What started as a casual chat about running more dependable agencies turned into a mix of fresh business ideas, clever tech, and even a funny tangent about being polite to robots.

How to turn reliability into revenue.

This was a big topic in last week’s hangout. Imagine offering clients a 24/7 safety net, without actually being on call nights and weekends. Clients get peace of mind, you add to your MRR without lifting a finger. Everyone can agree that’s a win-win! This model elevates your agency from “service provider” to trusted partner, the one who’s always there when it counts. 

The trick is HOW to offer this without breaking the bank. FocusWP is working to add this on as an affordable monthly service.

If 24/7 support is something that might be of interest to your clients, check out the After-Hours Emergency Support plan we are developing. Early adopters have the opportunity to help mold this offer into an absolute no-brainer for you and your clients.

More AI Apps and Some Video Magic: What’s Hot This Week

Lovable and Sora 2 got plenty of attention this week. Zachery Mimbs has been using Lovable to get design inspiration for web pages while he’s building them out. As a designer himself, he was very impressed with the output.

Tools like Lovable are changing what it means to create, breaking down barriers of skill, time, and cost. 

Does this stunt creativity…or give it wings?

Then there’s Sora 2. Stephanie got an invite code over the weekend, and naturally, everyone wanted a demo. With Sora 2 you can create videos from a text prompt, including audio! Follow a few simple prompts and add a “cameo” of yourself which can be inserted into any scene you can imagine.

All videos will have a bouncing Sora logo watermark, but that doesn’t hamper the fun.

The quality isn’t 100% yet, but it’s easy to see where this tech is headed, and fast! In the meantime, everyone agreed: Use tools like Sora 2 for B-roll, quick drafts, or fun experiments, but don’t let it take your place.

The Global Cost of Being Polite to a Bot

What began as a funny anecdote about using good manners with our digital assistants turned into a deeper philosophical discussion. On one hand, the habits we develop when speaking to machines can carry over into our interactions with humans—an argument in favor of politeness. But there’s a counterpoint: all those extra “pleases” and “thank yous” actually contribute to a measurable global energy cost.

Every digital action, no matter how small, consumes energy. And now that tech companies are literally buying up energy futures to power the expanding AI economy, efficiency isn’t just smart, it’s a responsibility. For anyone building products or systems, it’s a good reminder to consider what you’re creating and how it scales.

What do you think?

Do you say “please” and “thank you” to Alexa? Which is more concerning: losing our good manners or adding to the strain on our global energy grid? Sound off in the comments, or join the next conversation.

Top Takeaways

• Learning is hands-on. Don’t just talk about new tools. Build something. Try them out. Give your community a reason to explore and learn alongside you.
• Don’t automate yourself away. AI tools enhance speed and creativity, but genuine human presence remains essential (for now!).
• Be aware of the cost. Everything has a price tag, whether it’s an API call or the electricity that powers it. Focus on being efficient instead of just doing more.
• Sell peace of mind, not just support. Your clients aren’t just buying maintenance, they’re buying confidence that someone has their back if things break at 2 AM. By offering an after-hours emergency service, you give them the digital equivalent of an insurance policy: guaranteed stability, faster recovery, and less stress. It’s a premium add-on that strengthens trust, differentiates your agency, and turns reliability into recurring revenue.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Lovable: AI app builder used for design inspiration and rapid prototyping. Mentioned as a tool that can create full web apps (frontend + backend) in days.

Sora 2: AI video generation tool that turns text prompts into short-form videos. Discussed for its creative potential and current visual limitations.