EP 108: Why Smart Agents Use AI to Get Closer to Clients

In this episode, I speak with Michael Thorne, award-winning Canadian real estate innovator and AI educator, about how agents should really be using AI. Michael explains why AI should streamline low-value tasks, elevate expertise, and push agents closer to their clients rather than replacing human connection. The conversation covers digital departments, custom instructions, NotebookLM, Perplexity, and practical ways agents can reclaim time, improve creativity, and future-proof their businesses. Resources Mentioned ChatGPT - Used for custom instructions, projects, digital departments, brainstorming, and voice-based market insights. NotebookLM - Referenced extensively for organizing HOA documents, market data, blogs, and turning knowledge into podcasts, mind maps, and summaries. Perplexity - Used as a research-first alternative to Google for fast, source-based answers. Custom Instructions and Projects - Used to create digital departments such as marketing, content creation, data analysis, and client care, each with its own "digital employee." Advanced Voice Mode in ChatGPT - Used to capture spoken expertise, interview the agent as a market expert, and convert conversations into blogs and marketing content. Books Mentioned Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull - Recommended for developing creative thinking as a core business skill. Growing Up Lillooet by Terry Thorne - Personal recommendation reflecting values, perspective, and creativity. Guest: Michael Thorne Website - https://www.tmbrealestate.com/ourteam?wmTabs=michael   Host: Rajeev Sajja Website: http://www.realestateaiflash.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsajja  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rajeev_sajja LinkedIn: http://www.linkedIn.com/in/rsajja Resources:  AI Playbook - http://www.realestateaiflash.com  Join our Instagram Real Estate AI Insiders Channel - https://ig.me/j/AbZCJG37DqBPPtxi/ Subscribe to our weekly AI Newsletter: https://realestateai-flash.beehiiv.com/subscribe