The Beginner’s Guide to Working with an AI Consultant

Aug 3

So, you’re curious about bringing AI into your business — but you’re not quite sure where to start? You’ve heard about automating tasks, improving customer service, and making smarter decisions with AI, but figuring it all out on your own? That’s a lot.

Here’s where an AI consultant comes in.

Working with an AI consultant can help you cut through the noise, focus on what actually matters to your business, and start using AI in ways that make a real impact.

If you’re new to the idea, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through the basics of what to expect and how to get the most out of working with an AI consultant.

What Does an AI Consultant Actually Do?

Think of an AI consultant as your guide to making AI work for you, not the other way around. They’re not just tech experts — they’re problem solvers who help you:

Identify where AI can make a difference in your business.
Choose the right tools (without overcomplicating things).
Customize AI solutions to fit your specific needs.
Train your team (or even the AI itself!) so it works seamlessly.
Help you scale as you grow more comfortable with AI.

They take the mystery out of AI and help you focus on results.

5 Things to Expect When Working with an AI Consultant

1. Discovery: What Are You Trying to Solve?

The first step isn’t about technology — it’s about understanding your business.

A good consultant will start by asking:

What are your biggest time-wasters?
Where do you wish you had more efficiency?
What processes feel repetitive or manual?
Are there any customer or team pain points?

This helps them identify high-impact opportunities where AI can help.

2. Strategy: Finding the Right Fit

Not every AI tool is right for every business. Your consultant will help you decide:

What kind of AI makes sense (chatbots, automation, data analysis, etc.).
Whether you need something off-the-shelf or more custom.
What tools fit your budget and team size.

They’ll help you avoid shiny object syndrome and focus on what’s practical.

3. Implementation: Getting Things Set Up

Once the plan is in place, your consultant will guide (or manage) the setup process:

Integrating AI tools with your current systems.
Customizing them to fit your workflows and brand.
Testing everything to make sure it works smoothly.

You won’t be left figuring it out alone — they’re hands-on where you need them.

4. Training & Support: Making It Work for Your Team

AI isn’t just plug-and-play. A good consultant will train your team to use the new tools confidently and answer any “what if?” questions along the way.

They’ll help you get buy-in and make sure everyone feels comfortable (and excited) about the changes.

5. Optimization: Improving as You Go

AI isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it solution. As you use it, your consultant can help you:

Fine-tune the AI to get better results.
Expand to new areas of your business.
Stay up-to-date on new tools and features.

They’re there to support your growth and make sure AI keeps delivering value.

Why Work with an AI Consultant Instead of Doing It Yourself?

Save Time: Skip the learning curve and get straight to results.
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Choose tools that actually work for your needs.
Get Customized Solutions: AI that fits your business, not someone else’s.
Stay Focused: Keep your attention on running your business, not managing tech.

How to Find the Right AI Consultant for You

When looking for a consultant, consider:

Do they understand businesses like yours?
Can they explain AI in simple, clear terms?
Do they offer practical, tailored advice (not just theory)?
Can they support you long-term if needed?

Ask for examples of projects they’ve done and how they helped other businesses succeed.

Final Thoughts

Working with an AI consultant doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, it’s one of the smartest ways to bring powerful, time-saving tools into your business without the overwhelm.

If you’ve been curious about AI but haven’t known where to start, partnering with the right consultant can open the door to more efficiency, better customer experiences, and a business that runs smoother than ever.

Ready to explore how AI can work for your business? Let’s chat! We’d love to help you figure out where AI fits into your goals and how to make the process simple, effective, and even fun.

Julien Brandt