#11 - Buy vs. Build in an AI World
Episode 11 Recap: Buy vs. Build — The AI Question Every Leader Faces
Should you buy established tools or build your own with AI? In Episode 11 of The Conversation, Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager examine this dilemma in depth. They show when it makes sense to buy trusted platforms, when AI makes building realistic, and how each choice shapes efficiency, cost, and company culture. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by product pitches or curious about custom AI tools, this episode is for you.
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Episode 11 - Buy vs Build in an AI World
Introduction
Business leaders today face a new twist on an old question: should you buy the tools you need, or build them yourself? With AI lowering the barrier to custom development, the buy‑vs‑build debate has never been more relevant. In Episode 11 of The Conversation, Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager explore what’s changed, why it matters, and how to make the right call for your business.
When Buying Still Makes Sense
Some tools are simply too complex or critical to reinvent. Enterprise platforms like CRMs, ERPs, or accounting systems fall squarely in the ‘buy’ category. They provide stability, regulatory compliance, and integrations that would be impractical to replicate. Plus, most vendors are embedding AI features directly into their products, so you can benefit without rebuilding from scratch.
The Case for Building with AI
What’s different now is the speed and cost‑efficiency of AI‑assisted development. Leaders without technical backgrounds are using AI to prototype tools that match their unique workflows. Whether it’s a reporting dashboard, a project tracker, or a lightweight industry‑specific tool, AI makes it realistic to build solutions tailored to your exact needs.
Cultural and Training Impacts
Buy vs. build isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Buying often comes with structured training programs, but can feel rigid. Building offers customization and greater employee ownership, but requires leaders to prioritize training and rollout support. Either way, involving teams early can create buy‑in and smoother adoption.
Getting Unstuck with AI
Building isn’t always seamless. Even with AI, non‑technical teams can get stuck. But this is where AI shines—helping you find the right language, explore options, and keep projects moving. AI lowers the barrier to entry but also provides a safety net for experimentation and iteration.
A Prompt to Guide Your Decision
Angela and Loren share a practical exercise: list three features you actually use from a paid tool, then ask ChatGPT how you could replicate them with a custom GPT or lightweight app. Compare the result to what you’re paying now. The exercise alone can spark insight into whether building is realistic for your team.
Final Thoughts
Buy vs. build is no longer a one‑sided question. Thanks to AI, building is easier than ever, but buying still has advantages in stability and compliance. The key is to evaluate your tools not just on cost, but on culture, training, and long‑term fit. By asking the right questions—and testing with AI—you can make smarter, more strategic decisions for your business.