There is a saying that you are never too old to learn. At 80, I am beginning to appreciate just how true that is.
Recently, I decided it was time to give my website, AI123.ca, a more professional email address. Instead of relying entirely on my personal Gmail account, I wanted an email address using my own domain: davidau@ai123.ca.
It sounded simple enough. After all, I already had a website, published blog posts regularly, and used AI almost every day. How difficult could setting up a business email be?
Well, I soon discovered that there was a little more to it than I had expected!
My First Attempt: Google Workspace
I initially explored Google Workspace. It seemed a natural choice because I was already familiar with Gmail and other Google services.
I started a Business Standard trial and worked through the setup process. However, things did not go as smoothly as I had hoped. There were account verification issues, questions about domain configuration, and support cases that required follow-up.
I communicated with Google Workspace support and waited for updates. Although some technical details were confirmed, I still could not get everything working as expected.
To be honest, it was frustrating. I did not want to spend my days chasing technical problems when I could be writing stories for my readers.
But I also learned something important: when technology does not work the first time, it does not necessarily mean we have failed. Sometimes, we simply need to consider another route.
A Simpler Alternative: Zoho Mail
That was when I turned to Zoho Mail.
After comparing the available options, I chose Zoho Mail Lite, a paid plan offering 5 GB of storage. The price was approximately C$15 a year before tax, with a total of C$16.95 including tax for one user.
For a small operation like AI123.ca, the cost seemed reasonable.
With my AI companion guiding me, I verified my domain, added the required verification record through Squarespace Domains, and created my new mailbox.
There were technical terms to deal with, including DNS records and domain verification. These can sound intimidating if you are not familiar with them.
Instead of attempting everything at once, I followed the instructions step by step. We also took care not to make unnecessary changes to the existing domain settings.
Eventually, the mailbox was created.
Then came the moment of truth.
I tested the new Zoho email. I sent a message and checked whether I could receive one in return.
Success! Both sending and receiving worked.
You can imagine my satisfaction. After all the uncertainty, I finally had a working business email for AI123.ca.
What Did I Learn?
Looking back, the most valuable part of this experience was not simply obtaining a new email address.
First, I learned that a small business does not always need the most expensive or complicated solution. It needs one that works reliably and fits its actual requirements.
Second, patience matters. When dealing with domain settings and email services, making several changes at once can create confusion. It is better to work through one step, check the result, and then move forward.
Third, asking AI for help can make unfamiliar technology less intimidating. My AI companion helped me understand the instructions, consider alternatives, and work through the process at a manageable pace.
Of course, AI is not infallible. Important settings still need to be checked, and a successful setup should be tested rather than simply assumed.
A Message to Fellow Seniors
If you are a senior thinking about starting a blog, creating a website, or developing a small online business, do not let technical language discourage you.
You do not have to understand everything before you begin. Start with a clear goal, take one step at a time, and ask for help when you need it.
At 80, I am still learning, experimenting, and documenting what I discover.
My new business email is a small achievement, but it represents something bigger: the willingness to keep learning instead of giving up when things become difficult.
And what happened to my original Google Workspace attempt? I sent a follow-up to its support team rather than simply ignoring the outstanding case. There may still be something useful to learn from that experience.
For now, I am happy that Zoho Mail is working.
That is what AI learning means to me: not chasing technology for its own sake, but using it to accomplish something practical.
One problem solved, one lesson learned, and another story to share on AI123.ca.
After all, at 80, the journey is still continuing!
AI123.ca — Exploring → Learning → Documenting.
AI Learning for Seniors · Zoho Mail · Business Email Setup · AI for Everyday Life · Digital Skills for Seniors · Lifelong Learning · AI123.ca
