How it works
Three stages. Each one stands on its own.
Designed to deliver value at each step without locking you into a long-term commitment up front.
Stage 01
AI Opportunity Snapshot
60–90 minute working session
FreeA focused diagnostic with the founder and one or two key team members. The session covers how AI is currently being used, where the inefficiencies are, and which of the three services would deliver the most value first.
A short written summary
Two to three high-impact recommendations
A clear next step
No commitment beyond the session
Stage 02
Implementation
Fixed-scope, fixed-fee
Following the Snapshot, the engagement moves into one or more of the three services. Each service is a discrete, productized engagement with defined deliverables and a defined timeline.
Clients can engage one service, two, or all three
Each service has its own timeline and fee
Productized — not custom consulting hours
This is where the structured systems get built
Stage 03
Retainer
Ongoing · monthly
AI moves fast enough that the systems built in Stage 2 will be out of date within months without active maintenance. The retainer keeps the client current on tool changes, model upgrades, new capabilities, and emerging best practices.
Tool and model upgrades evaluated and applied
New capabilities pressure-tested before adoption
Systems updated as the landscape shifts
Most consultants stop at Stage 2 — this is where long-term value compounds
FAQ
Common questions before the first conversation.
Do I have to engage all three services?
No. The Snapshot identifies which services matter most for your business. Many engagements start with one. Some companies do all three over time.
How long does a service engagement take?
Most services run between 6 and 10 weeks of active build, depending on team size and existing systems. Timelines are defined up front before you commit.
Who does the work — Jim, or a team?
Jim leads every engagement directly. When execution scope expands beyond consulting (a website rebuild, a brand refresh, technical integration), that work runs through ZINC with Jim still leading.
How is this different from hiring an AI consultant?
Most AI consultants today have eighteen months of experience. Jim has spent twenty years building digital systems for actual businesses. AI is the next layer on a stack he has been building since the early 2000s.
Do you sign NDAs and work with sensitive data?
Yes. Standard practice. Engagements regularly involve confidential strategy, customer data, and internal workflows.
What does the retainer cost?
Retainer pricing depends on scope and team size. Discussed after Stage 2 deliverables are scoped.
Get a free AI Opportunity Snapshot.
A 60–90 minute working session. A short written summary, two to three high-impact recommendations, and a clear next step. No commitment.