A lead arrives. Someone copies it into a spreadsheet. Someone else adds it to the CRM. A third person asks who should follow up.
Start by asking what is repetitive. Which information gets copied, which reminders get sent and which updates follow the same pattern? Record how often each task happens and the effort it takes.
Choose one recurring task and map it from start to finish, including waiting, checking and chasing. Then consider four choices.
Remove duplicate entries and unused reports. Use ordinary automation for clear, predictable rules. Consider AI where the work needs interpretation, drafting or summarising. Assign human judgement to sensitive decisions and exceptions.
Different steps in one workflow may need different approaches. A fixed notification needs little interpretation; a customer complaint requires context and care.
Choose a first project with a defined beginning, a recognisable successful outcome and manageable consequences if something goes wrong. Preparing a draft response from approved information, then sending it to a person for review, gives you something specific to test.