Google is getting disrupted by Perplexity.AI: A guide to smarter search.

In a world drowning in information, we’re starving for insights.

Google’s strength—and value—lies in its ability to help us find information quickly. Advertisers pay Google to get their products and services in front of us as we search. It’s a powerful model—but what if we’re moving beyond information to the need for real insights?

We don't need more information; we need insight.

That’s where Perplexity steps in. This AI-powered search chat partner is changing the game by delivering smarter, more relevant answers without the clutter.

What is Perplexity?

Perplexity is the best search engine available right now. And it’s free. As a strategy consultant, I frequently develop corporate strategies for organizations.

Here’s how I use Perplexity to bring focused, data-driven insights to my strategic thinking (e.g. crafting a strategy for a digital healthcare company).

Perplexity allows me to shift from search to strategy.

Your guide to smarter search with Perplexity.AI

Step 1: Use the "Focus" Feature to Scan Market Signals

In strategic planning, understanding market signals is crucial. Perplexity’s “Focus” feature allows you to zero in on what matters most.

Video: “What are the top YouTube channels for learning data science?” Helps identify educational content trends relevant to building data-driven health solutions.
Academic: “Provide recent publications on machine learning in healthcare.” Facilitates access to cutting-edge research that can inform product development or strategic partnerships.
Social: “What’s the latest discussion on value-based healthcare models?” Understand the current social discourse around healthcare reforms to align strategies with emerging consumer expectations.

Step 2: Use Modifiers to Search Specific Sites, Date Ranges, & File Formats

Refining your search to trusted sources or specific time frames can enhance the relevance of the insights you gather.

“site:” Limits answers to a specific website. Great for searching credible sources. Example: “What are the latest advancements in AI-driven diagnostics? site: rockhealth.com”
“before:” and “after:” Limits answers to a specific period. Great for getting the latest on a topic. Example: “What are the key healthcare trends post-pandemic? after:2023-01-01”
“filetype:” Limits answers to specific file types. Great for finding research papers and PDFs. Example: “Share the latest reports on telemedicine adoption. filetype”

Step 3: Explore the Related Questions

When formulating a strategy, exploring related questions can uncover insights you hadn’t considered. Perplexity’s related questions feature helps you dig deeper into any topic.

Example: Start with “How is AI transforming healthcare?” Then explore related questions like, “What are the ethical considerations in AI healthcare adoption?” and “Which companies are leading in AI healthcare innovation?”

Invitation for the week: How can you use Perplexity in your role?

Consider how these features can enhance your decision-making, market research, and strategic planning.