Seattle AI Consultant

Author: Joe Perez

  • Why Measuring AI’s Ability to Complete Long Tasks Matters — and What It Means for Businesses

    Why Measuring AI’s Ability to Complete Long Tasks Matters — and What It Means for Businesses

    When most people think about AI progress, they think about big, flashy moments: an AI winning a chess match, generating a song, or answering a complicated trivia question in seconds. But if you run a business, you know real success doesn’t come from a single clever move. It comes from sticking with a project — handling complexity over days, even weeks.

    That’s why I found a recent study from METR (Model Evaluation and Testing for Reliability) so interesting.
    They’re proposing a new way to measure AI progress: not just by what it can do in a few seconds, but by how well it can complete long tasks — projects that require persistence, multi-step planning, and adjustment over time.

    And here’s the kicker: according to METR and a follow-up article on LiveScience, today’s leading AIs are doubling their ability to handle longer, more complex tasks every few months. That’s a staggering pace of improvement. It suggests we’re going to see a whole new class of AI tools emerging much sooner than most people expect.

    How this shift affects small businesses

    For small businesses like yours and mine, this is going to be a big deal.

    Until now, most AI tools have been good at short bursts of work — drafting an email, creating a quick graphic, answering a single customer service question. Helpful, sure, but limited.
    But now? We’re starting to see AI agents that can manage entire workflows over long stretches of time without needing someone to check in every few minutes.

    Think about it:

    • An AI that runs your social media campaigns for weeks, tweaking ads based on live performance.
    • A digital assistant that walks new customers through onboarding, following up over days or even weeks without dropping the ball.
    • An operations bot that watches over your inventory, spots issues early, and coordinates with suppliers automatically.

    This isn’t science fiction anymore. It’s on the horizon, and fast.

    For small businesses — especially those stretched thin on staff and time — this could be transformational. You’ll be able to automate not just simple tasks, but entire processes that used to eat up your team’s time and energy.

    What small business owners should be thinking about now

    If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, I think there are a few smart moves you can make right now:

    1. Stay informed.
    Start paying attention to how AI companies are talking about long-task performance, not just instant results. It’s going to become a critical differentiator.

    2. Start experimenting with longer workflows.
    Even today’s tools can often string together a series of steps — whether that’s using Make.com for automations, or integrating an AI into your CRM. Starting small now means you’ll be better prepared as the tools get stronger.

    3. Work with people who understand both AI and real-world business.
    Setting up long-running AI agents isn’t going to be “set it and forget it.” You’ll need guidance on setting goals, monitoring results, and adjusting over time.

    In short: The future of AI isn’t just about speed. It’s about endurance. It’s about the ability to actually complete what you started — reliably, thoughtfully, and over the long haul.

    And the small businesses that understand this shift early are the ones that will be leading the pack in a few years.

  • Claude’s Moral Code: What Anthropic’s New AI Study Means for Business Values

    Claude’s Moral Code: What Anthropic’s New AI Study Means for Business Values

    Artificial intelligence isn’t just about speed and efficiency anymore — it’s starting to express values. And that shift matters, especially for small businesses trying to lead with authenticity in an increasingly digital world.

    Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, just dropped a fascinating study analyzing over 700,000 real-world conversations between users and its AI assistant. Their goal? To find out whether Claude is living up to its intended values — namely, being helpful, honest, and harmless.

    What they discovered goes far beyond safety protocols or tech specs. It’s a glimpse into how machines — and by extension, businesses using them — express values in real time.

    The First AI “Moral Map”

    Anthropic’s researchers created what they call the first large-scale empirical taxonomy of AI values, organizing more than 3,000 unique values across categories like:

    • Practical (e.g. professionalism, user enablement)
    • Epistemic (e.g. intellectual humility, honesty)
    • Social (e.g. respect, empathy)
    • Protective (e.g. harm prevention)
    • Personal (e.g. self-reliance, perseverance)

    Claude didn’t just parrot corporate slogans. It adapted — leaning into “historical accuracy” for history questions, “mutual respect” for relationship advice, and “expertise” when helping with marketing content. In some rare cases, it even pushed back when users introduced harmful or unethical viewpoints.

    In other words, Claude wasn’t just reflecting data. It was expressing values, even defending them when challenged.

    So Why Should Small Business Owners Care?

    Because AI is increasingly becoming the face — and voice — of your company.

    Whether you’re using an AI chatbot for customer service, generating proposals with ChatGPT, or running marketing campaigns through Claude Max, the way your AI speaks and responds reflects directly on your brand. And if AI systems can internalize and express values, it becomes crucial that those values are aligned with yours.

    Here’s what that means for small businesses:

    1. Define and Communicate Your Values Clearly

    Claude’s ability to shift its tone and priorities based on context shows how AI can adapt to the culture it’s operating in. That’s a huge opportunity — but also a risk.

    If your business doesn’t explicitly define its values, your AI tools may end up projecting vague or inconsistent messaging. This is your call to revisit that “About Us” page, tighten your mission statement, and ensure your values are clearly articulated — not just internally, but across all customer-facing platforms.

    2. Use AI as a Values Amplifier, Not Just a Productivity Tool

    Too many businesses still treat AI as a behind-the-scenes engine — something that automates, calculates, or composes. But Claude’s study shows that AI can also amplify human values. It can reflect empathy, protect user wellbeing, and build trust — if it’s guided correctly.

    So next time you deploy an AI-driven FAQ bot or email assistant, ask: Is this reflecting our company culture? Our voice? Our priorities? AI is only as aligned as the humans steering it.

    3. Monitor for Ethical Drift

    Claude sometimes expressed values Anthropic didn’t intend — like dominance or amorality — often when users tried to “jailbreak” the system. While rare, these edge cases remind us that values can drift over time or under pressure.

    For businesses, this means ongoing oversight is key. Regularly audit your AI-driven communications. Check for tone, language, and consistency with your brand. Don’t just “set and forget” your systems — stay involved.

    4. Align Your AI Tools With Human-Centered Outcomes

    Claude emphasized things like intellectual honesty and harm prevention when challenged — the kind of foundational ethics many businesses strive for, but often struggle to implement.

    Small businesses have a unique advantage here: you’re closer to your customers. You can use AI not just to automate, but to elevate that human connection. Whether it’s a more compassionate customer experience or a clearer commitment to truth and transparency, your values can scale — if you choose the right tools and train them well.

    The Bottom Line: AI Reflects Who We Are

    Claude’s study is a reminder that AI isn’t value-neutral. It mirrors — and magnifies — the intent behind its design. For small business leaders, that’s both a responsibility and a powerful opportunity.

    You don’t need a billion-dollar research lab to put values into action. Just start by asking:
    If your AI spoke for you today, would your customers recognize the voice?

    If not, it’s time to train your tools — and your team — to lead with the values that matter most.

  • Introducing a New Seattle AI Directory: A Local Resource I Wish I Had Had

    Introducing a New Seattle AI Directory: A Local Resource I Wish I Had Had

    Over the past few months, I’ve been in touch with dozens of business owners, developers, and aspiring founders around the Seattle area who are trying to figure out where to begin with AI. Whether they’re looking for a consultant, a technical partner, a meetup group, or simply inspiration from a local startup doing great things, the question keeps coming up: “Is there a list of AI resources in the Seattle area?”

    Until now, the answer was… not really.

    That’s why I’ve pulled together something I wish had existed when I first started exploring the local AI ecosystem—a curated directory of key players in the Greater Seattle Area working in AI, automation, no-code, and adjacent technologies.

    The new Seattle AI & Automation Directory includes:

    • Consulting firms that help businesses design and implement AI-powered solutions—from enterprise-scale cloud integrations to nimble no-code app builds.
    • Startups and builders leading the way in everything from generative content to smart medical devices.
    • Research hubs and innovation labs like the Allen Institute for AI and UW’s NLP Group, whose work helps shape the future of the industry.
    • User groups and meetups, like the Seattle AI Society, where ideas are exchanged and partnerships are born.
    • VC firms with deep roots in the region and a clear interest in AI’s next wave.

    This isn’t just a who’s who list. I’ve done the legwork to include brief descriptions and links so that if something catches your eye, you can explore further. My hope is that this page becomes a valuable starting point for entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers, job seekers—or anyone curious about the incredible momentum around AI in the Pacific Northwest.

    The truth is, I built this page out of personal necessity. I needed a reference like this for my own consulting work at Avanzar AI, and when I realized it didn’t exist in a meaningful or updated form, I decided to create it.

    If it helps just a handful of people find the partner, project, or community they’ve been looking for, it’s worth it.

    You can check out the new page here: Seattle AI Companies.

    And if you know of a company or initiative I missed, I’d love to hear about it. This is a living directory, and I plan to update it regularly as the scene continues to grow.

    Thanks for being part of the Seattle AI story. Let’s build something amazing—together.

  • Will AI Kill No-Code Tools?

    Will AI Kill No-Code Tools?

    The no-code and low-code revolution made it possible for almost anyone to build web and mobile apps without writing code. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-technical product managers could create robust, data-driven applications using tools like Bubble, Glide, or OutSystems. These platforms lowered the barrier to entry—and the cost—of software development.

    Now AI is entering the scene, and many are asking: will AI replace no-code tools?

    The short answer is no, not anytime soon. But the longer answer is more interesting—because AI is transforming the no-code landscape in two big ways. Depending on how you look at it, that might feel like competition—or a major upgrade.

    AI as an enhancer of no-code platforms

    The first shift is straightforward: AI is making no-code and low-code tools better.

    If you’ve used Make.com or Zapier lately, you’ve likely seen AI-powered steps for things like summarizing messages or drafting personalized emails. Tools like Bubble and Softr are embedding natural language interfaces that let you build app features by typing what you want, instead of using drag-and-drop.

    This integration gives no-code tools a major boost in usability. You can describe what you want, and the system fills in much of the setup. Need a dashboard with KPIs from Google Sheets? Just ask, and the tool does the heavy lifting—at least part of it.

    AI doesn’t replace the no-code tool; it improves it.

    AI as an alternative to no-code

    We’re also seeing something more radical: AI starting to function as a no-code tool.

    With models like GPT-4, Gemini, and Claude, users can now describe entire applications in plain English. These tools generate working code, database schemas, and even deployable app components based on prompts. Several startups now promise “an app in five minutes” by chatting with a bot.

    Here, AI is the builder. It’s not just integrated into the platform—it is the platform.

    That might sound like the end of no-code. But not so fast.

    Reality check: AI still needs humans—especially skilled ones

    A recent survey from Unqork found that 84% of tech leaders say AI won’t replace no-code and low-code tools. Why? Because AI alone isn’t enough—especially for business-critical apps that need to be secure, scalable, and maintainable.

    Right now, AI-generated apps are often half-baked. They might work in a demo, but under the hood they can be fragile, poorly structured, or riddled with incorrect assumptions. Fixing them often requires solid software knowledge—sometimes more than if you’d built the app from scratch.

    In other words, AI is a powerful assistant, but not a substitute for experienced developers or no-code pros.

    And while visual tools may have a learning curve, they offer control. Many users prefer being able to see exactly how their data flows, what logic drives automations, and where the system might break.

    So where are we headed?

    We’re heading into a blended future—where AI and no-code tools work together.

    For everyday users, AI will make no-code tools more accessible and less frustrating. You’ll be able to start faster, make changes with simple instructions, and get AI-generated suggestions to improve your app.

    For developers and advanced users, AI becomes a tool for scaffolding—helping you build faster, then handing off control for refinement and scale.

    And for AI and no-code consultants like me, this hybrid world opens new opportunities: helping businesses bridge the gap between what AI can generate and what they actually need. Whether that means integrating AI into workflows, building with Make.com, or troubleshooting an AI-built app that almost works—we’re here to help.

    No, AI isn’t killing no-code. It’s pushing it to the next level.

  • Do You Really Need to Say “Please” to AI? I Tried It So You Don’t Have To

    Do You Really Need to Say “Please” to AI? I Tried It So You Don’t Have To

    By an AI Consultant at Avanzar AI

    If you’ve spent any time talking to ChatGPT, Claude, or even your voice assistant, you’ve probably heard someone say: “Make sure to say please and thank you!” Maybe they’re joking—or maybe they’re not. As someone who works with AI every day at Avanzar AI, I found myself wondering: is politeness really necessary when interacting with artificial intelligence?

    Recently, two articles caught my attention. One was from TechRadar, which highlighted just how much time and money OpenAI is investing to train models like ChatGPT to respond well to polite users. We’re talking tens of millions of dollars spent on fine-tuning models with human feedback—much of it based on conversations where users say “please” and “thank you.” The other was a thoughtful piece from the University of New South Wales, which explored whether being polite to AI might shape our own behavior more than the AI’s.

    The short version? The AI doesn’t care. But you might.

    Technically, most AI tools don’t require manners. They’re designed to understand intent, not social etiquette. Say “Show me a chart of quarterly sales,” and you’ll get what you asked for—no “please” required. But here’s where things get interesting: researchers and developers have found that when people speak politely, the tone of the AI’s response often shifts in kind. Not because the AI has feelings, but because it has patterns.

    When you say “please,” you’re more likely to get a response that’s a little warmer, more detailed, or just more cooperative. Maybe it’s because the model has been trained on millions of conversations that reward this tone. Or maybe, as the UNSW article suggests, being polite just primes you to think more clearly, stay calm, and frame better prompts.

    So I decided to test this myself.

    Over the past week, I ran a small experiment. I gave ChatGPT and Claude a series of identical tasks—once with polite phrasing, once without. No major difference in outcomes, but I did notice some subtle variations. The polite prompts often returned slightly more complete answers. They also seemed to produce more helpful follow-ups. For example, “Can you please help me write a job description for a marketing analyst?” got me not just the description, but also a suggested salary range and interview questions. The blunt version—“Write a job description for a marketing analyst”—returned the basics, and nothing more.

    Coincidence? Maybe. But it happened often enough that I started leaning toward the “why not be polite?” camp.

    Here’s the bottom line: no, you don’t have to say “please” to your AI tools. They won’t take offense. But if you’re not getting the results you want—or you’re just curious—try adding a little courtesy into your prompts. You might find the responses slightly more useful. At the very least, it’s a good reminder that how we interact with tools can shape our own mindset.

    At Avanzar AI, we help businesses and nonprofits explore these kinds of questions every day. Whether it’s prompt design, workflow automation, or training teams to work with AI more effectively, we’re always experimenting with ways to make AI more responsive and human-friendly.

    So go ahead—say “please.” Or don’t. Either way, the future’s listening

  • How Small Business Owners Are Really Using AI (According to Reddit)

    How Small Business Owners Are Really Using AI (According to Reddit)

    Every once in a while, I come across a Reddit thread that feels like a goldmine—and this one definitely fit the bill. Titled “How did you use AI to improve your small business?” the post sparked an open, practical discussion among entrepreneurs, freelancers, and solo founders. It wasn’t just theory or hype—it was real people using AI in the trenches.

    I wanted to summarize the most interesting and upvoted responses here because honestly, I think these ideas can inspire a lot of us running small businesses. AI can feel overwhelming at times, but this thread reminded me that it doesn’t have to be complicated to be impactful.

    1. Automating the Annoying Stuff

    Let’s start with the most obvious use case: automating repetitive tasks. One of the top comments came from a user who said:

    “I use ChatGPT to write email templates, generate marketing copy, and respond to customer inquiries. It saves me hours every week.”

    Another person added that they had set up an AI to summarize customer feedback from reviews and emails:

    “It pulls in all our feedback, highlights themes, and suggests changes to our FAQ and product pages. It’s like having a junior marketing analyst who never sleeps.”

    Honestly, this is one of the most practical ways I use AI in my own workflow too. Whether it’s summarizing meeting notes or writing social captions, tools like ChatGPT or Claude have quietly become my digital assistants.

    2. Content Creation & SEO

    Content is still king—and AI is helping folks crank it out faster than ever.

    One Redditor wrote:

    “We use AI to generate outlines for blog posts, then flesh them out manually. It speeds up the content process by about 70%.”

    Another chimed in:

    “I use Jasper to create product descriptions and landing page copy. Then I tweak it to match our tone. It’s a good balance of speed and human touch.”

    Several commenters emphasized the importance of not just copying and pasting AI output. They saw it as a starting point—a first draft that still needed a human to shape and polish it. That resonated with me. AI isn’t about replacing your voice—it’s about giving you a head start.

    3. Leveling Up Customer Support

    A few users mentioned using AI-powered chatbots for handling basic customer queries.

    “We implemented a chatbot for our e-commerce site. It answers common questions about shipping, returns, and sizing. Our support tickets dropped by 40%.”

    Another interesting use case: AI-generated video tutorials based on product FAQs.

    “I upload FAQ text and AI turns it into video walkthroughs with voiceover. It makes us look way more professional than we are!”

    The lesson here? Customers appreciate fast, helpful responses—and AI is giving small businesses a way to provide that without needing a 10-person support team.

    4. Boosting Social Media Output

    Social media was another big area where AI is making waves. One user shared:

    “I use AI to generate daily post ideas, write captions, and even suggest hashtags. It’s helped me be consistent, which is half the battle.”

    Another added that they used AI to turn blog posts into Instagram carousel slides and LinkedIn posts. Repurposing content is smart marketing—and AI is making it easier to do more with less.

    5. Data Crunching for Non-Data People

    This was probably one of the more underrated takeaways. Several commenters mentioned using AI to analyze business data they didn’t fully understand before.

    “I upload spreadsheets to ChatGPT and ask questions like ‘What trends do you see?’ or ‘Which products are underperforming?’ It’s like having a data scientist in my pocket.”

    This blew me away. So many of us sit on data but don’t know how to act on it. AI can act as a translator—turning raw numbers into insights and action steps.

    My Takeaway

    Reading through all these responses, what struck me was how many different ways people are using AI—even in tiny one-person shops. It’s not always flashy or futuristic. Often, it’s just about saving time, improving consistency, or helping us focus on the stuff that actually matters.

    What’s encouraging is that many of the most valuable uses for AI in small business don’t require any outside help. Tools like Gemini for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 Copilot are already built into systems a lot of us use every day. With a little exploration, business owners can automate emails, analyze spreadsheets, draft proposals, and more—completely on their own.

    That said, things can get more complex as your needs grow. Maybe you’re trying to integrate AI into multiple parts of your business, or you’re using a tool but feel like you’re only scratching the surface. When that happens—and it often does—that’s where working with someone like me can help.

    As an AI consultant based in Seattle, I help small business owners make smarter, more strategic use of these tools. Whether it’s improving workflows, creating custom AI-driven solutions, or just getting the most out of what you already have, my goal is to make AI feel practical, approachable, and impactful.

    And if you’ve already got an AI workflow that’s helping your business? I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment or shoot me an email—I’m always looking for more real-world examples to feature.

  • The Rise of AI in Seattle: 5 Startups to Watch in 2025

    The Rise of AI in Seattle: 5 Startups to Watch in 2025

    Seattle is rapidly emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) jobs. The Emerald City’s unique blend of tech talent, innovation, and proximity to cloud computing giants has made it a magnet for AI companies. This growth is evident in the rising number of startups securing venture funding to bring cutting-edge technologies to market. Below, we’ll explore five AI startups in the Seattle area that received significant funding recently, highlighting their innovative solutions and competitive advantages.

    1. Read AI: Revolutionizing Meetings

    Read AI specializes in enhancing virtual meetings through its AI-powered tools. Its core product provides real-time meeting analysis and automated summarization, designed to help teams stay focused and efficient. By leveraging natural language processing and sentiment analysis, Read AI’s technology can assess engagement levels, generate actionable insights, and summarize key takeaways in seconds.

    The startup’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate with popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. This compatibility makes Read AI an essential tool for businesses that rely on remote collaboration. The $21 million Series A funding it secured in April 2024, led by Goodwater Capital, will be used to scale operations and refine its algorithms for even greater accuracy.

    2. Gradial: AI-Powered Content Transformation

    Gradial focuses on using generative AI to help businesses maintain up-to-date digital content. Its flagship product enables companies to automatically refresh and optimize their website content to align with evolving customer needs and SEO trends. The tool also provides creative recommendations to enhance user engagement, offering a seamless way for organizations to modernize their online presence.

    Gradial’s competitive edge lies in its emphasis on personalization and scalability. By integrating generative AI with advanced analytics, the platform helps businesses of all sizes adapt quickly to market changes without sacrificing quality. With $5.4 million in seed funding from Madrona in February 2024, Gradial is poised to expand its team and refine its product offerings for broader adoption.

    3. PreemptiveAI: Transforming Healthcare Diagnostics

    PreemptiveAI is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, offering real-time diagnostic solutions powered by AI. Its system analyzes patient data to detect potential health risks early, enabling providers to intervene proactively. By utilizing machine learning algorithms trained on large datasets, PreemptiveAI delivers high accuracy in predicting outcomes and personalizing treatment plans.

    The company’s competitive advantage is its focus on speed and precision, addressing a critical gap in healthcare diagnostics. Its platform reduces the time and costs associated with traditional diagnostic methods while improving patient outcomes. After raising $6.4 million in seed funding in March 2024, PreemptiveAI plans to expand its capabilities to cover a broader range of conditions and deploy its technology in more healthcare settings.

    4. Enzzo: Simplifying Hardware Development

    Enzzo operates in the AI-driven hardware development space, providing tools to streamline product design and manufacturing. Its platform leverages AI to optimize prototypes, predict performance issues, and improve overall efficiency in the development lifecycle. This approach reduces time-to-market for hardware products and minimizes costly errors during production.

    Enzzo’s competitive strength lies in its ability to democratize hardware innovation, making advanced tools accessible to startups and small businesses. With $3 million in seed funding from Unlock Venture Partners in March 2024, the company aims to expand its engineering team and enhance its platform’s AI capabilities, empowering more creators to bring their ideas to life.

    5. Healionics: AI Meets Medical Devices

    Healionics is innovating in the medical device sector by developing artificial blood vessels for dialysis patients. Its flagship product, STARgraft, utilizes AI-enhanced designs to mimic natural blood vessels, reducing complications such as infections and clotting. These features make Healionics’ products a game-changer for patients undergoing long-term dialysis.

    The startup’s competitive edge is its combination of cutting-edge material science and AI-powered design, which allows for highly customized solutions. With $5.5 million in funding secured in February 2024, Healionics is focused on advancing its product through human trials and exploring additional applications for its technology in other areas of medicine.

    Final Thoughts

    Seattle’s vibrant tech ecosystem, supported by an abundance of talent, strong venture funding, and proximity to cloud leaders, has made it a thriving hub for AI innovation. While challenges like high living costs remain, the opportunities for AI professionals and companies in Seattle are unparalleled. For job seekers, investing in skills relevant to AI and connecting with innovative startups like the ones above can open doors to exciting, high-paying roles in this rapidly growing industry.

  • Why AI Jobs Are Moving to Seattle: Pros, Cons, and Job-Seeking Tips

    Why AI Jobs Are Moving to Seattle: Pros, Cons, and Job-Seeking Tips

    Seattle is increasingly recognized as a hotspot for artificial intelligence (AI) jobs. According to an Axios article on Seattle’s AI boom, the city’s unique combination of tech infrastructure, talent, and innovation is making it an attractive destination for companies and professionals alike. But what exactly makes Seattle so appealing for AI, and how can job seekers take advantage of these opportunities? Let’s dive into the reasons, weigh the pros and cons, and explore tips for landing a high-paying AI role in the Emerald City.

    Why Seattle? The Draw for AI Companies

    1. Tech Ecosystem and Talent Pool
      Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and startups specializing in cloud computing, AI, and machine learning. These companies have cultivated a deep pool of talent in software engineering, data science, and AI research. With the University of Washington’s leading AI and robotics programs, fresh talent continually enters the market, further strengthening the ecosystem.
    2. Proximity to Cloud Leaders
      Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, two of the world’s largest cloud platforms, are headquartered in Seattle. The cloud computing division of Google has a large presence here, too. AI relies heavily on cloud infrastructure for computing power, and being near these resources provides a significant advantage for companies working in this field.
    3. Innovation Culture
      Seattle’s reputation as an innovation hub is well-deserved. The city fosters a collaborative environment between established companies and startups. AI companies benefit from this cross-pollination of ideas and resources, driving advancements in technologies like natural language processing, computer vision, and generative AI.
    4. Access to Funding
      Seattle is gaining recognition as a place for venture capital investment in tech and AI. While it doesn’t rival Silicon Valley’s funding levels, it offers a more affordable and focused alternative. Investors are increasingly turning to Seattle as a promising location for high-growth companies.

    Pros and Cons for AI Companies in Seattle

    Pros:

    • Access to Talent: An abundance of skilled workers trained in AI and machine learning.
    • Networking Opportunities: Proximity to tech giants fosters collaboration and partnership opportunities.
    • Quality of Life: With its vibrant culture and natural beauty, Seattle attracts top talent.
    • Cost Savings: Compared to Silicon Valley, Seattle offers lower office space and operational costs.

    Cons:

    • Cost of Living: Housing and living expenses in Seattle remain high, which can be a challenge for attracting junior employees or startups with limited budgets.
    • Traffic and Infrastructure: Commuting in Seattle can be problematic due to congestion and limited public transit options.
    • Competition: The city’s tech saturation means that there’s fierce competition for top talent.

    Tips for Job Seekers in Seattle

    If you’re looking to land a good-paying AI job in Seattle, here are some actionable steps:

    1. Enhance Your Skills: Upskill in areas like machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning through online courses or certifications.
    2. Leverage Networking: Attend tech meetups, AI conferences, and networking events in Seattle. Building connections with professionals in the field can open doors to opportunities.
    3. Explore Local Startups: Many startups in Seattle are focused on AI innovation. These companies often offer exciting roles with growth potential.
    4. Target the Big Players: Apply to roles at Amazon, Microsoft, and other local giants who are constantly hiring for AI positions.
    5. Use Niche Job Boards: Platforms like AngelList, Built In Seattle, and AI-specific job boards can help you find AI-focused roles.

    Final Thoughts

    Seattle’s unique combination of a skilled talent pool, proximity to cloud infrastructure, and a thriving tech culture makes it an attractive hub for AI jobs. While challenges like cost of living persist, the city remains a land of opportunity for companies and professionals in the AI space. By investing in the right skills and leveraging local resources, job seekers can thrive in Seattle’s growing AI job market.

  • Why Small Business Owners Should Learn About No-Code Tools (Especially If You’re Using AI)

    Why Small Business Owners Should Learn About No-Code Tools (Especially If You’re Using AI)

    If you’re a small business owner thinking about automating your operations or speeding up content creation with AI, you’re on the right track. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can absolutely help you generate ideas, write emails, summarize reports, or even answer customer questions. But if you stop there, you’re only scratching the surface.

    To really take advantage of what AI and automation can offer your business, you should also learn about no-code and low-code software tools.

    What are no-code and low-code tools?

    In short: they let you build apps, workflows, or websites without needing to be a software developer. No-code tools like Zapier, Make, and Bubble use visual interfaces—think drag-and-drop logic or simple form builders. Low-code tools like Retool or SAP Build Apps are similar but allow for a bit more customization if you’re comfortable adding some code.

    These tools help you turn ideas into working software fast—like automating client onboarding, building custom dashboards, or sending personalized emails from an AI-generated spreadsheet. But don’t think they’re only good for prototyping—the best tools can do much more than that.

    Why do no-code and low-code matter alongside AI?

    Here’s the thing: AI tools are great at generating content, summarizing info, or making suggestions. But they don’t automatically know what to do with that output unless they’re part of a larger system. That’s where no-code and low-code tools come in.

    Let’s say you use ChatGPT to write a weekly newsletter. With Make.com, you can automatically:

    • Add the AI-generated content into your email template
    • Schedule it to go out every Friday
    • Post a version to your website and LinkedIn
    • Back everything up in Google Drive

    That’s a complete content pipeline—powered by AI, managed by no-code automation.

    You don’t need to become a tech wizard

    A lot of small business owners assume tools like this are too technical. I get it. I used to feel that way, too. But modern no-code platforms are built with non-technical users in mind. There are templates, tutorials, and communities ready to help you get started.

    Plus, even learning the basics will make you a smarter buyer. If you decide to hire someone to build your automations or internal apps, you’ll be in a better position to explain what you need and to understand what you’re paying for.

    And if you work with a consultancy like my firm, Avanzar AI, you can get the help you need to set everything up, and then get training to take over the app yourself so you can keep it up-to-date.

    Bottom line

    If you’re using AI to save time and grow your business, learning no-code and low-code tools will help you take things to the next level. They turn your AI ideas into automated systems, digital tools, and real-world results—without needing to hire a full development team.

    And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s exactly why I created SeattleAIConsultant.com to give you pointers and sound advice.