The Startup Ideas Podcast

The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.

Back to Playbooks

Get productive with Claude Cowork quickly and safely

Non-technical users wanting to automate computer tasks

First day to first week

What Success Looks Like

Successfully automating file organization, basic spreadsheet creation, and email sending without breaking anything

Steps to Execute

Download Claude desktop app (Mac only initially)

Start with file management: mount a single folder

Try simple tasks like renaming files or organizing documents

Install Chrome extension for browser automation

Experiment with spreadsheet creation and email sending

Gradually expand to more complex workflows

Checklist

Desktop app installed and authenticated

Test folder selected with non-critical files

Chrome extension installed and permissions granted

First successful file organization task completed

First browser automation task completed

Inputs Needed

Mac computer with latest OS
Claude subscription
Chrome browser
Non-critical files to practice on

Outputs

Organized file system
Automated spreadsheet workflows
Email automation capabilities

Example

“A small business owner starts by organizing receipt files, then automates expense reporting by having Cowork extract data into spreadsheets and email them to their accountant”