Legendary lead magnets with a simple n8n workflow with Mark Kashef
SummaryIn this episode of the n8n Podcast, Dylan interviews Mark Kashef, known as the 'mad scientist' of n8n workflows. Mark shares his journey from using Make to mastering n8n, discussing the challenges and opportunities in automation. He emphasizes the importance of ideation, the role of language models like Claude, and the need for a solid understanding of coding principles. Mark also highlights the potential for small to medium businesses to leverage automation and the significance of community in tech. The conversation delves into the nuances of vibe coding versus context engineering, common mistakes beginners make, and the future of AI and automation.Chapter00:00 - Introduction & The Power of Vertical Automation01:41 - Mark’s Journey: From Make.com to n8n03:22 - Building Workflows with AI & Mermaid Diagrams06:21 - Leveraging Claude, ChatGPT, and Other LLMs09:31 - Using MCP Servers & Live Documentation12:38 - Pinning Data and Debugging Workflows15:00 - When to Use Custom Code Nodes17:58 - Favorite n8n Workflows & Use Cases21:16 - Evaluating LLMs: New vs. Old Models24:02 - Production-Ready Automation & Scaling27:36 - Opportunities for Small & Medium Businesses31:28 - The Legendary Lead Magnet: AI Audit Workflows35:14 - Vibe Coding vs. Context Engineering39:06 - Leveling Up: Skills for the AI Automation Era43:39 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Lifelong Learning49:36 - How to Connect with Mark & Final ThoughtsGet 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.
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Mastering Problem-Solving in Tech with Nate Herk
In this conversation, Dylan and Nate Herk explore the intricacies of automation, problem-solving, and content creation within the N8n community. They discuss the importance of logical thinking when faced with unknown problems, the power of automation in enhancing productivity, and the value of community engagement in content creation. Nate shares insights on overcoming technical barriers, mastering automation fundamentals, and recognizing patterns in error messages to improve efficiency. The discussion also touches on the future of automation and the evolving landscape of AI tools.0:00 2026 demand & why logic beats code1:48 Discovering n8n (Alteryx → “send it to ChatGPT”)2:30 Learn-by-teaching: how the channel started3:41 Sourcing ideas: community, problems, data6:33 Multi-agent research workflow for titles/thumbnails8:32 RSS, trends, and niches inside n8n10:38 From education to monetization paths12:48 “I’m not technical” → mindset shift14:00 Uninformed optimist → informed pessimist loop16:06 Text-to-workflow helps—don’t rely on it for prod16:43 New → familiar; SOPs & whiteboarding22:18 15 core nodes & 5–7 common error patterns26:22 What to keep manual; where automation shines28:18 90/10 rule: AI drafts, human finish30:02 AI thumbnail system that impressed Nate32:01 Next 3 months: natural-language builds & computer use35:01 n8n’s mission: 10x coder power36:37 Map it; forums, friends, and community37:12 Painful lessons stick—share them37:37 Tool-agnostic skills transfer38:57 Where to find Nate (YouTube, community, LinkedIn)TakeawaysThe mission of N8n is to empower technical teams.Logical thinking is crucial for problem-solving.Painful problem-solving experiences lead to lasting lessons.Teaching others reinforces your own understanding.Community engagement is vital for content creation.Automation can significantly enhance productivity.Technical skills are not a prerequisite for using N8n.Pattern recognition aids in troubleshooting errors.Mastering a few core nodes can automate most tasks.The future of automation is focused on natural language processing.Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.
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Agents vs Workflows: Pick the Right Tool or Pay the Price with Nick Saraev
In this engaging conversation, Dylan and Nick explore Nick's remarkable journey from a door-to-door sales background to becoming a successful content creator and entrepreneur in the AI and automation space. They discuss the essential skills needed for success, the importance of authenticity in marketing, and the value of deep thinking and mental models. Nick shares insights on community building, time management, and the patterns of success observed in his community members learning AI tools. In this conversation, Nick and Dylan explore the importance of embracing uncertainty and a problem-solving mindset in the context of automation and AI. They discuss the significance of learning through challenges, the simplicity of effective automation, and the need to choose the right tools for specific applications. Nick shares practical tips for using N8n, emphasizing the value of quick workflow hacks and the importance of understanding risk and reward in AI applications. The conversation concludes with a reminder of the responsibility that comes with powerful tools and the exciting opportunities they present.Chapters00:00 Tech moat is gone; business skills win02:02 How we met (leaked number → 100k)03:32 Door-to-door GMB sales03:54 COVID crash → pivot online04:46 Into AI & automation05:25 GPT-2 freelancing → prompt engineering05:47 GPT-3 + no-code → scalable biz07:07 Skills stack for AI agencies08:09 Top 3: Sales, demand gen, systems10:07 First-principles thinking; Maker School ops13:41 Authenticity, scarcity, word-of-mouth15:43 Value-first marketing; ruthless focus17:56 Time & lifestyle audits (15-min alarm)19:54 Remove friction: keys & the “Schelling place”20:35 Who succeeds with n8n (future-self mindset)24:03 Docs, HTTP Request, and credential re-use26:28 Guarantees + simple 3–10 node wins28:31 Agents vs. workflows: decision rule35:27 AI latency: test smaller & faster36:48 Learn fast without shiny-object FOMO38:15 Best way to learn n8n (docs & quickstarts)39:16 Power & responsibility (closing)Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.
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Voice Agents + RAG: What businesses need to know with Zubair
In this first n8n podcast episode, Dylan interviews Zubair Trabzada, an expert in AI agencies and voice automation. They discuss the growing importance of voice agents in business, the necessity of niche specialization for AI consultants, and how to effectively integrate n8n with Retail AI for automation solutions. Zubair emphasizes the significance of understanding client needs, building effective workflows, and the value of community support in overcoming challenges. He provides practical advice for newcomers in the AI space, highlighting the importance of persistence and showcasing work to build credibility.00:00 – Lost Leads = Lost Money00:26 – Voice Agents Are Here01:40 – Meet Zubair (AI Workshop)02:14 – Voice Agents + RAG Explained03:12 – Why Voice Agents Sell Fast05:03 – AI = The New Internet Moment06:09 – Real Client Automations07:25 – Best Platforms for Voice AI09:36 – Pick a Niche, Win Big15:44 – Mechanic Shop Example18:34 – How to Build Workflows21:36 – Power of In-Person Events22:47 – Showcase Your Work Online26:42 – Patience Pays Off28:36 – 5-Week AI Agency Program31:58 – #1 Skill: Persistence32:53 – Connect with ZubairTakeawaysVoice agents are gaining traction in the business world.Niche specialization is crucial for success in AI consulting.Integrating N8n with Retail AI simplifies automation processes.Understanding client needs is key to providing effective solutions.Building workflows can help scale services across industries.Community support is invaluable for overcoming learning challenges.Daily progress in learning N8n leads to significant improvement.Showcasing work builds credibility and attracts clients.Patience and persistence are essential for new consultants.Value-based pricing helps clients understand the worth of services.Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.
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Welcome to the n8n Masterclass
Welcome to The n8n MasterclassI’m Dylan Watkins, and this show is all about real results with automation. Each week we break down how founders, automation experts, and AI agencies use n8n to simplify operations, scale delivery, and move faster without adding more people.This isn’t about tutorials or tech jargon. It’s about the business side of automation, the principles, frameworks, and creative problem-solving that turn workflows into results.You’ll walk away from every episode with one principle, one pattern, and one action you can apply right away to grow your business, reduce manual work, and unlock the potential of automation.If you’re building a business powered by AI, no-code tools, and smart systems, this is your playbook for scaling with n8n. Follow The n8n Masterclass and start using automation as your competitive edge.Get 30% Off n8n Cloud Starter or Pro Plans! Want to get started with n8n? Visit n8n.io/pricing and use code 2025-N8N-PODCAST-729C416E at checkout for 30% off your first month or year.
Welcome to The n8n Masterclass. I’m Dylan Watkins.Each week we break down real business wins using n8n and AI automation. You’ll learn what worked, why it worked, and what broke along the way. Founders, automation experts, and AI agencies share how they use n8n to simplify operations, scale delivery, and move faster without adding more people.The n8n Masterclass is not about tutorials or tech jargon. It focuses on the real business side of automation, the frameworks, decision patterns, and creative problem solving that turn workflows into results.You’ll leave every episode with one principle, one pattern, and one action you can apply this week to grow your business, reduce manual work, and unlock the potential of automation.If you’re building a business that runs on smart systems, AI, and no-code tools, this is your playbook for scaling with n8n. Follow The n8n Masterclass and start using automation as your competitive edge.
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