One thing I've noticed while learning AI automation: Most people focus on the AI model itself. The real value seems to come from the workflow around it. An average AI model connected to the right systems can create far more business value than a powerful AI model with no process behind it. The more I learn, the more I believe automation design is becoming just as important as prompt engineering. Do you agree, or do you think the model still matters most?

If you had to start from scratch today with no clients and no audience, what would be the first AI automation service you'd offer to local businesses? My initial thought would be automated lead qualification and follow-up since almost every business struggles with responding to inquiries quickly. Curious to hear what more experienced builders here would choose and why.

Here's why you should attend: Over two days at AIS Live, every speaker is someone actively earning from AI services, and they show their actual work. The real projects they sell, how they get clients, the numbers behind it. It just opened to the public, and right now you can save $50. But only through Sunday: -> Go here for details: https://app.aiautomationsociety.ai/ais-live/register/

Most people trying to start an AI business jump straight to pitching retainers or projects and end up frozen. The move is to sell one-on-one hours helping business owners set up their AI Operating System. This video walks through that offer, why it works in 2026, and a 7-step plan to land your first clients.

I sat down with Devin Kearns, co-founder & CEO of Custom AI Studio, to break down what it actually takes to build an AI agency with real enterprise value, not just another lifestyle business. We get into why most AI work being sold today won't survive 2027, why the mid-market is the prime opportunity (not SMBs or enterprises), the 11 ways AI experts are actually making money right now, how to position with frameworks instead of being just another vendor, and the five things Devin wishes he knew sooner. If you're building, running, or thinking about starting an AI agency, this is the strategic conversation I wish I'd had two years ago.