Summary

Nate argues that most AI consultants struggle because they skip the 'consulting hours' phase and jump straight to selling expensive projects. By selling one-on-one sessions to help business owners build an AI operating system, you bypass imposter syndrome, gather vital scoping data, and earn the right to larger retainers through genuine collaboration.

Key Topics

• AI Operating System (AIOS): An AIOS isn't just one app, but a system of data, prompt engineering, and automated agents customized to the owner's specific subject matter expertise. It helps eliminate business bottlenecks by externalizing the owner's thinking into a repeatable system.
• The Sales Ladder: The ladder approach solves the imposter syndrome issue by ensuring you only attempt to sell services you have the confidence and experience to execute. Rung zero (hourly consulting) provides the necessary data to sell rung one (audits) and beyond.
• Domain Fluency vs. Tool Fluency: Consultants are not meant to replace the business owner's expertise; they are meant to bridge the gap between that expertise and AI tools. You are providing the 'tool fluency' that allows their 'domain fluency' to achieve scale.

Key Takeaways

• Join an AI community to identify common support questions.
• Document your own 'AI Operating System' build.