The AI Bullshit Detection Kit
Your Defense Against Productivity Grifters
🚨 The Red Flag Checklist
15 Warning Signs That Scream "Course Seller, Not Problem Solver"
The Numbers Game
- ✗ Suspiciously round productivity claims (10x, 50x, 100x)
- ✗ No measurement methodology explained
- ✗ Identical promises across different consultants
- ✗ Testimonials with exact $ but no verifiable details
The Credibility Charade
- ✗ Recent LinkedIn profile creation
- ✗ Vague credentials ("Former tech executive")
- ✗ Generic stock photo headshots
- ✗ Follower count doesn't match engagement
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The Sales Funnel Signals
- ✗ Ultra-low entry prices followed by aggressive upsells ($9 → $5,000)
- ✗ Artificial scarcity ("Only 50 spots available" but timer resets daily)
- ✗ Fear-based marketing ("AI will replace you unless you learn this")
- ✗ No refund policy despite "guaranteed results"
The Expertise Evaluation
- ✗ More courses than case studies in their background
- ✗ Can't explain basic AI limitations when pressed for details
- ✗ Focus on selling rather than solving (check their content ratio)
- ✗ No failed projects mentioned (everyone fails sometimes; liars don't admit it)
🔍 The 5-Question Framework
Cut Through Marketing Claims to Find Real Solutions
Question 1: What specific problem does this solve?
Red Flag Response:
"Increases productivity" or "Makes you more efficient"
Green Flag Response:
"Automates invoice follow-ups for overdue accounts over $500"
Question 2: How do you measure success?
Red Flag Response:
"You'll just feel more productive" or vague percentages
Green Flag Response:
"Reduces time spent on task X from 2 hours to 30 minutes weekly"
Question 3: What are the failure conditions?
Red Flag Response:
"It works for everyone" or "No downsides"
Green Flag Response:
"Won't work if your data is inconsistent or you have fewer than 50 transactions monthly"
Question 4: What's the learning curve?
Red Flag Response:
"You'll see results immediately" or "It's completely automated"
Green Flag Response:
"Takes 2-3 weeks to set up properly, requires 4 hours of initial training"
Question 5: What happens when it breaks?
Red Flag Response:
"It doesn't break" or "AI handles everything"
Green Flag Response:
"Here's the troubleshooting process and fallback procedures"
💸 The ROI Reality Check
Actual Math for Actual Productivity Gains
The Simple Formula
Real ROI = (Time Saved × Your Hourly Rate - Total Cost) ÷ Total Cost × 100
Hidden Costs Calculator
- • Initial tool cost: $___
- • Setup time: ___ hours × $__ hourly rate = $___
- • Learning curve: ___ hours × $__ hourly rate = $___
- • Monthly subscription: $__ × 12 months = $___
- • Integration issues: ___ hours × $__ hourly rate = $___
- • Error correction time: ___ hours × $__ hourly rate = $___
- Total Real Cost: $___
Time Saved Reality Check
Most AI tools save 5-15 minutes per task, not hours.
If a tool saves you 10 minutes on a task you do 5 times per week:
- • Weekly savings: 50 minutes
- • Annual savings: 43 hours
- • At $100/hour: $4,300 in value
Is your total cost above or below $4,300?
The Break-Even Timeline
- Conservative estimate: Expect 3-6 months to see meaningful productivity gains
- Optimistic estimate: Some benefits in 4-6 weeks
- Consultant promise: "Immediate 10x results"
Guess which one is bullshit.
🛠 The Simple Automation Cheat Sheet
10 Boring Tools That Actually Work
Email & Communication
- • Canned responses in Gmail (saves 2-3 min per email)
- • Email scheduling (write when you think, send when appropriate)
- • Auto-forwarding rules (stop manually sorting)
Invoicing & Money
- • Recurring invoices (saves 10 min/month per client)
- • Bank transaction categorization (saves 1 hr monthly)
- • Automated payment reminders
Calendar & Scheduling
- • Calendar blocking for deep work (protects 2-3 hrs)
- • Meeting templates with agendas (saves 15 min/meeting)
Basic Data
- • Spreadsheet formulas (saves hours on reports)
- • File naming conventions (saves 10 min daily)
Reality Check: These "boring" automations often save more time than AI chatbots.
🎯 The Quick Sniff Test
60-Second Evaluation for Any AI Productivity Claim
Check Their Content History
Go to their LinkedIn or blog. Scroll back 2 years.
Red Flag: They were selling crypto/NFTs/dropshipping before AI
Green Flag: Consistent focus on process improvement
Google Their Success Stories
Search for their case study companies.
Red Flag: Can't find independent verification
Green Flag: Multiple sources confirm results
Ask for a Demo
Request to see the tool on YOUR data.
Red Flag: "It's proprietary" or "Sign up first"
Green Flag: Willing to show real-world application
Check the Fine Print
Look for guarantees and refund policies.
Red Flag: No refunds, complex cancellation
Green Flag: Clear terms, reasonable trial period
🧠 The Psychology Protection Guide
Don't Let FOMO Make You Stupid
Common Manipulation Tactics
- Authority bias: "As seen on Forbes" (anyone can get quoted)
- Social proof: "Join 10,000 entrepreneurs" (success not defined)
- Scarcity: "Limited time offer" (runs permanently)
- Loss aversion: "Don't get left behind by AI"
Mental Defenses
- Sleep on it: No legitimate tool requires immediate purchase
- Talk to a skeptic: They'll ask uncomfortable questions
- Calculate worst-case: What if you lose 100%?
- Remember the goal: Work less, not learn more tools
The Pause Questions
- "What problem am I actually trying to solve?"
- "Have I tried simpler solutions first?"
- "Am I buying a solution or buying hope?"
- "Would I recommend this to my worst enemy?" (If no, why consider it?)
📋 The Implementation Reality Check
For When You Find Something That Might Actually Work
Start Small Test
- • Pick ONE specific task
- • Set a 30-day trial period
- • Define success metrics in advance
- • Have a rollback plan
Success Criteria
- • Saves at least 30 min per week
- • Works without constant troubleshooting
- • Integrates with existing workflow
- • Doesn't create new problems
Failure Criteria
- • Requires more time to manage than it saves
- • Needs constant human oversight
- • Creates quality control issues
- • Adds complexity without clear benefits
The Two-Week Rule
If you're not seeing measurable improvements in two weeks, it's probably not the miracle solution you were promised.
🎭 The Final Reality Check
Remember What Actually Matters
The Truth About Productivity
- Real productivity: Doing the right things efficiently
- Fake productivity: Doing more things faster
- Your goal: Work less while maintaining income
- Their goal: Sell you more courses
The Solo Operator Advantage
You don't need revolutionary transformation. You need:
- • Clear priorities
- • Simple systems
- • Good boundaries
- • Sustainable practices
Most AI productivity tools solve problems you don't have while creating problems you didn't need.
The Bottom Line
Your business needs actual intelligence (yours), not artificial intelligence (theirs).
Trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
And if someone's making more money selling courses about productivity than using their own productivity methods... well, that tells you everything you need to know.
Remember: Switch off sooner, live larger, and don't let LinkedIn influencers make your decisions for you.