01
Begin with the decision
Useful AI work improves a decision, workflow, or customer experience. Start there before selecting a model or vendor.
- What changes if this works?
- Who owns the outcome?
- What is the cost of a wrong answer?
02
Test delivery discipline
A credible partner can explain data access, evaluation, human review, security, and the path from prototype to operations.
- Ask for evaluation criteria
- Clarify data rights
- Require an operating plan
- Set a reversible first milestone