The notebook

Ideas on AI, automation
& building leverage.

Practical, no-hype writing on putting custom AI and automation to work in real businesses.

Strategy

Build vs Buy: When Custom Software Is Worth It (and When It Isn't)

A clear, no-hype framework for deciding between custom-built software and off-the-shelf SaaS — based on what actually drives your business.

Pierce Tripp ·
RefLOG-001 · Featured
FiledMay 20, 2026
ByPierce Tripp
Automation

Workflow Automation for Small Businesses: Where to Actually Start

Most automation projects fail because they start in the wrong place. A practical framework for finding the workflows worth automating first.

FiledApr 22, 2026
RefLOG-002
Strategy

Custom AI vs Off-the-Shelf Automation: What Actually Scales a Business

Off-the-shelf tools are built for the average company — which means they fit no one in particular. Here's how to decide when custom AI automation is worth it.

FiledFeb 12, 2026
RefLOG-003

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