The 1% in AI Review (2026): Is a $97 AI Agency Community Worth It?

The 1% in AI in One Minute

The 1% in AI is a Skool community run by Albert Shiney that teaches people to build AI automations and sell them to businesses, the "AI automation agency" model. Its about page lists $97 a month, rising to $129 once it reaches 700 members, and showed 432 members when we checked. It includes a 30-day build challenge and a 90-day client challenge.

The 12 Modules

Its page lists modules on Claude Code, automation, Go High Level, cold email, organic content, paid ads, vibe coding, Upwork, sales, AI agents, systems and scaling. It also advertises free Go High Level access paid by the community, software credits and a free trial of a bot-building tool.

The Challenge-Based Refund

The page says members who complete the 30-day challenge get their first month refunded, and completing the 90-day challenge refunds another month. It also says "all sales are final," so ask support how the refunds are applied before relying on them.

What an AI Automation Agency Does

You build tools such as chatbots, appointment-booking flows, email follow-ups and lead qualification for small businesses, then charge setup fees and monthly retainers. The tech is increasingly easy; the hard parts are finding clients, proving value and keeping systems working.

Finding Your First AI Client

1. Pick one local niche, such as dentists or roofers.
2. Build one demo, like a missed-call text-back or booking bot.
3. Send short, personal outreach showing the demo.
4. Offer a low-risk pilot with a clear result to measure.
5. Ask for a testimonial and a referral once it works.

The challenges in the community are built around steps like these; doing them consistently is what separates members who land clients from those who don't.

Realistic Expectations

Claims of $50,000 months are best cases. Many new agencies earn little in their first months. Expect to spend time on outreach, sales calls and support, not just building. Recurring income is possible once you have satisfied clients.

Costs to Budget For

• Membership: $97 to $129 a month.
• Software: CRM, AI APIs and automation tools as you grow.
• Outreach: email tools and domains.
• Time: weeks of learning before your first client.

Before You Join

1. Confirm the current monthly price.
2. Ask how the challenge refunds work.
3. Pick one niche to target.
4. Build one demo automation in your first week.
5. Track outreach and replies weekly.

Alternatives to Consider

Many AI agencies run on GoHighLevel for CRM and automations, and communities like this one are hosted on Skool.

Is The 1% in AI Legit?

It's a real Skool community with a published price and structured challenges. Results depend on your sales effort.

Pros and Cons

Who It Suits

Beginners who want structured accountability while learning to sell AI automations.

Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026

If The 1% in AI isn't the right fit for you, here's what we suggest instead.

After comparing hundreds of programs over the years, we know what works and what doesn't. In fact, most of the business opportunities are either instant cash grab schemes or scams or they require experience. However, this beginner-friendly system stood out and is our #1 recommendation for 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict on The 1% in AI

A reasonably priced, structured community. Clarify the refund rules and focus on sales from day one.