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#81 · How to Choose the Right AI Model for Your Automations

youtube ↗AI & Automation

Do you have a coding background, and which programming languages are most beneficial for building automation?

I don't have a formal coding background; I taught myself. My first project was PHP for website design during an internship—though it was poorly done. I later learned through platforms like Codecademy and was influenced by Traversy Media. For automation work, I'd recommend focusing on Node.js and JavaScript, as they offer high ROI for web-based automation.

codingjavascriptnode.js

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youtube ↗Other

What is your tech background, which programming languages do you know, and what should I master to understand every concept of automation?

My tech background is basically nothing—I started with a PHP site built with absolute HTML/CSS positioning for a dementia assessment form, which crashed in front of an audience. After that I taught myself computer science using free courses like Harvard CS50, learning the fundamentals on my own. The takeaway is that you can learn faster by self‑studying than by formal schooling; focus on fundamentals and build projects to solidify concepts.

tech backgroundself‑learningautomation
youtube ↗AI & Automation

What topics do you cover on your main channel, specifically regarding automation—do you teach email automation, hiring automation, or general business automation?

I cover a wide range of automation topics. Automation is indeed a broad term, but I work with everything from front‑end sales automations and marketing automations to content, hiring, and repurposing automations. What ties them all together is the use of no‑code tools and large language models like OpenAI’s GPT‑4. These tools let you drag‑and‑drop nodes like LEGO blocks to build fast, easy solutions. I provide the text and resources so you can copy‑paste and implement them yourself.

automationno-codetools
youtube ↗AI & Automation

Should I learn coding (e.g., Python) to build AI automation with Make, and where is the best place to learn it?

I wouldn't really do it. The value of coding is pretty low by the time you can build something worthwhile with Python. Models can handle most tasks via natural language. You can prompt GPT to write scripts. Still, learning programming concepts is useful to steer models. I'd suggest a few hours of a JavaScript tutorial on Codecademy rather than Python, because no‑code builders work better with JavaScript/Node. Take the first three or four hours, then focus on your no‑code skills. For your case, use Make, not Naden, and get your first few customers with this simple toolbox, plus some introductory JavaScript knowledge to understand JSON and basic syntax.

codingmake.comjavascript
youtube ↗AI & Automation

Jack Burke-di asks: As a total beginner with zero programming background, what path should I take to become proficient enough to sell automation services? What concepts should I learn first, and what key things do I need to get familiar with? I've been watching your videos and using Make resources but retain little because I don't understand the terminology.

Here's exactly what I recommend: go to nicksmake.com/playlist. It will take you to Make.com, a no‑code platform that's the simplest and easiest to get up and running with—just drag and drop modules across the screen. You already know what Make.com is, so I won't explain it. My playlist walks you through everything you need to know to actually make real money with the platform, not just academics but how to take the various tools and sell them. That's where I'd start. A couple of key things to be familiar with: I also recommend a video called '80% of automation basics in less than 30 minutes' (though I misspoke earlier; it's actually '80% of automation AI basics'). In that video I cover the main concepts: using APIs, webhooks, prompt engineering for AI, and test‑driven development. If you get those two resources, you'll probably be good. I don't recommend watching all 60+ hours of my Make.com videos; just the first 10‑15 should suffice.

make.comno-codeautomation basicsbeginner