Many large companies, especially in non-tech industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and legal services, struggle to adopt AI effectively. They often lack the expertise to identify practical applications or implement solutions that deliver measurable productivity gains. This leads to wasted investments and missed opportunities for automation. Specialized consulting could bridge this gap by offering targeted, high-ROI AI implementations.

Niche AI Consulting for Immediate Impact

One way to address this could be a consultancy focused on delivering fast, tangible results rather than broad strategic advice. They might start by identifying repetitive tasks (e.g., document processing, data entry, or customer ticket sorting) where AI could save significant time or reduce errors. The approach could involve:

• Using pre-trained models or lightweight custom tools to automate these tasks
• Providing clear metrics to track time saved or costs reduced
• Avoiding complex, long-term projects in favor of quick wins

This would appeal to operations managers in non-tech companies who need to prove AI's value quickly, without major upfront investment.

Execution and Differentiation

An MVP might involve offering free workflow audits to identify automation opportunities, then charging for implementation. Early clients could come from industries with clear pain points, like manufacturers needing invoice processing automation or law firms reviewing contracts. The consultancy could differentiate from larger firms by focusing on:

• Speed: Delivering solutions in weeks, not months
• Transparency: Showing exactly how much time or money each AI tool saves
• Industry-specific expertise: Deep knowledge of workflows in target sectors

Challenges like employee resistance might be addressed by designing AI as assistive tools co-developed with staff rather than replacements.

Beyond Consulting: Future Opportunities

Successful implementations could lead to productizing common solutions—for example, turning a custom invoice processing tool into a standardized product for other manufacturers. The consultancy might also develop partnerships with AI vendors to offer discounted tools while maintaining a focus on tailoring solutions to each client's needs.