How We Plan, Scope & Sell AI Projects in our 100k+/Mo AI Agency



AI Summary

Video Summary: Planning and Scoping AI Automation Projects

Introduction

  • The video provides a four-step framework used by the presenter’s AI agency for planning and delivering AI automation projects.
  • The presenter, Ben, has been running an AI agency since 2023 and also manages a community in the AI space.

Disclaimer

  • The methods described are based on the presenter’s experience and may not be the only way to plan and deliver AI automation systems.

Framework Overview

  1. Project Scoping
    • Define the problem or need.
    • Clarify objectives, specific requirements, and metrics.
    • Gather necessary information to design the system and judge feasibility.
    • Limit the scope to essential information to avoid complexity.
    • Aim to complete scoping within the first two meetings before client payment.
  2. System Design
    • Design and establish a process to be automated.
    • Create a roadmap and proposal.
    • Break down projects into smaller parts or phases.
    • Use diagramming software for planning (e.g., FigJam, Whimsical, Lucidchart).
  3. Development
    • Build, test, and debug step by step.
    • Implement error handling.
    • Deploy and optimize based on real-world usage and feedback.
  4. Deployment and Optimization
    • Iterate and improve the automation system.
    • Maintain open communication with clients, preferably through a platform like Slack.

Example Project

  • A coaching business needed to automate the process of handling LinkedIn ad leads.
  • The agency broke the project into phases: lead research, lead qualification, and voice agent/email sequences.
  • The initial phase provided immediate value by enriching CRM data with lead information.
  • The project evolved based on client needs, eventually focusing on email sequences for unqualified leads instead of a voice agent.

Proposal and Pricing

  • The proposal includes a breakdown of phases with estimated timeframes and dependencies.
  • Subscription-based pricing is recommended for flexibility and ease of adding improvements.

Development Tips

  • Use error handlers like “break” modules in automation software (e.g., make.com) to retry failed API calls.
  • Test the system with a sample of 10 to 100 examples for debugging.

Conclusion

  • The presenter emphasizes the importance of quick wins, client communication, and an MVP approach.
  • Future content will cover the onboarding process and automation of agency steps.

Notes

  • No detailed instructions such as CLI commands, website URLs, or specific tips were provided in the transcript.
  • The video is focused on client projects but the framework is applicable to personal automation projects as well.