Before we meet

Start with one tool and a computer. Work through this checklist, tell me where you got stuck, then book your kickoff.

Your details

Preferred name *

Email *

Your computers

Which computer will you use for the course? *

Where to find RAM

Mac: Apple menu → About This Mac → Memory. Windows: Settings → System → About → Installed RAM.

Do you have two machines: a more powerful computer to stay on at home, and a laptop to travel with? *

Choose your tool

Pick one tool to use during the course.

Which tool will you use? *

Your setup checklist

Complete this setup before your kickoff. Choose a tool above for its setup instructions.

Install the desktop app

Choose your tool above, then install its desktop app. Codex · Claude

Install the desktop app: status *

Connect Gmail

Connect your Gmail account in your chosen tool.

Connect Gmail: status *

Connect Google Calendar

Connect your Google Calendar account in your chosen tool.

Connect Google Calendar: status *

Set up browser use

Connect your browser so your assistant can work with websites.

Set up browser use: status *

Enable computer use

Enable your chosen tool to use your computer and follow its permission prompts.

Enable computer use: status *

Set up voice dictation

You’ll give most instructions by talking. On a Mac with Apple silicon, install Muesli and approve the permissions it asks for. If it doesn’t appear in the menu bar, quit and reopen it. You can skip its meeting notes features. On Windows, press the Windows key and H in any text box. Test it by dictating one sentence into a new chat.

Set up voice dictation: status *

Set up Chrome with your password manager

Your assistant can work in Chrome, but it won’t type passwords for you. Install Chrome, add your password manager’s extension, and sign in to the email and file accounts you plan to use.

Set up Chrome with your password manager: status *

Company accounts

Only needed if you want to work with company email, calendars, or files. Connecting them can take approval that only an admin can give.

Company account access

Try opening the Google Admin console or the Microsoft 365 admin center with your work account. If you can’t get in, send your IT person the access guide for IT. They can set things up before we meet or join the first session.

Company account access: status *

Email accounts you want connected (optional)

List personal and work accounts, for example two Google accounts and one Outlook account.

Your project

Record a five-minute voice memo

Take a walk and describe the problem, what a good result looks like, who else would use it, and anything that has to stay private. Bring the recording or its transcript to your kickoff.

Record a five-minute voice memo: status *

One thing you’d like your assistant to help with (optional)

Personal or part of your business. Something you want to make, organize, learn, or get off your plate.

Where do the files for it live? (optional)

For example, a Dropbox, OneDrive, or SharePoint folder, or your desktop.

Hobbies or interests (optional)

Anything Sam should know?

Setup blockers or questions (optional)

Tell us what got stuck or what you need help with.

Your answers go to Sam by email. Leave out passwords and sensitive documents.