Making $$$ with OpenClaw

The Monetization Potential of OpenClaw [00:00]

• OpenClaw can be used to generate income by deploying instances and "digital employees" to automate tasks.
• The video promises a tactical tutorial on setting up multiple OpenClaw machines and automating tasks on platforms like Upwork.
• The focus is on using OpenClaw for "boring business automations" and "money-making opportunities" beyond simple use cases.
• One of the first demonstrations involves automating product research, data parsing, and uploading information to a Zoho CRM for a promotional distributorship.

  "If this doesn't get your creative juices flowing for the future of SAS, how people are going to make money and how to actually use Open Claw from not just a cute little use cases, but actually money-m opportunities, then I don't know what will."

Deploying OpenClaw for Business Outcomes [01:10]

• OpenClaw is presented as more than a personal assistant; it can be deployed in businesses to drive actual business outcomes and generate revenue.
• Individuals are reportedly making thousands of dollars by setting up, managing, and deploying OpenClaw for busy executives and individuals.
• The commitment is to share tactical details on how to make money with OpenClaw, not just discuss the opportunity.
• OpenClaw is described as a tool that enhances automation capabilities with AI, making it easier and more effective.

  "People are going to learn that OpenClaw is more than just a personal assistant. You can actually deploy this into businesses. You could drive actual business outcomes, generate revenue off of OpenClaw as an opportunity."

Setting Up and Utilizing OpenClaw Instances [02:47]

• The setup process involves creating projects and assigning virtual computers (e.g., "Clawbot" for Greg).
• OpenClaw TUI (Terminal User Interface) can be used to interact with the system in the terminal.
• While Orgo is showcased, users can use other platforms like Manis or Kimmy for one-click OpenClaw deployment, or even a Mac Mini.
• The core principle for making money is identifying a "specific use case in a person's business" to automate.
• Viral demos often focus on flashy but less impactful use cases, while real power lies in automating tasks that save businesses time and drive outcomes.

  "The key here, Greg, with OpenClaw and actually creating money from it is to have the wedge to know what is the specific use case in a person's business that we're going to automate like first."

Leveraging Sub-Agents and Upwork for Opportunities [06:48]

• OpenClaw can spawn "sub-agents," allowing for a more scalable approach with multiple instances working in parallel.
• This capability is crucial as users will increasingly need multiple OpenClaw instances (10s or 100s).
• A practical strategy for finding opportunities is to use OpenClaw itself to search Upwork for jobs that require AI workflows or automation.
• These identified jobs can then be used to build custom demos and proposals, potentially securing paid work.
• Upwork, designed for human work, can be a testing ground for multi-agent automation, provided the quality of work is high.

  "A great place to start is Upwork because there's jobs on Upwork that are literally posted. They're they're asking you. They're like, 'I want to pay 500, a,000, 1,500, 3,000, $20,000 for this AI workflow.'"

OpenClaw as a Computer Use Agent [09:42]

• OpenClaw is viewed as a "computer use agent" that is given a computer to operate.
• A critical aspect is its ability to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of legacy software and systems, acting as a "universal API."
• This allows for automating tasks in systems without clean APIs, such as downloading reports from legacy platforms.
• Andreessen Horowitz's concept of "computer use agents" is relevant, highlighting the opportunity for startups to verticalize these agents for businesses.

  "The other half of the story is for it to be able to like click around actually operate a graphical user interface on like le legacy softwares and systems."

The Process of Building Automations with OpenClaw [12:50]

• A design thinking approach is recommended: map possibilities, identify high-value/low-effort opportunities, and then design the system.
• Workflows can be visually mapped out using tools like Figma or Mermaid code for diagramming.
• Automations can be end-to-end, interacting with GUIs, downloading reports, and uploading data, without manual copy-pasting.
• OpenClaw can be used meta-cognitively to assist in identifying and prioritizing automation opportunities by analyzing customer interviews and transcripts.
• Output can be generated in formats like Mermaid code for use in other diagramming tools.

  "So then your next step after identifying the opportunity is to literally like map this out. I use Figma, you can use whatever, but map out the the actual workflow process of like okay step one, step two, step three."

Orchestrating with Sub-Agents and Skills [19:34]

• Sub-agents can be viewed as specialized workers that the main OpenClaw agent can call upon to perform specific tasks or "skills."
• This allows the main agent to act as an orchestrator, freeing it from performing all tasks directly.
• Skills can be defined with specialized instructions and code, enabling the agent to perform nuanced tasks across various domains.
• The concept is analogous to giving an agent a specific skill, like browsing Twitter for viral ideas, without burdening the main agent.
• This approach creates leverage, allowing the main agent to manage multiple sub-agents that are good at specific functions (e.g., quality checking, data extraction).

  "Can it call that skill into a sub agent and have the sub agent do that? That I think is where things get really interesting."

Transforming Ideas into Usable Skills [26:23]

• A live demonstration shows how to transform an idea (e.g., a TikTok trend tool) into a functional OpenClaw skill.
• The key tip is to always ask the AI to ask questions to clarify requirements and build a plan.
• This process involves breaking down the vision into realistic, manageable steps, starting with a "lean skill" or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• The "playground mode" allows testing interactions with web interfaces like TikTok, which can then be translated into programmatic automation.
• Using Orgo's API and documentation, the agent can be guided to build programmatic computer-use agents.

  "My number one tip is always ask it to ask you questions. So, what do you need from me to be able to build this out?"

The Arbitrage Opportunity: Agents as the New SaaS [36:10]

• The arbitrage opportunity lies in the fact that most people and businesses lack the knowledge to implement advanced automation and computer use agents.
• This positions skilled individuals as valuable resources for helping businesses adopt these technologies.
• The future is seen as "agents as the new SaaS," where businesses will subscribe to AI agents that perform work, rather than traditional software that requires human operation.
• This shift signifies a mindset change from selling software to delivering agents that create value.
• The ultimate interface is moving towards chat and text messages, exemplified by the ChatGPT and OpenClaw moments.

  "So, yes, I agree with the like the vision you painted. I think that, you know, in the past, you know, we created software that we would sell to these businesses and then they would have people actually, you know, press the buttons, touch the knobs to to make it useful."

Building Assets and the Future of Entrepreneurship [44:14]

• Tools like OpenClaw enable the rapid creation of "assets" and one-person businesses, fostering a renaissance of entrepreneurship.
• While AI may lead to layoffs due to increased productivity, it will also empower individuals to build and create like never before.
• The creator of OpenClaw was reportedly acquired by OpenAI, underscoring the technology's perceived value.
• The future involves creating workspaces with AI employees ready to perform specific tasks for businesses, akin to hiring a team.
• The core skills needed will shift towards having good ideas and taste, as the tools for execution become widely accessible.

  "The amount of assets that people are going to be be building using tools like this is is going to be crazy, right?"

Practical Advice and Market Signals [48:04]

• Users are encouraged to think of OpenClaw as an "NAN" (non-attached network) or a business solution, not just a personal assistant.
• Upwork is recommended as a resource to identify market demand for automation services by searching for terms like "robotic process automation."
• By analyzing job descriptions and budgets on Upwork, one can identify potential clients and build demo proposals using OpenClaw.
• Focusing on specific verticals where one has an advantage (e.g., understanding the customer's domain) is advised, while avoiding highly regulated industries like healthcare or finance.
• The market will naturally pull individuals into specific verticals as they build and gain experience.

  "You take all this context, give it to Open Claw, give it to Claude code. How much of it can you build out as a demo based off of this context alone? Send a proposal. You have your first customer right here, $1,000."