Should You Do AI Yourself or Hire an AI Consultant?
It depends on the problem. Plenty of businesses can set up AI tools on their own, and some should. Here’s how to tell which side you’re on.
When doing it yourself makes sense
You know the one task you want to fix, and it’s simple.
The AI is already built into software you use. Many CRMs, email platforms and scheduling tools now include AI features.
You have time to test, and trying it costs little if it doesn’t work.
Someone on your team enjoys this and can own it.
If that’s you, start with one workflow. Time how long it takes today, then compare after a few weeks.
When outside help pays off
You’re not sure where to start, or everything looks like a candidate.
You’ve tried tools before and they went unused.
The fix touches several systems or sensitive data.
Nobody on your team has the time to own it.
You want a second opinion before you spend.
The bottlenecks you stopped noticing years ago are the easiest to miss, and an outside view catches them.
At a Glance: DIY vs. Hire
What to ask before you hire anyone
Once you’ve decided to bring in help, put these to whoever you’re thinking of hiring, on your first call. A good consultant will answer them plainly.
Who will actually do the work?
What will I have at the end, in writing?
How will we know if it worked? What gets measured, and when?
What happens to my data, and which tools touch it?
Will you tell me if AI isn’t the answer?
Can I see an example of what I’d receive?
Not sure which side you're on?
Talk through your biggest challenges and see where AI can help.