Let me show you how you can
also become an AI Consultant in 2025:
But, first, here's what AI consulting is NOT:
> Being a programmer
> Knowing every AI model
> Having a PhD
What it is:
Understanding business problems
AND
solving them efficiently using AI.
The AI consultant hierarchy currently looks like this:
Level 1: "I know ChatGPT" (99% here)
Level 2: "I implement AI tools" (0.9%)
Level 3: "I create AI strategy that drives business outcomes" (0.1%)
Level 3 consultants make $300-500/hr.
That's where you want to be.
So, what's the path, Deep? Well, 4 steps.
>> Step 1: Pick ONE industry vertical you already know.
Don't try to be everything to everyone.
If you've worked in healthcare, focus there.
Finance? Perfect.
Retail? Excellent.
Your existing industry knowledge is your unfair advantage.
>> Step 2: Learn 3-5 specific AI use cases.
Don't learn 100 AI applications superficially.
Master 3-5 deeply.
Let's say, if you are in SaaS, you may focus on:
• Churn prediction
• User behavior analysis
• Personalized onboarding
• AI-powered customer support
>> Step 3: Create a playbook for those use cases.
Document every step of the implementation process:
• Initial assessment
• Data requirements checklist
• Integration method
• Training requirements and steps
• ROI measurement
Package this into a proprietary "XYZ Method"
that clients can only get from you.
Your playbook becomes your competitive moat.
>> Step 4: Charge for results, not time.
The number 1 pricing mistake: Hourly rates.
Hourly rates cap your income and
commoditize your expertise.
Instead of "$200/hour"...
sell "10x ROI on your AI investment in 90 days."
When you sell results, price resistance disappears.
No one cares if you worked 10 hours or 100...
if you delivered the promised outcome.
Remember: Most businesses don't need cutting-edge AI.
They need someone who can:
▪️ Assess their challenges
▪️ Identify where AI creates leverage
▪️ Implement proven solutions
▪️ Measure the impact
Master these and you'll never lack clients.
In fact - McKinsey & Company reports:
Only 1% of companies believe they're at AI maturity.
Translation:
99% of companies are like teenagers with a Ferrari -
they bought the fancy tech
but have NO IDEA how to drive it without crashing.
That's where you come in.
But Deep, how do I get my first client?
1/ Document a "before & after" AI transformation
2/ Turn it into a case study
3/ Create a simple framework anyone can follow
4/ Share it on LinkedIn for free
5/ Offer a paid implementation package
Want to skip the learning curve?
I've created a free
"AI consultant starter document" with:
• 5 industry playbooks
• Value-based pricing formula
• Ready-to-use cold outreach template
• 5-phase implementation framework
• 90-day launch roadmap
• 15+ free learning resources
Comment "AI consultant" to get it for free.
Starting as an AI consultant today is like
buying Bitcoin in 2013 or joining TikTok in 2019.
This post was originally shared by on Linkedin.