Start with a business problem
July 29, 2026 · Hosted by Ian McDonald

Turn a broad AI consulting idea into a small, useful workflow built around a real business need.

Leave with one clear workflow to test.

BEFORE YOU START
Choose a repeated task from your own work. Bring an example of the input, the result you need and the tools you already use. Use a copy with private details removed.

FOLLOW ALONG
1. Describe the friction
Write what triggers the task, who does it, the repeated steps and the result. Name the part that consumes time or causes mistakes. Use a real example rather than a list of AI features.

2. Use the tools you already have
Ask for a small workflow using your existing tools. Identify where information must move and where a person needs to check it. Begin with a manual trial before adding recurring automation.

3. Measure one trial
Run the workflow on a safe example. Compare the time and output with your current process. Keep the useful instructions and record what failed before offering the workflow to someone else.

PRACTICE PROMPTS
Adapted exercises. Replace bracketed text and review every result.

Map the problem
Interview me about this repeated business task: [task]. Ask about its trigger, inputs, steps, tools, handoffs and success criteria. Ask one question at a time. Do not recommend a new app until the problem is clear.

Plan a small test
Using these tools [tools] and this task description [description], propose the smallest workflow I can test manually. Include a review point, the expected output and a way to measure whether it helped. Do not connect services or change files.

CHECKLIST
[ ] I described a real repeated task.
[ ] I named the desired result.
[ ] I used a safe example.
[ ] I included a human review point.
[ ] I recorded what changed in the trial.

GET UNSTUCK
Do I need a custom app?
That depends on the problem. This exercise starts with a small workflow in your existing tools so you can learn what a more elaborate solution would need.

Can I promise a client a fixed saving?
Measure the workflow in that client’s context first. A successful demonstration does not establish a guaranteed business result.

https://www.launchbox.space/help/launch-and-learn/2026-07-29