Hey Durham — I get it. You've probably clicked around a bunch of 'AI consulting' pages already. They all sound kinda the same, right? Full of big words and promises. This one's a little different. I'm A.I. Consulting LLC, and I help businesses in Durham, North Carolina, figure out how to use AI to make things run smoother, without all the fuss.
I'm a solo operator, not some huge firm. That means when you work with me, you're working directly with the person who's actually doing the work. No junior consultants, no layers of management. Just me, trying to solve your specific problems with AI.
Okay so, if you're a business owner here in Durham feeling a bit overwhelmed by repetitive tasks, or you're just curious if AI can genuinely help you save time and money, you're in the right place. I focus on making AI accessible and actionable, not just a theoretical concept.
## What I actually do for Durham clients
Mostly, I help Durham businesses automate tedious, repeatable processes that eat up time and resources. Think about all those things your team does manually day in and day out – data entry, report generation, customer service triage, even drafting basic emails. A lot of that can be streamlined with AI, freeing up your people to do the stuff that really needs a human touch. I'm talking about building custom tools, setting up workflows, and showing you how to maintain them.
For example, I've helped a local service business automate their client intake forms and initial communication, and a small manufacturer set up a system to monitor inventory levels and automatically reorder supplies based on predictive models. It's about finding those specific pain points in your operations and applying a targeted AI solution, not just throwing a 'general AI' at you and hoping it sticks.
## How a Durham engagement usually goes
1. **Initial Chat (1-2 days):** We'll have a quick, free 20-minute call to talk about what you're hoping to achieve. No hard sell, just a conversation to see if what I do even aligns with what you need. If it seems like a good fit, I'll send over a short questionnaire to get a bit more detail.
2. **Deep Dive & Proposal (1 week):** Based on your answers, I'll schedule a more in-depth meeting, usually 60-90 minutes. This is where we really dig into your current processes and identify specific areas where AI could make a difference. From there, I'll put together a detailed proposal outlining the project scope, expected outcomes, timeline, and a fixed-fee quote. I don't do hourly billing for projects because I think it's fairer for you to know the total cost upfront.
3. **Project Execution (3-8 weeks):** Once we agree on the proposal, I get to work. This phase involves building out the AI models, integrating them into your existing systems (where possible), and rigorously testing everything to make sure it works as intended. I'll keep you updated regularly and be available for questions. My goal is to get something tangible and working in your hands quickly.
4. **Training & Handoff (1 week):** After everything's built and tested, I'll provide your team with the necessary training to use and manage the new AI-powered tools or processes. I'll also provide documentation and make sure you feel comfortable. My aim is to make you self-sufficient, not reliant on me forever.
## What it costs, roughly
Okay so, cost is a big one, and it's hard to give an exact number without knowing the project. Every business in Durham is different. That's why I do fixed-fee pricing for projects. It's just simpler that way.
Generally, for a focused automation or optimization project that delivers a clear, measurable outcome, you're usually looking at something in the low to mid five-figure range. Simpler projects, like setting up a single automated workflow, might be less. More complex integrations or custom model development will be more. The proposal I mentioned earlier will always have the exact number, no surprises.
## Who I'm usually NOT a fit for
I'm not gonna pretend I'm for everyone. If you're a huge corporation looking for a consulting firm with hundreds of employees and global offices, I'm probably not your guy. I also don't do speculative 'research projects' where the goal isn't clear. I'm also not the right fit if you're expecting AI to solve every single problem overnight with zero effort from your side.
My sweet spot is working with small to medium-sized businesses and organizations in Durham who have a specific problem they want to solve with AI, are willing to engage in the process, and want practical results over abstract theories. I appreciate direct communication and folks who are ready to roll up their sleeves a bit.
## Getting in touch
If any of this sounds like what you're looking for, or if you just want to talk through an idea you have, I'm happy to chat. The easiest way to get started is to book a 20-min call with me directly through my website. Let's see if I can help make things a little easier for your Durham business.
FAQs — Durham
How do I know if AI is worth it for my Durham business?
If you have repeatable tasks that take up a lot of time, or if you're constantly dealing with data entry, report generation, or basic customer inquiries, AI automation might be a good fit. We can explore specific use cases during our initial conversation.
Do you only work with companies in Durham, North Carolina?
While I love working with local businesses here in Durham, I also work with clients remotely across the US. However, I make an effort to understand the unique needs of the Durham market.
What does the first 2 weeks of working together usually look like?
The first two weeks typically involve our initial chat, a deeper dive into your processes, and then the delivery of a detailed project proposal that outlines the scope, timeline, and fixed cost for the work.
I have an idea for AI, but I'm not sure if it's possible. Can you help?
Absolutely. A big part of what I do is helping businesses explore the feasibility of their AI ideas. I can help you evaluate the practicality and potential impact of your concept.
What kind of ongoing support do you offer after a project is done?
After a project is complete and your team is trained, I'm available for ad-hoc support on an as-needed basis. We can discuss maintenance agreements if continuous, dedicated support is required for your specific solution.