I love finding shortcuts and skipping steps whenever possible.
Priority access at the airport – count me in.
Taxi instead of public transport – absolutely! (even though in Sarajevo it’s often the opposite)
Help with house chores, especially ironing – sold!
And the list goes on.
Many might think I’m “spoiling myself too much” (and maybe they’re right).
But the truth is, I’m simply very aware of the value of time.
Yes, at first glance it might seem wasteful to pay for fast-track airport security, but it often buys me an extra thirty minutes (sometimes even an hour) to write emails (like this one) or finish a client report. Even if we ignore capitalist motives, if the fast track means my travel companion and I get more time to chat over coffee, it was worth the investment.
There’s a saying that if you truly have nothing better to do with the time you save, then sure – do it yourself. But if you have an idea, a task, or an intention you can achieve with that saved time, it might be worth it.
And that’s exactly the number one reason for my obsession with AI-based tools: they save me time and help me focus on what truly matters in life and business.
How can I use AI to pamper myself?
How can I work less?
How can I only do the tasks I truly enjoy?
How can AI help me have more time for the people I love and the hobbies I enjoy?
It’s not always easy to find answers among the millions of pieces of information thrown at us daily. It takes a lot of reading, a lot of learning, a lot of testing. But the results are truly worth it.
Below, I’m sharing 5 real-life examples of AI monetization recently covered in detail by Forbes. I know many will feel like I’m talking about people living in a galaxy 2.5 million light years away, but that’s not the case. These are regular people, like you and me, mostly without any technical background, who simply recognized two things in time:
So, how much can really be earned with AI?
- THE SIZE AND POTENTIAL OF THE AI MARKET: By 2030, artificial intelligence is expected to add $15.7 trillion to global GDP, and while big tech companies are investing enormous sums in products and marketing, they don’t have the time or interest to create tailored applications for more than 200 AI niches that exist.
- THE BUSINESS INTERESTS OF POTENTIAL CLIENTS: Most companies don’t need new software or hype tools; they want clear guidance on how AI can save them time, reduce costs, and increase profits.
1. $530 per month: AI for non-techies
Heather Murray, founder of AI For Non Techies, charges $530 per hour for consultations to help organizations like the UK government and Toyota understand and integrate AI. She creates custom GPTs, advises on AI policy, and runs literacy programs for non-technical teams.
Key insight: Heather isn’t a computer scientist. She’s a former marketer who started using AI in her own agency, recognized its potential, and is now bringing it to others. Clients trust her because she’s practical, jargon-free, and connects AI to real outcomes.
2. $10,000 per month: AI for marketing agencies
Rachel Woods founded DiviUp, an AI consulting firm specializing in marketing operations. She helps agencies optimize everything – from ad targeting to content creation – charging between $5,000 and $10,000 per month for ongoing strategy, implementation, and team training.
Key insight: As a former data scientist at Facebook, Rachel witnessed firsthand how AI transforms marketing. By focusing on tangible ROI – faster processes and better campaign results – she’s become a trusted long-term partner for agencies.
3. $175,000 per project: AI solutions for key business challenges
Ashley Gross solves business problems that directly impact revenue, such as shortening the sales cycle or turning messy customer data into actionable insights. Her $175,000 engagements typically span 9 months and include:
- Data cleansing and enrichment
- Mapping and optimizing customer journeys
- Bonuses tied to sales pipeline growth
Key insight: Clients pay six-figure fees because Ashley delivers big, measurable results. Compared to the revenue she helps generate, her fee is negligible.
4. $7,999 per day: One-day AI hackathons
Jared Bonilla from DoINeedAI offers one-day hackathons that help companies go “from zero to first AI solution” almost immediately. For $7,999, he:
- Identifies the fastest AI opportunity for the company
- Leads teams in building a hands-on AI prototype
- Provides post-hackathon support for $3,000 per month
Key insight: Clients want fast results. Jared’s “ignite and build” approach brings immediate visible ROI, making his daily rate well justified.
5. $4,500: Automation audits for professional services
Grant Hushek from GrantBot helps agencies, law firms, and accountants automate business processes. He charges:
- $4,500 for a full AI/automation audit
- $6,750+ for implementing solutions
Key insight: Professional firms hate wasting time and doing repetitive tasks. By systematically removing bottlenecks, Grant boosts productivity that far outweighs his fees.
I know all of this might sound like science fiction – and it’s totally okay if it feels that way. But as long as you recognize that this is a reality rapidly evolving around us, you’ve already taken the first important step. From that point on, it’s a matter of desire and commitment.
Are you satisfied with your current job – the income and freedom it gives you – or do you want more?
If you’re a complete beginner and don’t know where to start – I’ve included a list of 15 simple AI challenges you can try out. And if you’re interested in additional education and mentoring on using AI, please answer a short survey. Your feedback will mean a lot as I design the program.
