Google’s Gemini, but don’t switch just for novelty’s sake.
By focusing on practical usability and team fit instead of hype, you’ll find an AI solution that truly enhances productivity and collaboration for your business.
About the Author: Sandy Waggett is the founder of MSW Interactive Designs and Infinite Yous, a leading AI integration expert who helps businesses leverage AI for growth.
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