Build Your Own

Part 2 of 4 · The repeatable work

Turn one task into a complete Workflow.

A Skill explains one focused task. A Workflow connects Skills into a complete journey. They are plain-language Agent Instructions saved in the Local Folder so the AI Agent can update the App Information and Local Site consistently across the Local App.

Use the Starting Template to create the first Skills and Workflows.

When you include build_your_own.md and type “Build App,” your AI Agent asks about the work you repeat and the result you want. It uses your answers to create the first Skills and Workflows, then you can improve them as you learn what works.

The difference

One task versus a complete journey.

These words mean written documents

A Skill is a document for one task, not an ability the AI Agent already has. A Workflow is a document connecting Skills, not every process your business calls a workflow. You can open and read both at any time.

A Skill is one kind of job

Bookkeeper Skills include record a received document, prepare a follow-up list, and update a client contact.

Skill: Record a received document

  1. Confirm the client and document.
  2. Mark it received.
  3. Update the status page.
  4. Check and report.

A Workflow connects the complete sequence

Bookkeeper Workflows include onboard a client, run month-end follow-up, and close a filing month.

Workflow: Month-end document follow-up

It calls:

  1. Review missing documents
  2. Prepare follow-up messages
  3. Record follow-up status

It decides what comes next and stops before sending.

One Workflow, several Skills

The Workflow controls the order.

Workflow: Month-end document follow-up
  1. SkillReview missing documents
  2. DecisionIs anything still missing?No: finish. Yes: continue.
  3. SkillPrepare follow-up messages
  4. Approval stopBookkeeper reviews every message
  5. SkillRecord follow-up status

How a Skill works

Write the steps the AI Agent needs at the moment of work.

When to use it

The request that starts it.

What it needs

The information and approval it needs.

What it does

The steps in order.

Where to pause

Actions requiring approval.

How it checks

How it confirms the result.

What it reports

What it explains afterward.

A complete Skill document

This is enough to guide one useful task.

Skill: Record a received document

Use it when

I say a client sent a document.

It needs

Client, month, document, and received date. Ask for anything missing.

Steps

Find the request, mark it received, add the date, and update the client page.

Pause before

Changing another client or removing a record.

Check

The saved record and Local Site must match.

Report

Tell me what changed and what remains missing.

How a Workflow works

Show the journey and the handoffs.

  1. When it begins: the agreed time or request.
  2. What must be ready: the needed information.
  3. Skills in order: every Skill it calls.
  4. Choices and pauses: branches and required approvals.
  5. How it finishes: save, check, and report.

Approval stops

You decide where the AI Agent must stop and ask.

Require current approval before sending messages, publishing, deleting records, spending money, or contacting customers. The AI Agent stops and explains the proposed action. You choose where every stop belongs.

What to ask the AI Agent to create

Start with work you already repeat.

1. Capture one real example

Show the task, information, result, and decisions.

2. Separate task from journey

Make the job a Skill. Let a Workflow connect Skills.

3. Save the Skill and Workflow

Save named .md files directly inside skills or workflows.

4. Test another client

Use a different client and month. Fix any unclear Skill or Workflow step.

How to manage them

Keep Skills and Workflows trustworthy.

  • Give each Skill one clear purpose and use.
  • Update the Skill or Workflow when the process changes.
  • Test incomplete, normal, and problem cases.
  • On failure, report what stayed unchanged and what comes next.