AI consulting questions, answered
These are the questions I get asked most, on calls, at talks and in my DMs. If yours isn't here, book a call and ask me directly.
Getting started
What does an AI consultant do?
An AI consultant helps a business work out where AI will genuinely help, chooses and sets up the right tools, and trains people to use them well. At Attua that's three things: AI strategy, AI implementation and team training.
I need help with AI but don't know where to start. What should I do?
Start by writing down the three tasks in your business that take the most time and feel the most repetitive. That's usually where AI helps first. Then either try a business grade AI tool on one of them, or book a call and I'll help you prioritise.
Is my business big enough for an AI consultant?
Attua works best with businesses of roughly 50 to 500 staff, where there are real, repeatable workflows and the payoff from fixing them is meaningful. Smaller businesses can still get value, often from a short strategy session or training.
Do we need to have a plan before we start?
No. Helping you build the plan is part of the job.
Is AI just hype?
Some of it is. A lot of tools are oversold. But used well, AI is already saving businesses real time on writing, summarising, answering questions and handling admin. My job is to separate the useful from the hype for your business specifically.
Cost and timing
How much does AI consulting cost in Australia?
It varies widely depending on scope and who you work with. Read the cost guide for what drives the cost.
How do Attua's fees work?
Every engagement is scoped up front, so you know the cost before we start. No open-ended day rates.
How long does it take to see results?
It depends on scope. One focused workflow is quicker than a broader strategy and rollout across a whole business. The timeline is agreed with you up front.
Tools and technology
Which AI tools do you recommend?
Whatever fits your business. I'm vendor neutral and don't take commission. Often the best starting point is AI already built into tools you pay for, like Microsoft 365 Copilot or Google Gemini for Workspace. Other times it's ChatGPT, Claude or a simple automation.
Do we need to buy new software?
Not always. I check what you already have first.
Can AI connect to our existing systems?
Many business systems, including popular accounting, CRM, POS and rostering tools, can connect with AI or automation tools. We check your specific systems during scoping.
Will you build custom AI software?
Sometimes, when it's genuinely the best option. Usually configuring existing tools is faster and cheaper.
Data, privacy and risk
Is it safe to put business data into AI tools?
It depends on the tool and the plan. Free consumer tools may use your data in ways business plans don't. We agree exactly what data can be used, choose business grade accounts with appropriate controls, and keep access to a minimum.
What about Australian privacy law?
Where privacy obligations apply to your business, we design around them from the start: what personal information is involved, where it's stored and who can access it. I'm not a lawyer, so for legal advice on your specific obligations, talk to your legal adviser.
What if the AI gets something wrong?
It will, sometimes. That's why everything I set up includes human review for anything customer facing, financial or sensitive, and why training covers how to check AI output.
Should we have an AI policy?
Yes. Even a one page guide on what staff can and can't put into AI tools reduces risk a lot. It's included in strategy engagements.
People
Will AI replace our staff?
That's not the aim of anything I set up. The goal is to take repetitive work off people so they can spend more time on the work that needs their judgement and personality. Human craft, machine assist.
Our team is nervous about AI. How do you handle that?
Honestly. Training starts with what AI gets wrong, uses real tasks from their week and shows them how to stay in control. Nervous people often become the best users because they check the work.
Do staff need technical skills?
No.
Working with Attua
Who will I actually work with?
Me, Sam Thompson. Meet Sam.
Where are you based?
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. I work in person across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, travel from Brisbane to Sydney, Melbourne and elsewhere as needed, and work remotely with businesses across Australia.
Which industries do you work with?
Mostly multi-site hospitality, professional services, growing operators, churches and not-for-profits.
Do you do speaking and workshops?
Yes. Keynotes, leadership briefings and team workshops on practical AI.