Your Business's N|
Claude Code is like hiring a super-smart robot assistant for your business. It lives inside your computer, does real work, and learns your rules. Here's everything you need to know — explained simply.
What Is Claude Code?
Think of it as the difference between a walkie-talkie and a full-time employee.
It's Not Just a Chatbot
Most AI tools are like walkie-talkies — you say something, and they reply. Claude Code is different. It's an Agent Runtime, meaning it has "hands" to do things.
It can read your files, write documents, fix mistakes, run programs, and connect to your business tools — all on its own.
The Magic Commands
Claude Code has special "secret words" called slash commands. Here are the most important ones for your business.
/plan — Draw a Map First
Instead of jumping in and messing things up, Claude draws a map of what it wants to do and asks 'Does this look right?' before starting. Essential for big tasks.
/compact — Clean Up the Brain
When Claude's memory gets full from a long conversation, this command squishes down the important notes and throws away the junk — saving memory and money.
/cost — Check the Bill
Shows you exactly how much money your robot assistant is spending on a task. No surprise charges — you stay in control of your budget.
/review — Quality Check
Built-in structured code review. Claude analyzes its own work for quality, security, and performance before you see it.
/resume — Pick Up Where You Left Off
Left a task halfway? This command lets you continue a previous session without having to re-explain everything from scratch.
/context — See What Claude Sees
Shows exactly which files Claude is paying attention to. Helps you manage costs and make sure it's focused on the right things.
Example: Using /plan before a big task
$ /plan Reorganize all my customer files and send a summary email
──────────────────────────────────────────
✓ Claude's Plan:
1. Scan the /customers folder
2. Group files by date and client name
3. Create a summary document
4. Draft the email (won't send without approval)
Does this plan look right? [y/n]
The Rulebook: CLAUDE.md
Every good employee needs a rulebook. For Claude Code, this is a file called CLAUDE.md — and it's your most powerful tool.
Think of it as an Employee Onboarding Doc
Whenever Claude Code starts working, it reads this file first. It tells the AI exactly how your specific business likes things done.
Keep it short, opinionated, and update it regularly as your business grows.
What to put in your CLAUDE.md:
- ✅ DOAlways write emails in a friendly, warm tone
- 🚫 NEVERNever delete files from the /customers folder
- ✅ DOAlways double-check the math before reporting numbers
- ✅ DOUse our brand colors: blue (#1E40AF) and white
- 🚫 NEVERNever send emails without my approval first
Example CLAUDE.md for a small bakery business
# Sweet Crumbs Bakery — AI Rules ## Our Business We are a small family bakery in Austin, TX. We sell cakes, cookies, and custom orders. ## Communication Style - Always be warm, friendly, and personal - Use the customer's first name in emails - Never use corporate or robotic language ## Files & Data - NEVER delete anything in /orders/ - NEVER share customer info outside this system - Always back up before making changes ## What We Use - Google Sheets for orders - Gmail for customer emails - Square for payments ## Things to Always Check - Double-check all prices before quoting - Confirm delivery dates are realistic - Spell-check everything before sending
Taking the Training Wheels Off
At first, Claude asks for permission before doing anything. "Can I save this file?" "Can I run this?" This is safe, but slow.
Once you trust it, you can configure permission rules so Claude can work on its own in specific areas — while you focus on running your business.
// settings.json example
"allow": [
"edit files in /documents/*",
"run git commands",
"read spreadsheets"
]
Connecting Your Business Tools
Claude Code can talk to other tools your business already uses. This is called MCP (Model Context Protocol).
Connect it to your spreadsheets, databases, or internal tools — then just ask it questions in plain English.
Break Big Jobs Into Small Steps
Don't give Claude one giant task. Break it into steps — like a real project manager would.
Search
Claude explores your files and gathers all the info it needs
Plan
It maps out exactly what it will do and shows you the plan
Execute
It does the work, step by step, with your approval
Verify
It checks its own work and reports back to you
The 7-Step Business Playbook
Follow these steps to go from zero to running Claude Code like a pro in your business.
Write your CLAUDE.md rulebook
Keep it short and opinionated. Tell Claude your business name, tone, what tools you use, and what it should NEVER do.
Learn the key commands
Use /plan for big tasks, /compact to save money, /cost to track spending, and /review to check quality.
Configure your permissions
Set wildcard rules so Claude can work in specific folders without asking every single time.
Think in steps, not giant tasks
Break complex work into Search → Plan → Execute → Verify. Never give Claude one massive instruction.
Manage your budget actively
Use /compact and /context regularly to keep conversations short and costs low.
Connect your business tools
Use MCP to link Claude to your spreadsheets, CRM, calendar, or any other tool your business runs on.
Treat it like infrastructure
Update your CLAUDE.md as your business grows. The better the rulebook, the better Claude performs.
Ready to Give Your Business a Superpower?
Claude Code might take a little practice to learn, but once you do, it can save you hours every week and help your business do things you never thought possible.