Because we have successfully automated our own operations, our regular clients are asking us to build custom AI tools for them, which is a highly profitable opportunity. How do we decide whether to pursue this new revenue stream or protect our current focus?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

It is incredibly tempting to chase new, profitable revenue streams, especially when clients are begging you to build tools for them. However, doing so without careful evaluation can destroy your business by pulling you away from your Core Focus.

Your Core Focus on the V/TO® defines your operational sweet spot: it consists of your passion and your niche. If your niche is not software development or technology consulting, building custom tools for clients will quickly turn your company into an inefficient, custom dev shop.

Use the IDS® process during your next leadership team meeting to run this opportunity through your strategic filters. Ask yourselves: do we have the right seats on our Accountability Chart to support and maintain custom software for external clients, or will this pull our best engineers away from keeping our core operations running?

Instead of building custom tools, consider a strategic partnership with an external development agency. You can act as the strategic advisor who designs the workflow, while the partner handles the code. This protects your Core Focus while still allowing you to deliver value and maintain your position as a trusted advisor.