FAQ

I can be an extension of your team, available to help with decision making and planning around AI. I can help with building some tools, but just as often it will be better that we use an existing solution or hire someone else to build something, and I will be there help you decide. Either way, it will start with an initial meeting or video call to discuss your needs and goals, a small project (less than 10 hours), then an onging engagement of either a half or full day every two weeks that can be used for planning, training, building, etc.

No lock in. At any time you can decide that you no longer need my help and you can end the engagement with no advance notice required.

I use a variety of industry-leading AI tools including n8n, OpenAI, Anthropic and ElevenLabs. If we need to use a tool that I am not experienced with, any time learning the tool will be at my expense, not yours.

Yes, this website was built by AI, although with quite a bit of oversight by me. The level of human oversight required is dropping rapidly, but it still helps to be able to to code to build a decent website.

No, but it will involve some learning as the goal is for you to become self-sufficient, not reliant on me.

No, provided you take the time to learn the tools, you will be self-sufficient and able to maintain and improve the systems yourself.

Contact

Email: marc [at] marcharrison.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcharrison/

Location: Melbourne, Australia

AI, and the benefits of procrastination

▶ Version Details

Summary:

In the second version of the post I added multiple agents and a more detailed prompt. For this final version I used the same agents and prompt, but I gave them two tools to use:

  1. I used Deep Research to research the topic, and I made the results of that research available to the agents in this flow.
  2. I created another workflow that could analyse past examples of my writing and write a detailed report on my writing style. I made that report available to the agents, together with instructions to ensure the final post matched my writing style, to ensure that the final post sounded more like something I would write.

Interface: n8n automation

Model: ChatGPT 4o

Flow:

Flowchart of the AI process using multiple agents

Human intervention: Nothing other than formatting

Prompt:

Format:

- The final blog post should be approximately 3 pages long.
- It should be presented as markdown with appropriate headings and formatting.

Audience:

It should be aimed at owners of small to medium sized businesses of 10 to 100 employees. It should include valuable advice that helps business owners make decisions today, not just a generalised list of pros and cons for moving
sooner rather than later.


Writing Style:

It should be written in the same writing style as Marc (use the 'writing style' tool). Do not go overboard with anecodotes, metaphors, etc. Use those elements judiciously and carefully.


Research"

The post should incorporate interesting items from the research provided (use the 'research' tool). If mentioning specific quotes or data from the research, please include references.


Key Points:

Be sure to include the following points:
- All AI is not the same - while it might be too early for a company to adopt AI in one part of their business, it might be the perfect time (or even too late) for other AI tools.
- Some of the more advanced AI is still difficult for non-tech business owners to implement, but progress even just in the last few months means it is possibly much easier than many, even most, realise.
- Getting outside help is vital, not just to implement AI but to help you to "know what you don't know".

Embracing AI: Timing Is Everything

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has swiftly transformed from an imagined future prospect to a present necessity impacting businesses worldwide. For small and medium-sized business owners, the golden question is not just “should we adopt AI?” but more crucially, “when should we leap into AI adoption?” Striking the right balance in timing can be the difference between costly missteps and groundbreaking success.

Understanding AI: The Diverse Landscape

Not All AI Is Created Equal

When it comes to AI, one size certainly doesn’t fit all. From chatbots enhancing customer service to complex autonomous systems, the variations are immense. For some areas of your business, now might be the perfect time to integrate AI tools, or you might find yourself lagging behind. In others, a more strategic pause may empower your team to harness technology when it’s better-suited and economically viable.

The Merits of Being a Strategic Follower

Cost Efficiency

The appeal of waiting has never been clearer. As Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, notes, AI costs are decreasing by tenfold each year (Altman, 2023). Delaying AI implementation, much like a savvy shopper waiting for a sale, could result in significant savings for businesses ready to hold off just a moment longer.

Ease of Integration

The evolution towards user-friendly AI—such as plug-and-play models and no-code platforms—facilitates seamless integration into existing systems, even for the less technically proficient (Jakeman, 2025). This progress allows businesses to hop on the AI train without derailing operations.

Risk Mitigation

What’s more frustrating than making a big purchase only to find it obsolete shortly after? The tech world moves rapidly, and the AI sector is no exception. By timing your adoption wisely, businesses can avoid investing in technologies that turn out to be transitional steps rather than future-proof platforms (Altman, 2023).

Learning from the Trailblazers

Lastly, by watching early adopters from the sidelines, businesses capture valuable lessons from their successes and, importantly, their failures. As the adage goes, “A wise man learns from the mistakes of others.”

Risks of Hesitation

Falling Behind

Don’t let the grass grow under your feet. Early adopters often gain a significant head start, capturing market share and setting industry standards. According to Boston Consulting Group, companies investing early in AI often outperform their rivals (BCG, 2024).

The Power of Data

In industries like autonomous driving, early adopters have a data advantage that’s hard to beat. Take Tesla, for instance. By amassing years of data through early implementation, they’ve built a significant lead that rivals find challenging to bridge (Tesla, 2024).

Operational Efficiency

AI offers remarkable efficiency gains that can’t be ignored. For example, JPMorgan Chase implemented AI for legal reviews, saving about 360,000 hours annually ([CASE STUDY] JPMorgan, 2024). Waiting might mean paying in inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

Finding Your Formula: Balancing Innovation and Prudence

Tailoring to Your Business

Each business has its rhythm. Understand your industry’s pace and combine it with your firm’s risk tolerance and readiness. Ask yourself: Are you equipped to lead the AI charge, or would a more cautious, watchful approach suit you better?

Leveraging External Expertise

Lastly, don’t go it alone. Engaging experts not only helps implementation but also illuminates the unknowns. As the author Malcolm Gladwell might philosophize: it’s about knowing what you don’t know, and then acting on it.

Conclusion

In the grand and complex dance of AI adoption, timing is crucial. Whether you blaze the trail or follow the pioneers, act with intention and insight. Stay informed, remain adaptable, and strategically align your steps with market dynamics to ensure AI becomes an enhancing force rather than an overwhelming endeavor. Let today’s decisions carve your path to tomorrow’s success.