In partnership with
Agents Rising: How Technology is Shaping Your Choices
Every day, decisions demand more clarity, more speed, and more precision. Whether it’s about tools you rely on, systems you manage, or processes you implement, the way you choose now defines the ease—or friction—of tomorrow. In a world where software has eaten the world, AI agents are quietly reshaping the terrain. And if your time is scarce, every decision counts even more.
This newsletter is designed for that one person who needs to think fast, act deliberately, and avoid wasting energy on redundant solutions. Here’s a guide to navigating this new reality.
Easy setup, easy money
Making money from your content shouldn’t be complicated. With Google AdSense, it isn’t.
Automatic ad placement and optimization ensure the highest-paying, most relevant ads appear on your site. And it literally takes just seconds to set up.
That’s why WikiHow, the world’s most popular how-to site, keeps it simple with Google AdSense: “All you do is drop a little code on your website and Google AdSense immediately starts working.”
The TL;DR? You focus on creating. Google AdSense handles the rest.
Start earning the easy way with AdSense.
The New Calculus: Build vs Buy
Software has been ubiquitous for years. SaaS tools—from dashboards to analytics platforms—have proliferated because they saved time, standardized processes, and reduced risk. But the calculus is shifting. AI agents are now capable of replicating, customizing, and often improving the functionality of many of these tools—sometimes in a matter of minutes.
Think about the simple, repetitive tools in your workflow. A dashboard that tracks metrics? An automated report? Even UI mockups or formatted presentations? Previously, these might have required third-party platforms or templates. Now, agents can generate them instantly, tailored exactly to your specifications.
Tip: Evaluate each tool in your stack. Ask: Could this be replaced with a more direct, automated solution? This isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about aligning effort with value. If a tool isn’t truly solving your specific problem, an agent may do it better and faster.
Understanding Maintenance: The Hidden Cost
One concern about replacing SaaS tools with self-built solutions is maintenance. Who updates it? Who fixes bugs? Who ensures security?
Here’s the reality: SaaS tools aren’t magic. Many are poorly maintained, with updates that introduce new friction, deprecated features, or broken integrations. Internal solutions, guided by intelligent agents, can actually reduce long-term maintenance costs. Agents can help with library updates, code refactoring, and documentation. Unlike humans, agents don’t leave, forget, or miscommunicate, and a well-prepared knowledge file (like AGENTS.md) ensures continuity.
Tip: When considering a replacement or internal build, quantify not just the development cost but the long-term maintenance benefit. Often, automation offsets the burden of upkeep.
AI in CX that grows loyalty and profitability
Efficiency in CX has often come at the cost of experience. Gladly AI breaks that trade-off. With $510M in verified savings and measurable loyalty gains, explore our Media Kit to see the awards, research, and data behind Gladly’s customer-centric approach.
Economics of Choice: The Shrinking Need for SaaS
SaaS valuations are built on assumptions: fast growth and consistent customer spend. But when AI agents can replicate functionality internally, the demand for standard tools starts to erode.
Consider this: many platforms bundle features that you might never use. Every unnecessary feature increases complexity and cost. Agents let you capture exactly what you need, removing the excess. You don’t have to wait for vendor roadmaps, pricing tiers, or renewal hikes—you design your own solution, perfectly aligned with your requirements.
Tip: Track the real utility of each tool in your workflow. Ask: Am I paying for features I never use? Could this be replaced by a tailored internal solution? The answers reveal opportunities to reclaim time, money, and control.
When Agents Can’t Replace SaaS: The Moat Matters
Not every system is replaceable. Certain tools retain intrinsic value because they provide:
High uptime and reliability – Payment processors, mission-critical infrastructure, or high-volume data pipelines remain difficult to replicate.
Network effects – Collaboration platforms like Slack or ecosystems with widespread plugins and integrations are hard to internalize.
Proprietary datasets – Unique financial, sales, or research datasets still hold irreplaceable value.
Regulatory compliance – Systems that must meet strict legal or security standards are not easily swapped.
Understanding these moats is critical. They help prioritize what to replace, what to retain, and where to invest effort.
Tip: Map your SaaS stack by risk and replaceability. High-moat tools can stay; low-moat, repetitive tools are prime candidates for agent-powered alternatives.
The Future of Shopping? AI + Actual Humans.
AI has changed how consumers shop, but people still drive decisions. Levanta’s research shows affiliate and creator content continues to influence conversions, plus it now shapes the product recommendations AI delivers. Affiliate marketing isn’t being replaced by AI, it’s being amplified.
Triggers, Actions, and Scenarios: Applying the Decision Triangle
Every tool, every platform, every process is a decision. And like any decision, it has three pillars:
Trigger: Why is this decision relevant now? Perhaps a renewal notice, a new workflow requirement, or rising costs.
Desired Future: What outcome do you want? Less friction, faster results, more control?
Action: What concrete step will bring that outcome to reality? Replace, automate, or integrate?
For larger or more impactful choices, expand the Triangle with: Context, Conditions, Scenarios, and Analysis. Ask yourself: what could go wrong? What might change? What constraints must hold? Map the possibilities and prepare contingencies.
Tip: For every SaaS or agent decision, document these elements—even briefly. This ensures your actions are deliberate, not reactive. Over time, this habit creates a personal library of clarity that drastically reduces future uncertainty.
The rewards credit card made just for pet parents
Pets are expensive. Taking care of them doesn’t have to be. Whether your dog eats a sock unexpectedly or you want to treat them to the best dog food on the market, the no annual fee Nibbles pet rewards credit card can help. Not only does it give you FREE pet insurance for one eligible pet, but it also saves you money on everyday purchases with extra money back at pet stores, pet services, and the vet.
See if you pre-qualify
Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and T&C apply.
The Changing Skillset: New Roles Emerge
AI agents shift not just tools but talent requirements. With more internal solutions, new expertise is needed to manage, secure, and optimize agent-powered systems. Roles like DevOps, SRE, or specialized operations teams are becoming crucial—not to code everything from scratch, but to supervise, maintain, and evolve intelligent systems efficiently.
Tip: Leverage your existing technical capacity strategically. Agents don’t replace the need for human oversight—they augment it. Focus human energy where creativity, judgment, and adaptability matter most.
A Practical Mindset: Simplifying Complexity
Ultimately, every choice is about clarity, efficiency, and alignment. Ask yourself daily:
Which tools are truly essential?
Which processes can be automated or optimized?
Where is friction hiding that agents could remove?
What scenarios or contingencies need preparation?
The world is changing fast. Software ate industries; agents are now eating the redundancies in software. Staying ahead isn’t about using every new tool—it’s about thinking deliberately, acting strategically, and owning the decisions that shape your workflow.
Tip: Start small. Replace a minor repetitive task with an agent. Observe the impact. Iterate. This builds confidence and insight, letting you scale smarter changes over time.
Final Thoughts
AI agents don’t just replace tools—they reshape the rules of decision-making, maintenance, and efficiency. For the person balancing a heavy workflow and scarce time, understanding these shifts is not optional—it’s critical.
The key is focus: choose what matters, automate what doesn’t, and keep your eyes on the desired future. Every decision—every tool, every platform—is a lever. Use them wisely, and the outcomes compound.
What’s your next spark? A new platform engineering skill? A bold pitch? A team ready to rise? Share your ideas or challenges at Tiny Big Spark. Let’s build your pyramid—together.
That’s it!
Keep innovating and stay inspired!
If you think your colleagues and friends would find this content valuable, we’d love it if you shared our newsletter with them!
PROMO CONTENT
Can email newsletters make money?
As the world becomes increasingly digital, this question will be on the minds of millions of people seeking new income streams in 2026.
The answer is—Absolutely!
That’s it for this episode!
Thank you for taking the time to read today’s email! Your support allows me to send out this newsletter for free every day.
What do you think for today’s episode? Please provide your feedback in the poll below.
How would you rate today's newsletter?
Share the newsletter with your friends and colleagues if you find it valuable.
Disclaimer: The "Tiny Big Spark" newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only, not a substitute for professional advice, including financial, legal, medical, or technical. We strive for accuracy but make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of the information provided. Any reliance on this information is at your own risk. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect any organization's official position. This newsletter may link to external sites we don't control; we do not endorse their content. We are not liable for any losses or damages from using this information.