Episode Details

The most expensive AI mistake of 2026 won't show up on any invoice. 💸

It'll show up two years from now when you can't get your data out, your competitors are eating your lunch, or your team is stuck maintaining software no one actually wanted to build.

Because in 2026, AI isn't one decision anymore.

It's four.

The model. The workflows. Your data. Your business software.

Each layer has its own build, buy, partner, or wait choice.

And most companies are making all four without realizing it.

Today on Everyday AI, we're breaking down the framework that puts those choices back in your hands.

Build, Buy, Partner, or Wait: The 4-Layer AI Stack Decision Framework for 2026 (Start Here Series, Vol 25) An Everyday AI Chat with Jordan Wilson

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Topics Covered in This Episode:

1. Build vs. Buy vs. Partner vs. Wait in AI
2. Four-Layer AI Stack Decision Framework
3. Evolution of AI Agentic Workflows in 2026
4. Buy vs. Build Decision Obsolescence
5. When to Build Proprietary AI Solutions
6. Prepackaged AI Workflows for Small Businesses
7. Data Ownership and Integration Strategies
8. Vendor Lock-In and Technical Debt Risks
9. Partnering in Regulated or Critical Workflows
10. Waiting for Stable AI Categories
11. Three-Week AI Adoption Blueprint
12. Capability Gap and ROI in AI Investments

Timestamps:

00:00 Buy vs. build AI question

04:19 Start here podcast series intro

09:52 AI companies offering consulting services

11:27 AI skills and vertical integration

14:19 Evaluating AI adoption strategies

18:53 Building proprietary processes

20:28 Streamlining organizational workflows

23:48 Importance of strategic partnerships

27:34 Deciding on software investments

32:26 Evaluating tech capabilities and gaps

35:59 Implementing AI Workflows Step-by-Step

38:09 Accessing the start here series

Keywords: 

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