Build Your Working AI Automation Today
90 minutes of focused building with AI as your co-pilot
By the end of this session, you'll have a working MVP you can demo to potential customers!
5 minutes
Are you ready to build?
10 minutes
The 5-phase building process
15 minutes
Every AI prompt you need
60 minutes
Hands-on: Build your MVP with guided steps
10 minutes
Common issues and AI fixes
10 minutes
Validate your MVP and record a demo
Before we start building, verify you have all 5 requirements:
Go back to Session 2, Slide 27
Use the AI Workflow Generator prompt. Takes 15 minutes.
Pause and set up now. You can't build without them.
Budget 30-45 minutes for setup. Come back when ready!
Quick Start:
Takes 5 minutes. Get comfortable with the interface.
If you have all 5 items from the previous slide, you're ready to proceed. Hit next!
Your goal today: Get something working, not build the perfect product.
This is perfectionism disguised as diligence. It will kill your momentum.
This is how real products get built. Iterate based on feedback.
20% of the features deliver 80% of the value. Build that 20% first.
Example: Meeting Notes automation doesn't need fancy formatting, calendar integration, or CRM updates on day one. It needs: notes in โ summary + email out. That's it!
"Is [feature X] essential for my MVP, or can I add it later?" Let AI help you prioritize!
Every workflow gets built in this exact order:
Set up what starts your automation
Get all input data you need
Add intelligence with AI nodes
Do things with processed data
Run the complete workflow
Don't build your entire workflow and THEN test. You'll waste hours debugging.
This way, when something breaks, you know exactly which node caused it.
Add 10 nodes โ Click Execute โ 5 errors โ Spend 1 hour debugging โ Can't figure out which node is the problem โ Give up
Don't do this! Build incrementally.
I need to build this workflow in n8n: [Paste your workflow description] Break this down into the exact order I should add nodes, following this pattern: 1. Start with trigger 2. Then data collection nodes 3. Then AI processing 4. Then action nodes 5. Then final output For each step, tell me: - Which specific node to add - What to configure - How to test just that node before moving on Give me a step-by-step checklist I can follow.
Every node has a "Test" or "Execute Node" button. Use it constantly!
Node shows green checkmark but:
Always click on the node and inspect the actual output data!
Copy the error message and use this prompt:
I'm getting this error in n8n: [Paste error message] My node configuration is: [Describe what you're trying to do] What's wrong and how do I fix it?
Use for: Planning, debugging, prompt writing, decision-making and workflow development
Model: GPT-5 or Claude Sonnet 4.5
Model Context Protocol for n8n. Connects Claude directly to n8n capabilities for deeper integration.
Official docs for every node and integration. Search when you need specifics.
Community Forum: community.n8n.io
Ask questions, search for solutions, share workflows
Workflow Templates: n8n.io/workflows/
Pre-built workflows you can copy/modify
Search: "n8n [your use case] tutorial"
Visual learner? Tons of n8n workflows on YouTube. Next slide shows you the best channels.
Start with ChatGPT/Claude for planning and building your workflows. Use n8n MCP for deeper Claude integration. Reference official n8n docs and community for specific guidance. Watch YouTube when you need visual walkthroughs.
Copy-Paste Prompts for Every Situation
The next 5 slides contain ready-to-use AI prompts for every phase of building. Bookmark these!
I need to build this workflow in n8n: **WHAT IT DOES:** [Describe your automation - e.g., "Takes meeting notes from Airtable, summarizes them with AI, sends email to attendees"] **MY WORKFLOW STEPS:** [Paste your workflow outline from Session 2] **HELP ME BUILD THIS:** 1. List each n8n node I need in exact order 2. For each node tell me: - Which specific n8n node to use (be exact - "Airtable Trigger" not just "Airtable") - What to configure in that node - What data it should pass to the next node 3. Highlight where I'll need to add AI prompts 4. Tell me which nodes I should test before moving to the next one Make this a step-by-step checklist I can follow in n8n.
I need to [specific action - e.g., "read data from Google Sheets"] in n8n. Which n8n node should I use? If there's no pre-built node, can I use HTTP Request node? If yes, show me the basic configuration I need. Also tell me: - Does this node require authentication? What type? - What's the most common configuration issue people have? - Link to the n8n documentation for this node
I have [X minutes] to work on my n8n workflow today. My workflow has these steps: [List your workflow steps] Current status: [What you've already built, or "starting from scratch"] Give me a time-boxed plan: - What should I focus on in this session? - What's the minimum I need to get working? - What can I skip for now and add later? - Realistic time estimates for each part
I need to connect [Service Name - e.g., "OpenAI"] to n8n using their API. Help me: 1. Where do I get my API key from [Service]? 2. Step-by-step: How do I create the credential in n8n? 3. What authentication type should I select in n8n? 4. What fields do I need to fill in? 5. How do I test if the credential works? Give me exact steps like I'm following a recipe.
I'm getting an authentication error in n8n: **Error Message:** [Paste the exact error] **What I'm trying to connect:** [Service name] **What I did:** [Describe your steps - e.g., "Added API key in credentials, selected API Key Auth"] What's wrong? Give me specific steps to fix this, don't just say "check your API key".
I need to connect [Service - e.g., "Google Sheets"] to n8n and it uses OAuth. I've never set up OAuth before. Walk me through: 1. What is OAuth and why do I need it? 2. Step-by-step: How to set up OAuth in n8n for [Service] 3. What redirect URLs do I need? 4. Common mistakes to avoid 5. How do I know if it worked? Explain like I'm 5, but give me the exact steps.
I'm using OpenAI/Claude in n8n to [specific task - e.g., "summarize meeting notes"]. **INPUT DATA:** [Describe what data the AI receives - e.g., "raw meeting notes as text"] **DESIRED OUTPUT:** [What you want the AI to produce - e.g., "clean summary in 3-4 sentences + bullet list of action items"] **OUTPUT FORMAT:** [How you want it formatted - e.g., "plain text, markdown, JSON"] Write me a clear, effective prompt I can paste into the n8n OpenAI node. Include: - System message (if needed) - User prompt with placeholders for my data - Any formatting instructions - Output structure definition
My AI node in n8n is giving poor results. **Current Prompt:** [Paste your current prompt] **Input I'm Giving It:** [Show example input] **Output I'm Getting:** [Show what AI currently returns] **What's Wrong:** [Describe the issue - e.g., "too generic", "missing details", "wrong format"] **What I Actually Want:** [Describe desired output] Rewrite my prompt to fix this issue. Explain what you changed and why.
In n8n, I need to pass data from a previous node into my AI prompt.
**Previous Node:**
[Node name - e.g., "Airtable Trigger"]
**Data I Need:**
[What field - e.g., "the 'Meeting Notes' field from Airtable"]
How do I reference this data in my OpenAI prompt?
Show me:
1. The exact syntax to use (like {{...}})
2. Where in the n8n interface I find the field name
3. Common mistakes to avoid
4. An example prompt using this data
Data is not flowing correctly between my n8n nodes. **Node A (source):** [Node name and what data it outputs] **Node B (destination):** [Node name and what data it needs] **Problem:** [What's happening - e.g., "Node B shows empty", "Getting 'field not found' error"] **What I tried:** [Describe your attempts] Help me: 1. How do I see what data Node A is actually outputting? 2. What's the correct way to reference Node A's data in Node B? 3. Do I need a Code or Set node in between? 4. Show me the exact configuration
I need to transform data between two nodes in n8n. **Current Data Structure:** [Show what you have - e.g., "Array of objects with fields: name, email, date"] **Needed Data Structure:** [Show what you need - e.g., "Single object with field 'emails' as comma-separated string"] **Example Input:** [Paste actual data sample from your node output] **Example Desired Output:** [Show what it should look like] Should I use: - Set Node? - Code Node? - Function Node? Show me the exact configuration or code to transform this data.
I'm confused about what data my n8n node is returning. **Node Type:** [E.g., "Airtable Trigger"] **Output I See When I Click The Node:** [Paste the JSON or data structure you see] **What I Need From This Data:** [E.g., "I need the email addresses"] Explain: 1. What is this data structure? 2. How do I access [specific field] from this? 3. Show me the exact syntax to use in the next node 4. Is there an easier way to work with this data?
My n8n workflow is throwing an error. **Error Message:** [Paste exact error - include error code if shown] **Which Node:** [Node type and what it's supposed to do] **What I'm Trying To Do:** [Your intended workflow step] **Node Configuration:** [Describe your settings, or screenshot] **What I've Tried:** [List troubleshooting attempts] Diagnose this and give me: 1. What the error means in plain English 2. The most likely cause 3. Step-by-step fix 4. How to prevent this in the future
My n8n workflow executes without errors, but the output is wrong. **Expected Result:** [What should happen] **Actual Result:** [What is happening] **Workflow Steps:** [List your nodes in order] **Where I Think The Problem Is:** [Your guess, or "not sure"] Help me debug: 1. Which node is likely producing wrong output? 2. How can I inspect data at each step? 3. What should I check in each node's configuration? 4. Give me a systematic debugging process
I'm hitting rate limits or API limits in n8n. **Service:** [Which API - e.g., "OpenAI"] **Error:** [Paste rate limit error message] **How Often This Runs:** [E.g., "Every time new Airtable record is added", "On schedule every 5 minutes"] Help me: 1. What are the actual limits for [Service]? 2. How can I avoid hitting limits? 3. Do I need to add delays between calls? 4. Should I batch my requests? 5. Show me how to implement the solution in n8n
Symptoms: Authentication errors, credential failures
Likely Causes:
Fix:
๐ค AI Prompt: Use #5 - Authentication Errors
Symptoms: Can't access data from previous node
Likely Causes:
Fix:
๐ค AI Prompt: Use #10 - Data Not Passing Between Nodes
Symptoms: AI returns generic, wrong, or unusable content
Likely Causes:
Fix:
๐ค AI Prompt: Use #8 - AI Output Not Good Enough
Symptoms: OpenAI, Anthropic, or other API returns rate limit error
Likely Causes:
Fix:
๐ค AI Prompt: Use #15 - Rate Limits / API Limits
Symptoms: Green checkmarks everywhere but no output/action
Likely Causes:
Fix:
๐ค AI Prompt: Use #14 - Workflow Runs But Wrong Output
Symptoms: Used to work, suddenly failing
Likely Causes:
Fix:
๐ค AI Prompt: Use #13 - General Error Debugging
When stuck, paste the ENTIRE error log into ChatGPT/Claude. It can often spot the issue immediately!
"n8n [your specific task] tutorial" Examples: - "n8n airtable to openai tutorial" - "n8n email automation workflow" - "n8n webhook setup guide" - "n8n google sheets integration" - "n8n chatgpt/claude automation"
Search "[channel name] + your use case" for specific help
I need to learn how to [specific task] in n8n. Search YouTube and find me 3-5 good tutorial videos that show: - [Your workflow step] - Preferably recent (2024-2025) - Step-by-step instructions Give me: - Video title - Channel name - Link - Brief description of what it covers
Old tutorials (pre-2023) may show outdated n8n interface. Core concepts still apply, but UI might look different!
Complete documentation for every node and feature
Search all 400+ integrations, see example configs
Pre-built workflows you can copy/modify
Ask questions, search for solutions, share workflows
Link on n8n.io - great for quick questions
Search the n8n documentation for: [Your specific question - e.g., "how to handle webhook authentication"] Find me: 1. Link to relevant doc page 2. Summary of the key points 3. Example configuration if available 4. Common issues to watch for
Or use n8nchat.com - AI trained specifically on n8n docs!
Use one of the AI prompts from slides 11-15. Be specific about:
AI solves 80% of issues instantly!
Go to https://www.n8n-mcp.com/ MCP to help you build, answer questions or edit your N8N workflow in N8N!
Go to community.n8n.io and search for your error.
Someone has probably had this exact issue before!
Search "n8n [your problem]" on YouTube. Watch 1-2 tutorials showing similar workflows.
If still stuck, post in:
Include in your post:
Every builder hits walls. The difference between success and failure is pushing through this moment. You're learning a new skill - frustration is part of the process!
Can't get the full workflow working? Build a simpler version first:
This is the 20% that delivers 80% of value
These are nice-to-haves that slow you down
I'm building this automation: [Describe your full vision] Help me decide what MUST be in MVP vs what can wait: For my MVP, I should focus on: - Minimum features to solve core problem - Simplest implementation - Fastest path to testing with real users Tell me: 1. What's absolutely essential for MVP? 2. What should I save for V2? 3. Is there anything I can do manually for first customers?
Remember: Perfect is the enemy of done. Ship your MVP, get feedback, then improve!
If all 3 tests produce acceptable results โ MVP is done! ๐
You don't need to test 100 scenarios. You need to prove it works for the basic case.
Real user feedback will reveal actual issues faster than you trying to imagine every edge case.
Your first customers care about solving their problem, not perfection!
Tools: Loom (free), OBS Studio (free), or Zoom recording
Total time: 2-3 minutes max!
"Hi, I'm showing you [automation name]. The problem: [15 seconds - describe pain point] The solution: [Show trigger] When this happens... [Show n8n] ...AI processes it automatically... [Show output] ...and delivers this result. Time saved: [X hours per week] Cost: [$X/month] Questions? [your contact info]"
You just built a working AI automation from scratch. Most people never get this far. You did! ๐
I just finished building my MVP: [describe it briefly] Help me write a short outreach message to potential customers. Target: [who they are - e.g., "real estate agents"] What it does: [one sentence value prop] Include: 1. Hook (reference their pain point) 2. What I built and how it helps 3. Offer to show them a quick demo 4. Easy call-to-action Keep it under 100 words and friendly, not salesy.
Important: Your MVP isn't perfect. That's okay. Your first customers are buying the SOLUTION, not the perfect product. They'll help you make it better!
NO! Ship what you have. Get feedback. Build what customers actually want, not what you THINK they want.
They will! That's expected. Say: "Thanks for catching that, I'll fix it today." Then fix it. Early customers are forgiving if you're responsive.
Your advantage isn't features - it's customization and service. Big companies can't give personal attention. You can!
Charge! Even if it's a discounted "early adopter" rate. Free = no commitment. Paid = they'll actually use it and give feedback.
Suggested: 50% off your planned price for first 3-5 customers
Great! Write it down. Say: "That's a planned feature. Would that be valuable for you?" Learn what they really need before building it.
Get 3-5 paying customers using the MVP. Their feedback will tell you what to build next.
YES! This is called "Wizard of Oz" MVP. Automate the core value, do the rest manually. Customers care about the outcome, not HOW it happens.
"Does this solve a real problem well enough that someone will pay for it?"
If YES โ go get customers!
Week 3 is about SALES. You need momentum going into that session.
Use AI prompts to unblock yourself. Ask for help!
2-3 minutes max. Show problem โ solution โ result
Run it 5+ times with different inputs. Find and document bugs.
Use the outreach messages AI wrote in Session 2. LinkedIn, email, or direct messages.
Your goal: get someone interested enough to see a demo!
The temptation will be to "just add one more feature". Resist!
Week 3 is about SALES. You learn more from talking to customers than from building in isolation.
You now have 15 copy-paste AI prompts to solve ANY problem:
Go back to slides 11-15 whenever stuck!
You're Building a REAL Business
Most people talk about starting a business. You're actually doing it. You found a problem, validated it, mapped the solution, and today you BUILT IT.
The hard part is done. Now you just need to show it to people. That's Week 3!
See you in Session 4 where we talk about getting paid! ๐ฐ
๐ Now go build! ๐
The Teaching is DONE.
The next slides are your 60-MINUTE HANDS-ON BUILDING SESSION.
Hit NEXT when you're ready to build! ๐
60-Minute Hands-On Session
Follow the 5-phase process. Use AI prompts when stuck. Test each node before moving forward.
The next slides walk you through each phase with specific guidance. Let's go! ๐ช
Before adding ANY other nodes, make sure your workflow starts correctly.
Ask AI to walk you through setting up your specific trigger.
After trigger fires, collect any additional data you need from other sources.
Ask AI how to fetch specific data or transform data structure.
Pro Tip: Keep data collection simple for MVP. If fetching data is complex, consider doing it manually for first few customers and automate later!
This is where your automation becomes "AI-powered"!
Let ChatGPT/Claude write your AI node prompt for you!
Tell ChatGPT/Claude: - What your input data is - What you want AI to output - What format you need It will generate a ready-to-use prompt!
Run your AI node with real data. Check if output quality is good. If not, use Prompt #8 (Slide 13) to improve it.
Your prompt structure should be:
1. ROLE/CONTEXT
"You are a professional email writer..."
2. INPUT
"Here is the meeting summary: {{$json["summary"]}}"
3. TASK
"Write a follow-up email that includes..."
4. FORMAT
"Format as plain text with no markdown."
5. CONSTRAINTS (optional)
"Keep under 200 words. Use friendly tone."
You are a meeting notes assistant.
Read these raw notes and create:
1. A 3-4 sentence summary of key points
2. A bullet list of action items
Meeting Notes:
{{$json["notes"]}}
Format your response as:
**SUMMARY:**
[summary here]
**ACTION ITEMS:**
- [item 1]
- [item 2]
Keep language professional but conversational.
Summarize this: {{$json["notes"]}}
Why it's weak: Too vague, no format specified, no context, AI will give inconsistent results.
To reference data from earlier nodes:
Current node: {{$json["fieldname"]}}
Specific node: {{$node["NodeName"].json["fieldname"]}}
Trigger data: {{$('Trigger').item.json["fieldname"]}}
Click on a node in n8n to see exact field names!
Show AI your current prompt + actual output. It will help you improve it!
Now that AI has processed your data, take action!
For Gmail:
Host: smtp.gmail.com Port: 465 Secure: SSL/TLS User: your-email@gmail.com Password: [App Password - NOT regular password!] Generate App Password: 1. Google Account โ Security 2. Enable 2-Factor Auth 3. Search "App Passwords" 4. Create one for "Mail"
Your action nodes send REAL emails, update REAL databases. Use test accounts/test data!
Ask AI how to configure your specific action node.
Time to run the complete workflow from start to finish!
If end-to-end test fails, don't panic. Check execution log:
Copy the error message into ChatGPT/Claude. AI will diagnose and fix it.