Note #8 to Sookie: We Will See an Explosion of AI-enabled Solopreneurs and Small Businesses
Dear Sookie,
Sam Altman bets that there will be billion-dollar revenue companies in the future run by a single person who uses AI exceptionally well. I’ve seen this potential first-hand!
I’ve told my story many times in presentations, but when I was a kid in the 1980s, we weren’t “poor,” we were Korean immigrants trying to find a way forward in this land of opportunity. My dad graduated from one of the best colleges in Korea and was incredibly bright, but he had to redo all his schooling in the U.S. while learning to speak English. He pumped full-service gas to make ends meet.
My friends started getting the original Nintendo systems, and I begged my dad for one. We didn’t have extra cash to spare, so I had to wait until Christmas. As the holiday drew closer, I saw a box wrapped under the tree that looked the same size as a Nintendo box. I was so excited!
On Christmas morning, I ripped open that box and saw the words “Radio Shack TRS-80.” I was so confused. My dad said, “This is called a computer. It’s the future. You need to learn it.” I was devastated and cried so hard.
I learned how to use that thing and became a computer whiz. It led me down a path where I somehow became one of the first people to work with technologies in graduate school that would eventually become the generative AI we know today.
Because I had a head start in understanding this technology, I created a small consulting business called Yun Consulting Group. It was an AI-first consulting group that helped companies build AI tech. As we kept getting more business, I brought on a couple more founders, and we became bluefoxlabs.ai.
But AI doesn’t just help me. I’ve met others who are not from technical backgrounds and have built thriving one-person businesses by leveraging AI!
I’ve met people in product design and marketing who have supercharged solopreneur businesses from the ground up by being AI-first.
I’m not saying you should quit your job, Sookie, but I do think starting something on the side could be really intriguing. I truly believe big companies face the greatest risk of disruption from this technology—and it will be small, AI-first companies that emerge with fierce strength.
I realize that my small team could take on large consulting challenges. I won’t be surprised if you—and others—start something AI-first as a side business and eventually turn it into a billion-dollar revenue-generating machine!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joe, Your AI Doctor
These notes are for 'Ken' and 'Sookie,' the American names my young Korean immigrant parents adopted while navigating profound change as they moved to the US in the 1970’s. In the notes within this blog, I imagine them as young adults again, but now encountering change and uncertainty from today's AI shifts – Sookie with potential job uncertainty, Ken with business disruption.
Drawing inspiration from their historical resilience as young immigrants facing the unknown, I'm compelled to write with empathy and offer truly helpful thoughts for anyone navigating AI's rapid evolution. Remember, this isn't financial or direct strategic advice, but a perspective to encourage your own thoughtful consideration. I do not identify myself as their son in these notes, but in reality, I write with a son’s heart.
My notes to Sookie will always be free, as I understand employees often navigate workplace changes with fewer resources and support systems. My notes to Ken will be offered at an accessible price point designed to be a worthwhile investment for businesses of any size looking to adapt to AI changes.