Strategy Articles | Jamie Blair

12 posts

Strategy

Everything I've written about strategy.

AI core with expanding data network representing a post-launch feedback loop for continuous model retraining and sustained accuracy.

What Happens After the AI MVP Ships

The MVP is live. Now what? Monitoring, retraining, user feedback loops, and the maintenance work that determines whether your AI project survives past month three.

27 May 20267 min read

Automation nexus processing diverse workflows: scaling from Zapier to custom systems for complex tasks and data transformation.

Automation Strategy Guide No-Code

Zapier vs Custom Automation: When to Switch

Zapier works until it doesn't. Here's how to tell when your business has outgrown no-code automation and what a custom-built alternative actually costs.

13 May 20267 min read

AI strategy audit for businesses: identify true automation ROI and avoid costly, unproductive AI development.

Consulting Strategy Guide

What an AI consulting engagement actually looks like

What actually happens during an AI consulting engagement: the audit, the recommendations, the deliverables. No mystery, no fluff, just the real process.

22 Apr 20269 min read

Probabilistic AI neural network intertwines with deterministic mechanical gears, highlighting complexities and maintenance.

AI Software Development Strategy Guide

AI vs traditional software: what's actually different

AI projects aren't like normal software builds. They need different timelines, testing, and expectations. Here is what changes and what stays the same.

8 Apr 20269 min read

Central mechanical core evaluating a business's internal systems, revealing signals separating AI-ready from premature.

AI Small Business Strategy Guide

5 signs your business is actually ready for AI automation

Five clear signals that your business is ready to invest in AI automation. Based on real patterns from clients who got it right and ones who jumped too early.

1 Apr 20267 min read

AI core revealing concentrated value for business ROI in automation projects.

AI ROI Small Business Strategy

How to measure ROI on AI automation for your business

A practical framework for calculating whether an AI project is worth the investment: time savings, error reduction, and the metrics that actually matter.

15 Mar 20267 min read

Illuminating AI's strategic value for small businesses, guiding adoption to unlock significant ROI.

Consulting Small Business Strategy Guide

Is AI worth it for a small business? Here's how to actually decide.

A practical framework for small business owners to figure out if AI will save money or waste it. No hype, no jargon. Real decision criteria with examples.

15 Mar 20267 min read

Glowing pulse conducting an operations audit on business processes, pinpointing waste for AI solutions.

Consulting Strategy Operations Guide

How I'd run an AI audit for small business operations

The 5-step process I'd use to assess whether AI will actually help a business. Includes the questions to ask, the red flags to look for, and how to calculate ROI.

8 Mar 20268 min read

Intertwined gears and neural pathways depict selecting appropriate automation: simple scripts vs. complex AI.

Strategy Automation Machine Learning Guide

Rules-based automation vs machine learning: which do you need?

A clear breakdown of when to use simple rule-based automation and when machine learning is worth the complexity. Decision framework with real examples.

5 Mar 20266 min read

Intricate, glowing AI core representing an effective AI solution. Guides choosing expert AI developers.

Consulting Strategy Hiring Guide

What to look for when hiring an AI developer

A practical guide for business owners hiring their first AI developer or freelancer. Questions to ask, red flags, and how to tell skill from hype.

26 Feb 20266 min read

Interlocking gears aligning business processes to evaluate AI automation readiness and prevent project failure.

Consulting Strategy Small Business Guide

The AI readiness checklist for small businesses

Before investing in AI, check these 8 things. A practical readiness checklist covering data, processes, team, and budget for small business owners.

30 Jan 20266 min read

Monolithic AI core vs. raw components and tools, evaluating buying off-the-shelf or building custom AI solutions.

Strategy Consulting AI Guide

Build vs buy: when to use off-the-shelf AI and when to build custom

A decision framework for choosing between off-the-shelf AI tools and custom-built solutions. Cost, control, time, and maintenance tradeoffs explained.

20 Jan 20266 min read

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