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Claude CodeRobin van Veen · Jan 2026

A founder runs his business with Claude Code as an 'AI employee'

In plain words

Robin connects Claude Code to Trello, his inbox, calendar and n8n through MCP. It briefs him before meetings, drafts emails in his voice and keeps sales follow-ups moving.

What happened: Cold emails went from 30–45 minutes to 2, and LinkedIn posts from 2 hours to 15 minutes.

Source: robinvanveen.com ↗

⏱ About 1-3 weeks to set up🎓 DeveloperEasier with a builder's help

How to do it yourself

Our suggested steps. The company didn't publish theirs.

  1. 1

    Install Claude Code and write a CLAUDE.md about your business, clients and tone.

  2. 2

    Connect your task board and email via MCP servers.

  3. 3

    Each morning, run the prompt below.

  4. 4

    Approve or edit every email before it goes.

  5. 5

    Add a new skill (e.g. proposal drafting) once a week.

The instructions to give the AI

Paste this into Claude Code (the free plan is fine), swap the [brackets] for your details, and test it on a few real examples.

This is one part of the setup. It won't connect to your phone, inbox or other apps on its own; the steps above cover that.

Agent instructions (prompt)

Morning brief: read my calendar for today, open tasks and unread emails. Give me: meetings with a 3-line brief each, top 3 tasks, emails needing a reply with drafts in my voice (see CLAUDE.md). Don't send anything.

[Highlighted] = replace with your own details before you run it.

What you should get back: "Today: 3 meetings (briefs inside), 4 tasks, 2 emails that need you. Start with the Acme proposal."

Written by Quickly and Good, inspired by this case.

More detail: tools, prices and what you'll need

The company used: Claude Code + MCP connectors

You could use: Claude Code + MCP connectors

Prices from each tool's own pricing page, checked Oct 2026.

What you'll need

  • ☐A developer environment and the coding agent (e.g. Claude Code)
  • ☐API access to the systems it must touch
  • ☐Clear written instructions and project rules
  • ☐Version control and a way to undo changes
  • ☐Testing and code review by someone who can read the code

Can I do this myself?

Only if you can code or are learning to. Otherwise hire a builder.

Useful? Vote so others find it.

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