The n8n Masterclass
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.
The n8n Masterclass
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.
Chapters
00:00 Tech moat is gone; business skills win
02:02 How we met (leaked number → 100k)
03:32 Door-to-door GMB sales
03:54 COVID crash → pivot online
04:46 Into AI & automation
05:25 GPT-2 freelancing → prompt engineering
05:47 GPT-3 + no-code → scalable biz
07:07 Skills stack for AI agencies
08:09 Top 3: Sales, demand gen, systems
10:07 First-principles thinking; Maker School ops
13:41 Authenticity, scarcity, word-of-mouth
15:43 Value-first marketing; ruthless focus
17:56 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-use
26:28 Guarantees + simple 3–10 node wins
28:31 Agents vs. workflows: decision rule
35:27 AI latency: test smaller & faster
36:48 Learn fast without shiny-object FOMO
38:15 Best way to learn n8n (docs & quickstarts)
39:16 Power & responsibility (closing)
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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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