12 questions to ask yourself before you spend a dollar on AI

If you're about to commit to an AI engagement, run yourself through these first. If you can't answer most of them clearly, slow down before signing.

The 12

1. What's the single number I want this to move?
2. What's the current value of that number, measured in the last 4 weeks?
3. If this build worked perfectly, what would the number be in 90 days?
4. Who in my team owns the number this is supposed to move?
5. Who in my team will be impacted by this build, and have I told them?
6. What system(s) does this need to integrate with — name them.
7. If the system goes wrong, who turns it off, and how fast?
8. Where will the data live, and who has access?
9. What's my budget for the build? For the monthly run?
10. What does success look like in week 4? Week 8? Week 12?
11. What does failure look like, and what would I do then?
12. Have I talked to two operators in my industry who've done this before?

If you've got crisp answers to 9+ of these, you're ready. If it's under 6, do the homework first. We're happy to help with the homework before you sign anything.

Clarity before contract. Every time.