Getting Started
The actual first steps. No fluff, no theory. Just what to do this week to start using AI properly.
Before You Start
Most people fail because they try to do too much too fast. They buy five tools, watch twenty tutorials, and burn out before building anything useful.
The path that works: one tool, one task, one week at a time.
Your First Month
Get Claude Pro
5 minutesStart with Claude.ai, the web interface. £18/month. This is where you learn to communicate with AI before moving to more powerful tools.
→ Sign up at claude.aiPick One Task
10 minutesDon't try to automate everything. Pick one repetitive task you do weekly. Research, writing, summarising. Something specific.
→ Write it down
Learn to Prompt
1 weekSpend a week using Claude for that one task. Learn what works, what doesn't. Get comfortable with the back-and-forth.
→ Practice daily
Move to Claude Code
1-2 hoursWhen copy-pasting prompts feels limiting, it's time for Claude Code. This requires some technical setup: terminal, folder structure, installation.
→ Follow the Technical Setup GuideWhat You Actually Need
Less than you think.
Claude Pro subscription
£18/monthMore usage, better models, access to Claude Code
A computer (Mac or PC)
You probably have oneClaude Code runs in your terminal
Willingness to feel uncomfortable
Free but hardThe terminal looks scary at first. Push through.
30 minutes a day
Your timeConsistency beats intensity. Small daily practice adds up.
Good First Tasks
Start with something that has clear inputs and outputs.
Meeting summaries
Clear input (notes), clear output (summary). Easy to evaluate.
Email drafting
You do it daily. Quick feedback loop.
Research briefs
Time-consuming manually. Immediate value when automated.
Document summarisation
Feed it a PDF, get key points. Tangible result.
What NOT to Do
Trying to automate everything at once
Pick one task. Master it. Then expand.
Buying lots of AI tools
Start with Claude. Add tools only when you hit a wall.
Following generic prompt guides
Learn by doing your actual work, not artificial exercises.
Expecting magic immediately
The first month is learning. The payoff comes later.
Realistic Timeline
Learning to prompt
Getting comfortable with Claude. Understanding how to ask for what you want.
First useful outputs
You start saving time on that one task. It feels clunky but it works.
Moving to Claude Code
You hit the limits of copy-paste. Time to build actual systems. See the Technical Setup Guide →
Compound returns
Each system you build makes the next one easier. This is where it gets exciting.
Want Help Getting Started?
I can compress months of trial and error into a few sessions. Show you exactly what to do, in what order, for your specific work.
Book a Discovery Call