When it comes to AI automation, many business owners see only two routes: hiring in-house or outsourcing to a consultant or agency. These paths may seem straightforward but have their challenges. A third option—more empowering and surprisingly accessible—is building the automation yourself.
Consider the in-house hire. An AI engineer can be a strong asset, but before they're genuinely productive, significant groundwork is necessary. They must set up tools, develop software, effectively use AI, and learn your company's processes and industry intricacies. Mistakes in hiring can cause real repercussions, even if those issues can eventually be fixed. This means time, money, and focus can be diverted from your core business activities while you onboard and train them effectively.
Outsourcing to a consultant or agency might seem safer. After all, they usually bring experience. However, they lack intimate knowledge of your industry, processes, or people, leading to longer onboarding and adaptation periods than anticipated. They also charge by the hour or project, and you often only gain a few pieces of automation to own. These consultants might appear to simplify AI integration, but understanding your unique business needs is where the real value of skilled AI engineers lies. It's their ability to translate these needs into solutions that matters most.
Many business owners hesitate, thinking they lack the skill, time, or resources. These are limiting beliefs. Tools like HMN.plus make AI automation accessible without requiring large blocks of time or expertise. AI coding agents can work in parallel, allowing you to invest just minutes at a time—enough to move a project forward, step away, and return later. It's a flexible approach that empowers you to take control of your automation process.
If money is a concern, consider that the obstacle is often a lack of prioritization. Automation's ROI can begin compounding the very same day effort is applied. Realize that initial investment in AI capabilities isn't just an expense; it's an investment into scalable growth.
The belief that you lack expertise is another common barrier. The truth is, AI forces you to formalize and extract your business expertise. While learning AI is challenging, valuable skills often are. This is a skillset that will matter for the next decade and beyond. It’s about progress, not perfection—develop this capability in bite-sized pieces.
Imagine refusing to learn to use computers or social media when they first emerged. Whether it feels natural or not, they became essential. AI is no different. Stop treating AI automation as something solely purchased externally. Begin to see it as a core capability—one that you own, build, and develop. It's a mindset shift that positions you to lead rather than follow.
Invest the time to explore this third path. You'll not only be building automation, but building a more agile, resilient business along with it.