If I had to start fresh in 2026 with just a laptop and AI, here’s exactly what I’d do to build a real business that gets paying clients fast.
Watch the video below:
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Why Most People Fail to Start an AI Business
Everyone wants to start an AI business.
But most people spend months learning tools and never land clients.
They chase shiny objects instead of simple systems that get results.
The truth is you only need one skill, one offer, and one client to get started.
And today, I’ll show you how to do that.
The 3 Best AI Business Models for 2026
If I were starting today, I’d pick one of these three models.
1. AI Content Services – Create blog posts, social media, or emails for businesses using AI.
2. AI Lead Generation – Build lead scraping and outreach systems that bring clients new opportunities daily.
3. AI Automation Services – Set up workflows that save businesses hours every week.
Every business needs content, leads, and automation.
That’s why these three are timeless.
And they’re easy to deliver once you know how.
Step 1: Pick Your AI Offer
Don’t overthink it.
You just need something that solves a real problem.
For example:
- Automate lead scraping for agencies.
- Build content engines for creators.
- Set up email sequences for eCommerce stores.
AI tools like Claude, Gemini, or ChatGPT can personalize ideas for your skills.
You’ll never run out of service ideas once you plug the right prompts.
Step 2: Define Your Dream Customer
You can’t sell to everyone.
So choose one type of customer you can help.
Maybe it’s:
- Real estate agents who hate writing.
- Coaches who need leads.
- Agency owners who want automation.
Once you know who you help, AI can help you find them.
Ask Claude or Gemini to research your dream avatar and build a spreadsheet of 100 potential clients.
That’s your first lead list.
Step 3: Build a Simple Lead System
Now that you know who you help, use AI tools like Clay or Apollo to collect:
- Name
- Company
- Social links
Then, have Gemini or Claude write a short, personalized outreach message.
No spam.
No AI slop.
Just simple, human messages that show you understand their problem.
Example:
“Hey, saw your agency helps SaaS founders. I noticed your content isn’t ranking yet. I help agencies show up in Google. Worth a quick chat?”
Send 50 of these a day.
That’s how you get your first client.
Step 4: Track and Follow Up Automatically
Use Gemini or ChatGPT to create a Google Sheet tracker.
Add columns for:
- Client Name
- Status
- Sent Date
- Follow-Up Date
AI can even help write your follow-up messages.
Because here’s the truth.
Most clients buy on the 2nd or 3rd message.
Persistence beats talent.
Step 5: Deliver Quick Wins Fast
When you land a call, show value before you sell.
Don’t promise — prove.
If you’re offering content services, give them a sample blog plan.
If it’s automation, build a mini workflow.
If it’s lead gen, show 5 leads for free.
That’s how you build trust and close deals faster.
AI can build these plans for you in minutes using templates or Canvas tools.
Step 6: Charge and Collect Feedback
If you’re unsure what to charge, ask Gemini for pricing ranges.
For example:
“Gemini, what’s a fair hourly rate for AI automation consulting at beginner level?”
Start small, overdeliver, and then raise your prices.
After you deliver, ask your client:
- What did you like?
- What can be better?
- Do you know anyone else who needs this?
One happy client can turn into three referrals.
Step 7: Overcome Limiting Beliefs
You don’t need to know everything about AI.
You don’t need a big following.
You don’t need perfect branding.
You just need to start.
Remember the old fisherman story — while others debate which net is best, he goes fishing and brings home the catch.
That’s how you win.
Step 8: Build Consistency and Community
Once you have clients, don’t stop.
Join communities that help you scale faster.
Inside the AI Profit Boardroom, we run daily accountability sessions.
You’ll get access to:
- Live coaching calls
- Client-getting systems
- YouTube and content playbooks
- N8N automations
- Community feedback and support
It’s how hundreds of members land clients using the same playbook you just read.
Want to make money and save time with AI? Join the AI Profit Boardroom:
https://go.juliangoldie.com/ai-profit-boardroom
Get a FREE AI Course + 1000 NEW AI Agents
👉 https://www.skool.com/ai-seo-with-julian-goldie-1553/about
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to start an AI business?
A: You can land your first client in under 30 days if you follow this system.
Q: Do I need coding skills?
A: No. Most AI tools today are no-code and easy to learn.
Q: How do I find clients fast?
A: Use AI to find and personalize messages for your dream customers.
Q: What if I’m completely new?
A: Start with one AI skill — like content or automation — and focus on that.
Q: What’s the best community to learn AI business?
A: Join AI Profit Boardroom for courses, coaching, and support.
Final Takeaway:
Starting an AI business in 2026 isn’t about luck.
It’s about using the right systems, tools, and mindset.
Start small.
Use AI to automate everything you can.
And focus on one skill that gets clients fast.
That’s how you win in 2026.
