AutomationTactics
For Companies Just Getting Started

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No AI policy. No documented processes. No idea where to begin.

That's where most companies are. Here's how to get from zero to AI-ready without wasting money on tools you're not prepared to use.

Here's What Actually Happens

You looked at the AI Maturity Map and most of it doesn't apply to you yet. That's fine. Most companies are in the same spot.

The part nobody mentions:

Companies buy AI tools before documenting processes. They deploy chatbots before training teams. Six months later, those tools are sitting unused and the CFO is asking questions.

What this means for you:

Start with the foundations and you'll implement AI faster, cheaper, and with better adoption than companies that jumped straight to technology.

Your 3 First Steps

Before you buy any AI tools or hire any consultants, do these three things. Each one builds on the last.

1

Document Your Processes

Foundation for everything

You cannot automate what isn't written down. Think of it like this: AI is a really fast intern who does exactly what you tell them. The catch? You have to give crystal-clear instructions.

Where to Start:

  • 1. Pick your top 3 most time-consuming manual processes
  • 2. Record yourself doing each one (screen recording works)
  • 3. Write step-by-step instructions someone else could follow
  • 4. Note decision points, exceptions, and who approves what
Learn more about process documentation
2

Create an AI Policy

Before someone shares the wrong thing

Your employees are already using ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI tools. You just don't know about it. Without a policy, they're potentially sharing company data with public AI systems.

Your Policy Should Cover:

  • + Which AI tools are approved for company use
  • + What data can and cannot be shared with AI systems
  • + How to verify AI-generated content before using it
  • + Who to contact with questions
See AI Policy framework
3

Pick Your Champion

Someone has to own this

AI initiatives without internal ownership fail. You need someone who understands the business, can rally support, and will actually follow through.

Your AI Champion Should Be:

  • + Respected across departments (not just IT)
  • + Curious about technology but focused on business outcomes
  • + Given authority to make decisions and allocate time
  • + Willing to be the point person for AI questions
Learn about AI governance structure

What Comes Next

Once you've done these 3 things, you're ready to start building. Here's what the next phase looks like:

1

AI Literacy Training

Teach your team how AI actually works and what it can't do

2

Tool Selection

Choose AI tools that fit your documented processes

3

First Automation

Deploy your first AI-powered workflow with proper oversight

See the full AI Maturity Map

What Not To Do

Buy enterprise AI licenses first

You'll pay for seats nobody uses because your team doesn't understand the tools and you don't have processes ready to automate.

Hire an AI consultant too early

Without documented processes and internal ownership, consultants create expensive reports that gather dust. (The part nobody mentions.)

Ignore what your employees are already doing

They're using AI tools right now. Without a policy, they're sharing company data with public AI systems you don't control.

Start with the fancy stuff

Predictive analytics and autonomous agents sound exciting, but they need infrastructure you don't have yet. Start with the boring stuff that works.

5 Questions to Answer First

Be honest with yourself. This tells you where to start.

Do you have written documentation for your top 5 business processes?
Is there a company policy about using AI tools at work?
Do you know which employees are using ChatGPT or similar tools?
Is there one person accountable for AI initiatives in your company?
Do employees know what company data they can share with AI?

If you answered "no" to most of these, start with Step 1 above.

Need Help Getting Started?

A 30-minute conversation can save you months of false starts. I'll tell you exactly where to begin based on your situation.

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