Historically, if you needed a specific tool or service for your business, you’d probably turn to a SaaS provider, hire a consultant, or find some other "expert" to get the job done. Need accounting software? You’re not building your own, right? You’d just buy QuickBooks or sign up for some SaaS that promises to do it all. That approach worked for years because the barriers to entry were high—time, money, and expertise. But today, we’re living in an AI-fueled world where those barriers are rapidly dissolving. And if you’re still handing over cash to outsource basic AI functionality, you’re playing the game wrong.
Let’s talk about one of the biggest offenders: chatbots.
Chatbots Aren’t Rocket Science Anymore
Not too long ago, building a chatbot was the kind of project that required an engineering team, custom code, and a stack of cash. But now? A 13-year-old with a free weekend and an internet connection can do it. The tools are that accessible. I’ve personally built and tinkered with multiple chatbots, sometimes just for fun, learning how they work and optimizing them for different scenarios. I even had three versions running on my website simultaneously at one point. Why? Because it’s stupidly easy now.
Anyone can spin up a chatbot that connects to a knowledge base, integrates with APIs, and supports webhooks. Heck, half the time, I don’t even know all the technical terms before I dive in. I just ask ChatGPT, “WTF is this?” and let it teach me. That’s the beauty of modern AI: It’s not just a tool; it’s your tutor.
So why are companies still paying agencies to do this for them? Let’s be real—most “AI agencies” are just rebranding their marketing or dev shops and figuring it out as they go. And you’re paying them to learn on your dime. Don’t be that guy.
The Hidden Cost of Outsourcing AI
Outsourcing your AI doesn’t just hit your wallet. It costs you in data—arguably the most valuable asset you have. Every interaction your customers have with that outsourced chatbot or tool is data you could be analyzing, learning from, and leveraging to improve your business. Instead, it’s being hoarded by someone else.
And don’t even get me started on contracts. A lot of these services bake sneaky clauses into their agreements, claiming ownership of any data processed through their platforms. So when the day comes that you want to bring everything in-house, guess what? They’ll tell you, “Oh, that data? Yeah, that’s ours.” And you’re left holding an empty bag.
AI Is a Gold Rush—Don’t Be the Fool with an Empty Pan
Remember the early days of cloud computing? Everyone rushed to adopt it, but most companies didn’t understand what they were signing up for. The same thing is happening now with AI. It’s the Wild West all over again, and the winners will be the businesses that seize control of their tools and data early.
This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about future-proofing your business. The companies that integrate AI into their core operations will outpace the ones that outsource it. Why? Because they’ll own their tools, their data, and their workflows. They won’t just be users of AI; they’ll be masters of it.
The DIY AI Revolution
Let me tell you about a buddy of mine who’s a forensic accountant. This guy handles complicated tax cases that would make most of us want to crawl under a desk. Last tax season, he used a custom AI assistant I built for him—a sidekick tailored to his exact needs. The hardest part? Redacting client info in Word before uploading anything sensitive. But once he did, the AI was a game-changer.
He cut his workload in half. And the best part? He understood the tool, owned the workflow, and didn’t have to worry about some third party snooping through his data. Contrast that with another guy I know who’s paying $3,000 a month for a cloud-based accounting service. For what his company does, that’s daylight robbery.
The Bottom Line
AI isn’t some magical, mysterious thing anymore. It’s a tool—an incredibly powerful one—but it’s accessible to anyone willing to learn. And trust me, you want to learn. The future of business will belong to those who use AI, not those who blindly outsource it.
If you’re not bringing AI in-house, you’re not just missing out—you’re falling behind. You don’t need to be an expert to start. Just be curious, dive in, and let the tools teach you. The pie is there—slice it up, automate what you can, and keep building. Before you know it, you’ll have a leaner, smarter business. And when the next gold rush comes? You’ll be the one holding the shovel.
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