🔌 Connect Claude to the tools you use for work [Workshop]

Hey there.

Since its launch, Claude has helped millions of professionals streamline their work.

It can collaborate on strategy, write compelling drafts, debug complex code, and solve sophisticated problems... but it can't actually do anything. You still have to manually copy outputs, switch between tools, and execute every single action yourself.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) has changed that completely. It's the integration framework that lets Claude connect directly to your tools and take real action. And, even though some Fortune 500 companies are already implementing MCP across their organizations, many professionals don't even know it exists yet (and most that do haven’t figured out how to make the most of it).

Inside The Rundown AI University, we're helping members use MCPs that enable Claude to execute tasks across their entire workflow.

Once you understand the technology, you’ll be able to:

Bridge the gap between AI intelligence and real-world execution

Model Context Protocol is a standardized framework that can create secure, bidirectional connections between Claude and any compatible tool or database you use. 

The real benefits happen when you connect MCP to your existing tool stack to maximize the software you already use.

When set up correctly, MCPs give Claude the ability to:

• Query live databases and return real-time results without leaving the conversation

• Access and modify files across local and cloud storage systems

• Execute commands and scripts with proper authentication and permissions

• Connect to communication platforms to draft and send contextual messages

• Maintain context across multiple tools while respecting security boundaries

• Interface with documentation systems to search, update, and maintain knowledge bases

Now many repetitive tasks that require moving information between systems can happen through natural conversation with Claude.

Educators can request "Grade these assignments based on the rubric and populate the gradebook" and watch as Claude evaluates submissions, calculates scores, and updates student records directly.

Marketers who connect Claude to their email platform, analytics dashboard, and content calendar can ask it to "Review last week's campaign performance and schedule follow-up emails to engaged segments" and get analyzed metrics, segmented audiences, drafted personalized emails, and scheduled sends.

Consultants that link Claude to their time tracking, invoicing, and project documentation systems can type prompts like "Compile this week's billable hours and generate client invoices with project summaries" to trigger a complete billing workflow that previously took hours.

Instead of guiding you through a workflow, Claude can now execute complex steps automatically with the advanced connections you create.

Embed MCP in your coding environment for autonomous development

If you’re working with code, MCP helps Claude work directly with tools like Windsurf and Cursor by sharing access to development projects.

This means Claude can understand your codebase and context without you having to constantly paste code snippets or manually upload (and explain) your files.

With MCP embedded in your coding tools, Claude can:

• Write code directly into project files with proper syntax and formatting

• Execute test suites and implement fixes based on results

• Refactor entire codebases while maintaining functionality

• Access documentation and implement best practices automatically

• Coordinate changes across multiple files and dependencies

Once you describe what you want to build, Claude can handle the implementation details while you focus on structure and strategy.

Developers can prompt “Refactor our authentication module to use OAuth 2.0 standards and update all related endpoints” and Claude will rewrite the code, update dependencies, and ensure all functions are tested and documented.

HR professionals can request “Build a tool that scans employee feedback forms and highlights common themes in a dashboard” to get Claude to write the necessary code to process survey data, extract insights, and visualize the results in an easy-to-read format, ready for team review.

Project managers with no coding background can type “Generate a weekly report that summarizes open issues and recent commits in our project repository” to guide Claude to fetch the data, create a clear summary, and email the report to stakeholders.

Regardless of your role, if you’re not working with code yet, this might be the most accessible way to get started.

There’s no doubt MCP can improve your productivity and open up new opportunities for automated work.

But, even though the innovation was first announced in November 2024, it’s ridiculously underused. 

Unlocking integrations for platforms like Replit, Google Drive, Slack, Shopify, Notion, Zapier, Asana, Webflow, Stripe, Salesforce, and Figma requires technical direction many haven’t had access to.

Until now…

This Friday at 4 PM ET, Dr. Alvaro Cintas is teaching our members:

• Exactly what MCPs are and why they matter for knowledge work

• How to connect MCPs to Claude so it can trigger real-world actions

• The process of embedding MCPs into AI-powered coding tools like Windsurf and Cursor

By the end of the workshop, you'll be able to confidently use MCPs to upgrade Claude into an AI tool that executes across your workflow.

Join this week’s workshop to learn how to finally connect Claude to the tools you use for work by starting a 14-day trial at The Rundown AI University.

See you in class,

The Rundown Team

P.S. This Friday’s workshop is your chance to follow live MCP demonstrations, ask questions, and get practical guidance that’s relevant to your goals. Access the next level of AI productivity with a 14-day trial here.