Business OS

A starter template for running your business with AI coding assistants.

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What Is This?

Business OS is a folder structure that transforms AI coding tools (Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, etc.) from "chatbots you ask questions" into "systems that run operations."

The mental model: You are the manager. The AI is the executor.

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Supported Tools

This template works with multiple AI coding assistants:

File	Tool
CLAUDE.md	Claude Code
AGENTS.md	Cursor, Windsurf, and similar
GEMINI.md	Gemini-based tools

Important: These files should stay in sync. When you update one, update the others.

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Quick Start

1. Download and Open

Download this folder and open it in your preferred AI coding tool.

2. Add Your Business Context

Edit the files in context/business/:

• Add your company description
• Describe your services/offers
• Define your ideal client
• Document your brand voice

3. Try the Daily Brief

Run the /morning command to generate your daily priorities.

4. Process a YouTube Video

Try the included YouTube skill:

"Process this video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=..."

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Folder Structure

business-os/
│
├── CLAUDE.md             # Instructions for Claude Code
├── AGENTS.md             # Instructions for Cursor/Windsurf
├── GEMINI.md             # Instructions for Gemini tools
├── README.md             # This file
├── .env.example          # Template for environment variables
├── .env                  # Your secrets (create from .env.example)
├── .gitignore            # Keeps secrets out of git
│
├── context/              # What the AI knows about you
│   ├── business/         # Your company, offers, clients
│   └── learning/         # Research, notes, references
│
├── .claude/              # AI capabilities
│   ├── skills/           # Repeatable workflows
│   ├── commands/         # Daily triggers (/morning, etc.)
│   └── agents/           # Parallel specialists
│
└── workspace/            # All outputs
    ├── foundations/      # Tasks, wins, daily briefs
    ├── content/          # Content you create
    ├── docs/             # Project folders
    └── journal/          # Personal reflection

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Environment Variables (.env)

The .env file stores secrets and API keys that your skills might need.

Setup

1. Copy the example file:

   cp .env.example .env

2. Edit .env and add your keys as needed

3. Never commit .env to git (it's in .gitignore)

Why Use .env?

• Security - Keep API keys out of your code and git history
• Portability - Same code works with different credentials
• Skills can use it - Scripts can read from .env for API access

Common Variables

# AI APIs (if your skills call APIs directly)
OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-...

# Integration APIs (for skills that connect to services)
NOTION_API_KEY=secret_...
AIRTABLE_API_KEY=pat...

# Webhooks (for automation skills)
SLACK_WEBHOOK_URL=https://hooks.slack.com/...

Add variables as you build skills that need them. Start empty - you may not need any.

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Included Skills

YouTube Transcript Extractor

Extract and analyze YouTube video transcripts:

# Install requirement
pip install youtube-transcript-api

# Usage
"Process this video: [YouTube URL]"

The skill will:

1. Fetch the transcript
2. Categorize the video type
3. Extract key insights
4. Save to your learning folder

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Included Commands

/morning

Generates a daily brief with:

• Your TOP 2 priorities for the day
• A quick win (10-15 min task)
• Context from your weekly goals

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How It Works

Context = Memory

The context/ folder is the AI's memory about your business. The more context you add, the less you need to explain every time.

Skills = Capabilities

Skills are self-contained instructions for repeatable tasks. When you say "process this video," the AI follows the YouTube skill's instructions.

Commands = Triggers

Commands are quick triggers that run specific workflows. Type /morning and get your daily brief.

Workspace = Outputs

Everything the AI creates goes in workspace/. Keep it organized by type.

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Next Steps

1. Fill in your context - The more the AI knows, the more useful it becomes
2. Use it daily - Run /morning to start each day
3. Create new skills - When you find yourself repeating a process, make it a skill
4. Watch the video series - Learn how to build on this foundation

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Learn More

This template is part of the "Claude Code for Business" video series:

1. Setup Guide - Understanding the structure (you are here)
2. Building Skills - Create your own capabilities
3. Commands & Rituals - Daily triggers that run your day
4. Context Deep Dive - Why context is everything
5. Agents & Automation - Parallel specialists

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Questions?

Open an issue on the GitHub repo or leave a comment on the video.