Unlocking the Power of AI When Your Plate Is Already Full
How to identify when AI can make life easier—even if you're a solo consultant wearing multiple hats.
1. Focus on the Task, Not the Tech
Electricity succeeded because it solved real problems: providing clean light, effortless heating, and push-button convenience. AI works the same way—by solving real problems. If you see these signs:
| Common Signs | What's Really Happening? | AI Can Help? |
|---|---|---|
| Wasted hours copying data | Information scattered in emails or files | ✅ Automates routine tasks |
| Late nights merging slide decks | Endless updates from different people | ✅ Quickly summarises content |
| Stressful monthly reporting | Tedious manual data formatting | ✅ Automates structured reports |
| Forgetful client follow-ups | Overloaded memory, unclear pipeline | ✅ Automatic note-taking |
Then you've found the ideal spot for AI support.
2. Simple Questions for Quick Wins
Ask yourself:
- Repetition: Does the task happen multiple times a week?
- Similarity: Is the result largely the same each time?
- Importance: Do mistakes matter financially or reputationally?
- Ease: Could someone less experienced handle it given enough time?
Three or more "yes" answers mean it's worth exploring AI.
(If you're on your own, think about your own tasks in this way too.)
3. Find Your AI Opportunities
Make a simple list to visualize:
- What tasks do you perform regularly?
- How long do they take each time?
- How often do you repeat them?
- How frustrating or boring are they?
Tasks scoring highest on all these areas are prime candidates for AI.
4. Practical Examples of AI in Action
| Role | Before AI | After AI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Manager (SME) | Days spent on month-end financial reports | AI generates report drafts in hours |
| Independent HR Consultant | Time-consuming job descriptions and emails | AI creates tailored job postings quickly |
| Small Law Firm Partner | Hours reviewing lengthy contracts line-by-line | AI highlights key clauses instantly |
| Sales Team Leader | Quarterly data cleanup in CRM | AI keeps CRM tidy daily |
5. Your Easy, 4-Week AI Starter Plan
- Week 1 – Notice: Track how you spend your time.
- Week 2 – Test: Try ChatGPT or Gemini on a common task.
- Week 3 – Integrate: Connect AI tools with your email, sheets, etc.
- Week 4 – Adopt: Use the AI-powered method regularly and document the process.
Tip: Saving more than 5 hours a month is worth automating.
6. Why AI Matters for Solo Consultants
When you're the whole team, each saved hour means more revenue, less stress, and better work-life balance.
Essential AI skills for consultants by year-end:
- Quickly summarizing calls and emails.
- Using AI for spreadsheets and data checks.
- Generating proposals and invoices automatically.
- Securely managing knowledge in your own AI assistant.
7. Imagine Having More Time
What would you achieve with an extra free day each week?
- Take on another client?
- Spend more time on strategic work?
- Enjoy more personal time?
AI is your chance to lighten your workload. It's about working smarter, not harder.
Ready to Make Your Life Easier?
I'm offering a simple, practical session where we:
- Review one task from your daily workflow.
- Create an AI solution on the spot.
- Provide an easy-to-follow action plan.
It’s free, straightforward, and designed to save your most valuable asset—time.
Sign Up or reply to the email to Discover how AI can ease your workload.