#401 The AI threat to your revenue is real; here’s your action plan and financial strategy
Many people are still in the "Oh I didn't know AI could do that" phase, but that ignorance won't last long. Every day more people discover what AI can handle and it’s coming for your revenue streams faster than you think.
So you need the right financial strategy, depending on where your business is right now.
The businesses that face it head-on and adapt strategically will come out stronger financially.
Every business in one of these 5 scenarios:
1: AI can do what your business does
AI can deliver your core service directly, and clients are already realising this or will soon. Some clients have already left or are using you less because AI gives them most of what they need. Others haven't figured it out yet, but they will.
It's not a question of if, but when your revenue starts disappearing.
This scenario needs immediate financial action.
2: Your clients' businesses are at risk
You might not be directly threatened by AI, but your revenue depends on clients who are. And when your clients' revenues decline, or their margins are put under pressure, your income is at risk too.
This scenario needs immediate financial action.
3: Margin squeeze
You can still do the work and it's still needed, but AI is reducing what people expect to pay. Clients have cottoned to the fact your work is taking you less time because you use, (or should be using) AI, so you “should” be charging less.
This scenario needs immediate financial action.
4: Market shrink
AI slowly eats away at parts of your business. You're still valuable but for a smaller slice of what you used to provide.
You have breathing room to plan strategically.
5: The lucky few - an AI-resistant sweet spot
Physical services that require human presence, complex relationship-based work, creative strategy requiring deep human judgment, empathy, physical skills, or nuanced human understanding. But AI-resistant doesn't mean AI-proof forever - it just means you have more time to adapt.
You have breathing room to plan strategically.
Step 1 - Get a reality check on your revenue risk. What scenario is your business in?
These AI prompts will help you get some honest answers about your situation; be as specific as you can to avoid generalistic advice.
Prompt 1: Revenue risk
“I run a [business type] specializing in [main services]. Analyse my business model against current AI capabilities. Which parts could be automated immediately, in 1-2 years and 3 - 5 years. What's my realistic timeline before significant revenue impact? Be brutally honest.”
Prompt 2: Client risk analysis
"My top 3 clients operate in [their industries - be specific about how they earn their money]. How vulnerable are these clients and industries to AI disruption? If they reduce spending or go out of business, what's my revenue exposure? What alternative client sectors should I be targeting?"
Prompt 3: Pivot opportunities
“Based on my business model and skills [be specific] what revenue streams or business model could I pivot to to give my business more resilience against AI”
You may not like the answers but it’s better to know now and start planning, than to wait until your revenue bleeds out.
Step 2 What financial strategy do you need?
Cash is everything
AI means disruption, and that means you need plenty of cash buffers to see you through this - think of it as building your fighting fund.
I’ve always said you need a minimum of 3 months cash; that’s just gone up to at least 6 months.
If you're in Scenarios 1 - 2; AI can do your job or your clients businesses are at risk
Stop any unnecessary spending, and look where you can cut costs, and divert cash into building your buffers
Stop all growth investments immediately - there’s no point planning to grow services that are at risk; you’re wasting your money.
Start your pivot planning - don't wait for revenue to collapse
If you're in Scenario 3 - 4 margin squeeze or market shrink
Diversify revenue streams urgently - reduce dependence on threatened income
Build your cash buffer - margins will get tighter
Invest in premium positioning - move upmarket where AI can't compete yet
Plan defensive pricing strategy - know your absolute minimum viable rates
If you're in Scenario 5 (AI-resistant):
Strengthen your moat - invest in what makes you irreplaceable
Build your cash buffer, and keep paying into your pension to build your wealth.
Keep monitoring threats - AI is advancing fast, so stay vigilant
Consider acquisition opportunities - as your competitors may be struggling
Why this matters for your wealth
You can't build wealth from revenue that's disappearing. Your pension contributions and investment plans depend on your business having predictable revenue and consistent profit.
If your business model has 1 or 2 years left, you need a different financial strategy than someone with 5 - 10 years of runway. The businesses that survive disruption aren't the ones that ignore it - they're the ones that face reality and transition strategically.
The fatal mistake is hoping your business will be fine while your revenue gradually erodes. By the time you're forced to act, you'll be making decisions from desperation, not strength.
The smart move: Assess your risk now. Build cash reserves based on your timeline. Position yourself to pivot before you have to.
Your business might have an expiry date. But your financial security doesn't have to.
Run those prompts and know your risk, then build the financial strategy that matches your reality, not your hopes.
Because in a world where AI is changing everything, the only real security comes from facing reality and planning accordingly.