Okay so, you’re here because your data is probably feeling a bit like a tangled mess, or maybe you know it *could* be doing more for you but you're not sure how. I've been there, seen it a hundred times. My approach to data analytics and business intelligence isn’t about some abstract concept of 'future-proofing' your business. It's about looking at what you have, figuring out what questions you need answers to, and then building something straightforward that actually gives you those answers. No over-engineering, no complicated tech you won't use. Just clear insights.
I started A.I. Consulting LLC because I saw a lot of small to medium-sized businesses really struggling to get a handle on their data. They knew it was important, but the big consulting firms were too expensive, and the in-house talent was hard to find or retain. So, I carved out a niche: practical, affordable data help for businesses that need to move the needle, not just talk about it. If you're running a business in San Francisco and your spreadsheets are overflowing, or your reporting is a weekly headache, you're in the right place. I’m here to simplify things.
## What I actually do for San Francisco clients
When I say I do data analytics and business intelligence, I mean I help businesses like yours in San Francisco turn raw data into useful information. A common project might involve taking all your sales data from different platforms – your e-commerce site, your POS system, your CRM – and bringing it together into one dashboard. This way, you can see at a glance what's selling, what's not, and where your customers are coming from. It's about getting a single source of truth, quickly.
Another typical engagement involves setting up automated reports. Maybe you're spending hours each week manually pulling data for your marketing team, or for investor updates. I can design and implement systems that do this for you, automatically, so you get those reports delivered to your inbox every Monday morning, ready to go. This frees you up to actually act on the data, instead of just compiling it. It’s all about making your data work for you, not the other way around.
## How a San Francisco engagement usually goes
1. **Discovery & Scope (1-2 Weeks):** We start with a 20-minute chat, then if it feels like a fit, a deeper dive. I ask a lot of questions about your business, your current data situation, and what you're trying to achieve. I'll look at your existing data sources and systems. By the end of this phase, I'll give you a clear proposal outlining the project scope, deliverables, timeline, and fixed fee. I'll tell you exactly what I'm gonna do.
2. **Data Wrangling & Setup (2-4 Weeks):** This is where I roll up my sleeves. I'll connect to your data sources (with your secure access, of course), clean up any messy data, and set up the underlying infrastructure needed for analysis. This might involve setting up a basic data warehouse or just getting your existing data into a usable format. This part is kinda backend, but it's crucial.
3. **Development & Iteration (3-6 Weeks):** Here's where the dashboards and reports start to take shape. I build out the visualizations and analytics models based on our agreed-upon goals. I'll share progress regularly, and we'll have review sessions to make sure it's meeting your needs. Your feedback is important here; I want to make sure the output is something you'll actually use every day.
4. **Deployment & Handoff (1-2 Weeks):** Once everything is built and tested, I'll deploy it. This might mean setting up a cloud-based dashboard, automating email reports, or integrating it into your existing systems. I'll also provide documentation and a walk-through so you understand how everything works and can maintain it going forward. My goal is to leave you with something sustainable, not just a one-off project.
## What it costs, roughly
Look, I'm a solo operator, not a huge firm, so my rates reflect that. I generally work on a fixed-fee project basis. This means you know the total cost upfront, with no surprises. For a typical data analytics or BI project, you're usually looking at something in the range of `[low five figures]` to `[mid five figures]`, depending on complexity and duration. Small pilot projects can be less. I'm pretty transparent about this, and I'll give you a clear quote after our initial discovery phase. No hourly billing, no 'it depends' pricing. Just a flat fee for the defined scope.
## Who I'm usually NOT a fit for
I'm not gonna pretend I'm for everyone. If you're a massive enterprise needing a dedicated team of 50 consultants for a multi-year digital transformation, I'm probably not your guy. I also don't specialize in highly regulated industries that require specific, complex compliance frameworks right out of the gate, like certain areas of finance or healthcare. I’m also not the cheapest option if you're just looking for someone to dump data into a spreadsheet for a few hours. My focus is on delivering concrete, actionable insights for small to medium-sized businesses in San Francisco that are ready to invest in making better data-driven decisions. If you're looking for a quick, cheap fix without any real commitment to change, you'll likely be better served elsewhere. I'm here for serious, focused work.
## Getting in touch
If anything I've said here resonates with you, and you're a business in San Francisco, California looking to get a better handle on your data, let's talk. The easiest way to start is to book a 20-min call with me directly. It's just a quick, no-pressure chat where we can figure out if I can genuinely help you. No sales pitch, just a conversation. So, go ahead and book a 20-min call.
FAQs — San Francisco
How do I know if AI is worth it for my San Francisco business?
It's worth it if you have data you're not using, or if you're making important decisions based on gut feelings instead of facts. If you suspect there's a pattern in your sales or customer behavior that you just can't quite see yet, then it's probably worth exploring.
Do you work with companies outside San Francisco?
Yes, absolutely. While I emphasize my local focus, my consulting work is remote-friendly. I work with clients across the U.S. and even internationally, as long as we can align on time zones and communication.
What does the first 2 weeks look like after I hire you?
The first 2 weeks are typically focused on discovery. I'll be asking questions, reviewing your existing systems, and getting a deeper understanding of your specific business challenges and goals related to your data.
What kind of data sources can you work with?
I can work with a wide range of data sources, including spreadsheets, databases (SQL, NoSQL), cloud platforms (like HubSpot, Salesforce, Shopify), and various APIs. If you have data, there's a good chance I can connect to it.
Will I own the tools and dashboards you create?
Yes, absolutely. Once the project is complete and paid for, you'll have full ownership of any custom dashboards, reports, or data models I create for you. I'll provide documentation and ensure you have access and control.