Making $$$ with OpenClaw

Making $$$ with OpenClaw

How to Make Money with OpenClaw?

Introduction to OpenClaw

  • The episode discusses how to monetize OpenClaw by creating instances of digital employees that can automate tasks and generate income.
  • Nick provides a tactical tutorial on setting up multiple OpenClaw machines for automating tasks on platforms like Upwork.

Opportunities with OpenClaw

  • The conversation emphasizes the potential of OpenClaw beyond simple use cases, highlighting its ability to create real revenue opportunities.
  • Nick mentions that users are successfully deploying OpenClaw for busy executives, earning significant amounts by managing these setups.

Commitment to Sharing Insights

  • The host urges Nick to share detailed tactics on how individuals can effectively make money using OpenClaw.
  • Nick agrees, expressing confidence in the tool's capabilities for enhancing automation and generating income.

Setting Up OpenClaw

  • Nick introduces his startup Orgo as a platform for deploying OpenClaw but clarifies that other options exist for setup.
  • He describes a project setup where he assists a business owner in automating various tasks through OpenClaw.

Practical Applications of Automation

  • Nick illustrates how he uses an instance of Clawbot within the terminal to facilitate automation processes.
  • He stresses the importance of identifying specific business needs that can be automated rather than focusing solely on flashy demos.

Real-world Example of Automation

  • An example is provided where an agent created with OpenClaw automates product information retrieval and uploads it into Zoho CRM, showcasing practical application and effectiveness.

OpenClaw: Exploring Automation Opportunities

The Power of Multiple Instances

  • Utilizing multiple instances of OpenClaw allows users to view and manage several operations simultaneously, enhancing efficiency.
  • OpenClaw can spawn sub-agents, which is a significant advancement for users looking to scale their automation efforts quickly.

Scaling with Sub-Agents

  • Users can have one main OpenClaw instance that spawns up to eight sub-agents, each capable of operating on separate computers.
  • A practical application involves using Upwork to find jobs that can be automated with OpenClaw, showcasing its potential for generating income.

Leveraging Upwork for Automation

  • By spawning sub-agents to search for job postings on Upwork, users can create demos and select the best proposals to apply for.
  • Although Upwork is designed for human workers, the quality output from machines can still satisfy client needs if executed well.

Parallelization of Tasks

  • OpenClaw enables parallelization by allowing multiple instances to work on different subtasks or the same task concurrently.
  • This approach increases productivity by distributing workload across various agents working towards common goals.

Computer Use Agents and Legacy Systems

  • OpenClaw functions as a computer use agent capable of interacting with legacy systems lacking clean APIs, automating tasks like downloading reports.
  • There’s a growing opportunity in verticalizing computer use agents within businesses, helping them adopt automation solutions effectively.

Setting Up Workspaces Easily

  • Setting up an OpenClaw workspace is straightforward; inviting team members and configuring resources takes minimal time.
  • Executives from various sectors are seeking guidance on implementing these technologies, indicating a market demand for training in automation tools.

Design Thinking in Automation

Understanding the Design Thinking Approach

  • The speaker discusses applying a design thinking approach when automating processes for businesses, particularly through platforms like Upwork.
  • Emphasizes the importance of mapping out automation possibilities using two key metrics: value creation and relative effort (cost and time).
  • Suggests starting with "low-hanging fruit" opportunities that offer high value with low effort, cost, and time to maximize efficiency.

Mapping Out Automation Workflows

  • After identifying automation opportunities, it's crucial to map out the workflow process visually using tools like Figma.
  • Describes a specific client scenario where product information needs to be gathered and uploaded into Zoho as part of the automation process.

Utilizing Open Claw for Automation

  • Highlights how Open Claw can automate entire workflows from start to finish without manual intervention at each step.
  • Recaps steps: install Open Claw, identify low-hanging fruit opportunities, and begin mapping out workflows.

Enhancing Workflow with AI Tools

  • Discusses leveraging AI tools like Open Claw or cloud code for prioritizing automation tasks based on customer interviews and transcripts.
  • Suggestion to use customer interview transcripts as input for determining which automation opportunities have the highest value versus effort.

Final Steps in Workflow Development

  • Stresses the importance of understanding how much can be automated directly through Open Claw versus needing custom solutions via cloud code.
  • Explains that triggers within an automation pipeline can initiate actions based on contextual relevance, such as receiving an email.

Understanding Sub Agents in Open Claw

The Role of Triggers and Workflow Automation

  • Open Claw can be set up to listen for specific triggers, similar to a cron job, which activates Python script workflows and automates downstream tasks.
  • Instead of relying solely on Open Claw's capabilities, specialized AI workers (sub agents) can be created to handle individual tasks.

Clarifying Sub Agents vs. Tasks

  • Sub agents can be viewed in multiple contexts; they can perform parallel tasks or the same task across different instances.
  • They can also embody specific skills with tailored instructions and code, enhancing the general-purpose agent's functionality.

Leveraging Sub Agents for Efficiency

  • A general agent orchestrates various sub agents that execute specialized skills, allowing the main agent to remain available for other tasks.
  • For example, a sub agent could find viral ideas on Twitter without occupying the main agent’s time.

Enhancing Business Automation with Sub Agents

  • Businesses should consider creating dedicated sub agents for each automation opportunity within their workflows.
  • This approach allows the main agent to manage multiple sub agents effectively while ensuring productivity is maximized.

The Potential of Open Claw as an Assistant

  • Demonstrating automation possibilities excites clients and encourages them to explore further applications of AI in their operations.
  • The ability to solve specific workflow challenges opens avenues for additional automation ideas from clients.

Understanding Open Claw's Unique Value Proposition

  • Open Claw operates continuously like a reliable employee capable of coding and scheduling tasks autonomously.
  • Its 24/7 availability makes it appealing as it functions independently while being accessible via text commands.

Challenges in Implementation

  • Some users may struggle with setting up Open Claw correctly, leading to inefficiencies akin to having a poorly performing employee.
  • Effective management and context provision are crucial for maximizing the potential benefits of using Open Claw.

How to Transform OpenClaw Skills

Tips for Enhancing OpenClaw Skills

  • The discussion begins with exploring how individuals can improve their OpenClaw skills, focusing on verticalizing and automating workflows.
  • Greg introduces the "Idea Browser," a tool designed to catch viral trends, suggesting it could be transformed into a specialized skill within OpenClaw.
  • A live demonstration is initiated to build a specialized skill using the Idea Browser concept, emphasizing the importance of asking questions during development.

Building Specialized Skills

  • The speaker emphasizes that users should ask OpenClaw what information it needs to create effective automations and workflows.
  • It’s noted that OpenClaw acts as a wrapper around code, which helps in structuring the build process for new skills effectively.

Practical Application: TikTok Automation

  • The conversation shifts towards testing an agent's ability to navigate TikTok and summarize popular content from its For You page.
  • A practical example is provided where an agent opens Firefox and navigates to TikTok, showcasing its capability to interact visually with web interfaces.

Insights on AI Development

  • Observations are made about the impressive nature of AI navigating websites like humans, highlighting advancements in computer use agents.
  • Dario Amade's podcast insights are shared, discussing AGI constraints related to computer use agents capable of operating computers more efficiently than humans.

Customization and API Utilization

  • Clarification is provided regarding Orgo's offerings; users can create custom computer use agents tailored for specific tasks using programmatic APIs.
  • Emphasis is placed on building efficient low-cost agents by leveraging existing models and documentation available through Orgo.

Understanding Automation and MVP Development

The Importance of Starting Small

  • The discussion begins with the idea of starting automation projects by identifying a lightweight skill to develop, emphasizing the importance of defining a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
  • The process involves testing this lightweight skill, analyzing what went wrong, and identifying areas for improvement through fine-tuning.

Design Thinking in Automation

  • A design thinking approach is highlighted; instead of jumping straight into complex solutions (like building a car), one should start with simpler alternatives (like a skateboard) to achieve the desired outcome.
  • This method encourages breaking down tasks into manageable components that lead towards the ultimate goal.

Building Automation Tools

  • The speaker discusses real-time automation development using cloud code, showcasing how to build an agent programmatically with specific API documentation.
  • Key requirements for building automation include obtaining necessary API keys and understanding the architecture needed for implementation.

Opportunities in Automation

  • There’s an emphasis on the potential for creating various automated solutions tailored to individual ideas, suggesting that anyone can build their concepts into reality.
  • Many businesses lack knowledge about effective automation tools, presenting an opportunity for tech-savvy individuals to assist them in adopting these technologies.

Targeting Specific Markets

  • The conversation shifts towards focusing efforts on specific industries or vertical markets where one might have an advantage, such as real estate.
  • It’s advised not to spread oneself too thin by trying to cater to every business type but rather concentrate on areas where personal experience or connections exist.
  • Caution is given against entering heavily regulated sectors like healthcare or finance due to potential complications.

The Future of Automation and AI Agents in Business

The Role of Market-Driven Workflows

  • The market influences the development of specific workflows tailored to various verticals, such as manufacturing for doors. As these workflows are built out, they become comprehensive solutions for industry-specific needs.

Integration of AI Agents

  • Envision a workspace where new companies can seamlessly integrate with pre-built AI agents designed for automation in their respective industries, creating an impression of having hired a full team rather than just one individual.

Shift from Software to Agents

  • There is a paradigm shift from traditional software that requires human interaction to AI agents that autonomously perform tasks, generating value without direct user input.
  • This transition signifies a mindset change; businesses will invite agents into their operations instead of merely using software tools.

Emerging Trends and Opportunities

  • Recent discussions on platforms like X highlight the emergence of agents as the new SaaS model. In the coming months, significant advancements and successful implementations are anticipated within this space.

API-Centric Business Models

  • Sam Altman's observation about every company becoming an API company reflects a trend where traditional interfaces are diminishing in favor of chat-based interactions, emphasizing efficiency and ease-of-use.

Building Assets with AI Tools

  • Utilizing tools like OpenClaw allows rapid asset creation through automation scripts. This capability enables users to build complex systems quickly while leveraging existing APIs effectively.

Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI

  • While increased productivity through AI may lead to layoffs, it also heralds a renaissance in entrepreneurship. Individuals can create one-person businesses and innovative products at unprecedented rates.

Creative Opportunities with Open Claw

  • The current environment is ripe for builders and tinkerers. With tools like Open Claw, there’s immense potential for creativity across various applications—from gaming to practical business solutions—driving impactful outcomes.

Exploring AI Tools and Their Impact on Business

The Potential of AI in Business

  • The speaker emphasizes the transformative potential of AI tools, suggesting that while some jobs may be replaced, many new opportunities will arise for individuals to create and innovate.
  • A demonstration of OpenClaw shows its capability to spin up a virtual machine (VM) autonomously, highlighting the advanced functionalities of modern AI tools.
  • The excitement around the rapid development and deployment of these tools is palpable; tasks that once took significant time can now be accomplished quickly.

Practical Applications and Market Opportunities

  • Discussion shifts towards practical applications, encouraging listeners to view OpenClaw as a valuable asset for automation in various business contexts.
  • The speaker suggests using platforms like Upwork to identify market demands for robotic process automation (RPA), indicating a shift from outdated methods to more intelligent solutions.

Building Automation Solutions

  • Specific job postings are highlighted as opportunities for automation engineers, showcasing real-world examples where AI can be applied effectively.
  • A case study example is provided: an experienced automation engineer could leverage OpenClaw to build desktop automation solutions based on client needs.

Future Prospects and Community Engagement

  • Encouragement is given to gather case studies and deepen industry knowledge by creating specialized workflows with OpenClaw, fostering innovation within specific vertical markets.
  • Despite minor debugging challenges during the demo, there’s optimism about what users can achieve with these tools moving forward.

Call to Action and Collaboration

  • Listeners are urged to engage actively with these technologies—experimenting and building their own projects—as a way to harness their full potential.
  • The speaker expresses gratitude towards Greg's platform while hinting at future collaborations where they will share additional use cases involving OpenClaw.
Video description

I sit down with Nick Vasilescu, founder of Orgo, to break down exactly how people are turning OpenClaw — the open-source computer use agent — into a real revenue stream. Nick walks me through live demos of deploying OpenClaw for business clients, shows how sub-agents and parallelization multiply output, and shares his design-thinking framework for identifying and automating high-value workflows. We even build a TikTok trend-hunting agent from scratch during the episode to prove how fast you can go from idea to working prototype. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 02:50 – Getting Set Up with OpenClaw 05:02 – Finding the Wedge: Automating Real Business Outcomes 07:39 – The Upwork Hack: Finding Paid Automation Jobs 09:41 – Andreessen Horowitz on Computer Use Agents 11:01 – Setting Up a Client Workspace in Minutes 12:41 – Design Thinking: Mapping Value vs. Effort 15:23 – Using OpenClaw to Prioritize Automations 17:57 – Building Automation Pipelines with Claude Code 19:33 – Sub-Agents vs. Tasks vs. Skills 23:22 – Automation Possibilities are huge 24:54 – Live Build: TikTok Trend Hunter from Idea Browser 32:09 – Start with an MVP Skill, Then Iterate 32:41 – Architecture of the TikTok Agent Script 36:59 – The Arbitrage Opportunity: Most Businesses Still Need Help 40:30 – Agents Are the New SaaS 42:42 – Demoing TikTok Trend Hunter 44:11 – Building Assets & the Abundance AI Will Bring 47:58 – Closing Advice: Get Your Hands Dirty Links Mentioned: Orgo: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/orgo Key Points * OpenClaw is more than a personal assistant — it is a deployable business tool that can automate end-to-end workflows for paying clients. * The fastest path to revenue is finding automation jobs on Upwork (RPA, desktop automation, workflow building) and fulfilling them with OpenClaw and Claude Code. * Sub-agents allow your main OpenClaw instance to delegate specialized tasks, keeping the orchestrator free and multiplying throughput through parallelization. * A design-thinking approach — mapping automation opportunities by value vs. effort — is essential before building anything. * Verticalizing computer use agents for a specific industry (manufacturing, real estate, distributorships) is the major startup opportunity Andreessen Horowitz is calling out. * Always start by building a lightweight MVP skill, test it, debug, and iterate before scaling. Numbered Section Summaries 1) OpenClaw Setup and Deployment Options Nick demonstrates how easy it is to install OpenClaw on a virtual machine using Orgo, though he makes clear you can use Manus, Kimi, a Mac Mini, or any setup you prefer. He spins up a workspace for me in under a minute — just a curl command in the terminal and it is ready. The point: the barrier to entry is nearly zero. 2) The Wedge: Finding Business Automation Opportunities The viral demos on Twitter are fun but toyish. The real money is in identifying a specific workflow inside a business — like downloading product data from a legacy platform and uploading it into a Zoho CRM — and automating that end to end. Nick calls this the "wedge" and it is the foundation of the entire business model. 3) Sub-Agents and Parallelization OpenClaw can spawn up to eight sub-agents, each with its own computer. Nick shows two parallelization strategies: splitting one task across multiple agents, or running the same task across multiple instances for volume. He spawned sub-agents to scrape Upwork jobs, build demo proposals, and pick the best one — all automatically. 4) The Upwork Hack If you have zero clients, Upwork is the starting point. People are posting $500–$5,000 jobs right now asking for AI workflow automation, desktop automation, and RPA replacements. Nick's approach: find the job, give the context to OpenClaw or Claude Code, build a demo, and submit the proposal. It is a lead generation machine. 5) Design Thinking for Automation Before touching any code, Nick maps every potential automation on two axes: value created and effort/cost/time. You start with high-value, low-effort opportunities — the low-hanging fruit. Then you map out the step-by-step workflow in Figma (or Mermaid code for ExcaliDraw/TLDraw) so OpenClaw can execute tip to tail. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com/ LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: https://www.thevibemarketer.com/ FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/ FIND NICK ON SOCIAL Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nickvasiles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickvasilescu/ Personal Website: https://www.nickvasilescu.com/