Start with volume and rules
The best first project is high volume, low judgement, and already written down. Calls that follow the same script. Forms that always go to the same place. A report someone rebuilds by hand every month.
A simple scoring test
For each task, score it three ways: how often it happens, how rule based it is, and how expensive a mistake would be. High frequency, clear rules and low risk is your first automation. Everything else can wait.
The wrong first project
Anything that needs judgement, taste, or a relationship. Automate those too early and you spend more time fixing it than doing it. Start where the rules are obvious.
A sensible first three
- Answer and book inbound calls.
- Respond to every new lead within seconds.
- Automate the monthly report.
Pick one. Ship it. Then let it earn the next one.