Questions people ask
before they book.
Honest answers. No jargon. If something isn't covered here, just ask.
AI & Automation Concerns
Is my business too small for AI?
Small businesses often benefit most. When you're the owner doing everything, automating repetitive tasks gives your hours back directly. You don't need a team of developers or a massive budget. You need someone to look at what you actually do and find the bits that a machine could handle. Start with a Power Hour →
Is my data safe with AI tools?
It depends on the tool and how you use it. Business accounts on major platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) have stronger privacy protections than free tiers. For sensitive data, we can use local tools that never send information to external servers. I'll help you understand what's safe for your specific situation.
How much does AI automation cost for a small business?
A Power Hour consultation is £99. Simple automations and Chrome extensions start around £300. Web apps typically £800-4,000. Apps with backends £3,500-6,000+. Many automations pay for themselves within weeks through time saved. See pricing examples →
Where do I even start with AI?
Start with low-risk tasks. Things like drafting emails, summarising documents, or cleaning up data. You don't need perfect data or a master plan. Pick one thing that wastes your time every week and see if AI can help. Book a Power Hour →
How do I know if AI automation is working?
Track time saved. If a task took you 2 hours a week and now takes 20 minutes, that's 1.5 hours back. Multiply by your hourly rate. Most automation pays for itself within weeks, not months. I help you identify 1-3 quick wins so you see results before committing to bigger projects.
Will AI replace my job or my staff?
AI replaces tasks, not roles. The research shows that people using AI aren't being replaced; they're being freed up for work that actually requires human judgment. The real risk isn't AI taking your job. It's someone who knows how to use AI being more productive than you.
I tried ChatGPT and it wasn't useful. Why?
Most people have this experience. Generic tools give generic results. The difference is knowing how to ask the right questions and building solutions tailored to your specific workflow. Typing a vague question into ChatGPT is like buying a power drill and expecting it to build your house.
Working With Tony
What is a Power Hour consultation?
A 60-minute session (£99) where we look at your business, find the repetitive tasks, and map out what's worth automating. You leave with clear options and specific recommendations, whether you work with me afterward or not. The fee is credited toward any project work. Learn more about Power Hour →
What if I don't know what I need?
That's the whole point of a Power Hour. Most people don't know where to start. We spend an hour looking at your business, finding the repetitive bits, and mapping out what's worth automating. You leave with clear options, whether you work with me afterward or not.
How is this different from hiring an AI consultancy?
No jargon. No six-month discovery process. No strategy decks that gather dust. I look at your actual workflows, find practical solutions, and build things that work. Small businesses can make decisions quickly. I work at that pace.
What happens after the Power Hour?
You get a summary document with specific recommendations. Some people take that and implement things themselves. Others ask me to build solutions. No pressure either way. And if you do proceed, the Power Hour fee comes off the project cost.
Do you work with businesses outside the UK?
Yes. Remote work is standard. All we need is timezone overlap for calls. I've worked with clients across Europe and beyond. Video calls, screen sharing, and async communication work fine.
Technical Questions
Do I need technical knowledge to use AI automation?
No. That's my job. You need to know your business. What takes too long, what frustrates you, what you wish you could automate. I handle the technical side and explain things in plain English.
What AI tools do you use?
It depends on the problem. N8N for workflow automation (self-hosted, no per-task fees). Google Apps Script for anything in Google Workspace. Claude and Gemini APIs for AI-powered tools. Custom web apps when off-the-shelf doesn't fit. I recommend what solves your problem, not what's trendy. See what I build →
Can you work with my existing systems?
Usually yes. Most automation connects to tools you already use (spreadsheets, email, CRMs, calendars). If your system has an API or can export data, we can probably work with it. The goal is to enhance what you have, not replace everything.
What is the difference between a web app and a mobile app?
Web apps live in your browser and work on any device. Mobile apps are downloaded from the App Store. For most business tools, a web app does everything needed at a fraction of the cost. Native mobile apps make sense when you need App Store presence or deep device integration. Learn about app options →
Still have questions?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. No obligation, just a chance to see if I can help.