- Compound Leverage
- Posts
- Big Gains, Small Automation
Big Gains, Small Automation
Start small to win big. AI success one step at a time
Compound Leverage
I met with a new client who runs a service business.
They asked me a question that's becoming increasingly common:
"Should I make wholesale changes to my workflow with AI?”
My answer is always no. Instead, I advise saying, “Let’s break the process into the key pillars, then identify what would have the most significant impact on your business in the next 12 months and start there. After a few wins, you can expand into other parts of the process.”
This is about more than just service businesses. Leaders across industries are looking for ways to leverage AI without the risks and costs of large-scale implementations.
The key? Having Zero to 1 instead of Zero to 100 thinking.
From my years as a management consultant, SaaS Founder, and 9-to-5er, I've seen countless tech projects.
Whether it's a small Zapier automation or a large-scale enterprise software rollout, success comes from being tight and focused on your goals. Light a software startup.
Here's why:
Lower risk, faster implementation
Quick wins build momentum
Easier adoption by your team
Flexibility to adjust as you learn
All projects start with great intentions. But the dream vs. reality gap widens when leaders swing for the fences instead of aiming for first base. The odds of scoring are far greater with single after single vs. hoping for the big outcome at once.
This holds for AI projects.
Use the THINK Method for Small AI Wins:
T - Task: Identify one manual task that's part of a micro-milestone with real impact.
H - Hypothesis: Find a simple AI solution to automate the task.
I - Invest: Design a project that solves that problem as part of a larger business process.
N—Network: Monitor the results. Seek out compounding: hours saved, new revenue, and more productive employees.
K - Knowledge: Use this success as a foundation. It's like Legos – continuously add complementary pieces.
The leaders I talk to often share a common theme:
"My growth is capped because our process has too many manual steps. The only way to grow is hiring more people to work a process that isn't scalable."
Sound familiar?
AI can help. But not by trying to automate everything today. Start with one task. Get a win. Then, build on that success.
Are you ready to take the first step?
My challenge to you is:
Identify one manual task in your business process that's holding you back.
Then, work on a small AI automation that would make a big difference.
Marvin
Whenever ready, here are 3 ways we can support you
Answer six questions – Get a Doubling with AI report with two AI tips, insights, and an ROI calculation.
Meet with a THINK advisor – Get help to hit a goal faster, free of charge.
Doubling with AI support – Let us handle the strategy, design, and execution of your AI projects. Reply with your needs to see if we're a fit.
Reply