Let’s talk about something that changed my life as a busy mom and business owner: Business Automation.
Before you run away, trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds!
Look, I get it. As a mom of two little ones and the proud owner of a service-based business, I know what it’s like to feel like you’re drowning in to-do lists. There was a time when I thought being a successful entrepreneur meant doing everything myself. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t!
That’s where business automation comes in, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for me.
In this post, you’ll learn the basics of automating your business, 3 key ways to strengthen your business with automation, and how to get started step-by-step.
So, grab your coffee (or wine, even better), and let’s dive into how automation can save your sanity, your business, and maybe even your relationships. Because let’s face it, no one likes it when Mom’s eye starts twitching every time her phone rings 🤪.
What Is Business Automation?
Okay, so what exactly is business automation? Think of it as your virtual assistant that never sleeps. It’s when you use technology, tools and systems to handle those repetitive tasks that eat up your time. The ones that keep you from actually being the CEO of your business.
From capturing leads to following up with clients, automation’s got your back 24/7.
And no, it doesn’t mean turning your business into some soulless robot operation. It’s about working smarter, not harder, so you can focus on what really matters – like growing your empire and still making it to your kid’s soccer game.
Why I Embraced Automation In My Business (And Why You Should Too)
Okay, picture this: It’s 2 AM, I’m hunched over my laptop, hair giving “I slept without a bonnet” energy, surrounded by cold coffee cups and to-do lists longer than the line at the DMV.
Yup, that was me, thinking I was “hustling” but really just turning myself into a sleep-deprived zombie who couldn’t remember where my phone was. (Spoiler – It was in my pocket.)
Then I started hearing about “business automation” and, I’m not gonna lie, my first thought was, “Great, another tech thing I need to learn.”
But here’s the thing: even as someone who considers herself reasonably tech-savvy, I dragged my feet on this automation thing. Big mistake. Huge. Pretty Woman level huge.
So, let me save you from my sleep-deprived mistakes. Here are three reasons why busy women in business might want to consider jumping on the automation bandwagon:
- We’re Already Juggling Too Much: Ladies, let’s be real. We’re often wearing multiple hats – business owner, mom, partner, friend, and the list goes on. A study by American Express found that women are more likely than men to be running their businesses while also managing household responsibilities. Automation is like having a personal assistant that works 24/7. It handles manual, repetitive tasks and frees you up to focus on high-impact work or even self-care! For me, automating client onboarding and follow-ups saved me 12 hours at every sign-up – that’s 12 hours I can spend on strategy, family time, or just catching my breath.
- We Need to Level the Playing Field: The sad truth is, women-owned businesses still face more challenges in securing funding and resources. A report by Boston Consulting Group showed that businesses founded by women deliver more than twice as much per dollar invested than those founded by men, yet we receive less than half of the funding. Automation allows us to do more with less. It helps us compete with bigger, well-funded companies by streamlining our operations and maximizing our limited resources. Most of my clients see their lead generation grow 10x and more when I automate their marketing funnel, and that’s with $20/day. That’s the kind of efficiency we need to thrive in a competitive market.
- We Deserve Sustainable Success: Here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: burnout is not a badge of honor. As women, we often feel pressure to hustle 24/7 to prove ourselves. But that’s a one-way ticket to exhaustion and resentment. Automation allows us to build businesses that can thrive even when we’re not working around the clock. It creates systems that continue to work for us, generating leads and nurturing clients, even when we need to step back. This sustainability is crucial for long-term success and happiness.
So ladies, automation isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a must-have tool in our entrepreneurial arsenal. It’s how we create space for growth, compete effectively, and build businesses that support our lives, not consume them.
Here’s where to focus your efforts if you’re just getting started.
The Automation Trifecta: Leads, Emails, and Sales
Let’s break down the three key areas where automation can take your business from struggling to thriving:
1. Lead Generation on Autopilot: Imagine waking up to a inbox full of potential clients – without spending all night DM’ing people on social media. That’s the power of automated lead generation.
- Create a Killer Lead Magnet: For instance, a simple guide or checklist that provides valuable solutions to your potential customer’s challenges.
- Set Up a Landing Page That Converts: This is where the magic happens. Make it so irresistible that people can’t help but give you their email.
- Run Targeted Ads: Use Facebook and Instagram ads to get your landing page in front of the right people. Start small – you don’t need to blow your budget to fund your ad campaign when you’re just getting started.
2. Email Marketing Magic: Email is still King and automation is it’s Queen. Here’s how to start with email marketing:
- Choose an Email Marketing Platform: Like ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Kit, etc – There are many options, just find one that doesn’t make you want to throw your computer out the window.
- Create an Onboarding Sequence: Welcome new subscribers like they’re long-lost friends. Share tips, stories, and prime them for an offer.
- Segment Your List: Not all subscribers are created equal. Divide and conquer based on interests, behavior, or how likely they are to appreciate your offers most.
3. Sales Funnel: A well-oiled sales funnel is like having a salesperson who never sleeps. From that first “hello” to sealing the deal, automation can guide your potential clients through the journey, making them feel loved and ready to buy. Here’s how to build one:
- Map Out Your Client Journey: From “Who exactly are you?” to “Shut up and take my money” and everything in between.
- Create Content for Each Stage: Address their needs, fears, and that little voice in their head that says, “Do I really need this?” (Hint: They should.)
- Use Automation Tools: Let technology do the heavy lifting. Your future self will thank you.
“But Won’t Automation Make My Business Feel Fake?”
I hear you, sis. When I first started with automation, I was worried my business would lose that personal touch. But here’s the truth: automation actually frees you up to be more authentic and present with your clients.
It’s not about replacing your voice – it’s about amplifying it. Use automation to deliver your message consistently, then show up and shine in those moments that really matter.
Getting Started: Baby Steps to Boss Moves
Feeling ready to dip your toes into the automation pool, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here’s how to get started with automation without feeling like you’re drowning in a sea of tech:
Step 1: Identify Your Time Sucks
Take a look at your daily workload and ask yourself: “What repetitive tasks are eating up my day?” Whether it’s manually sending emails, scheduling social media posts, or following up with potential customers, these are your automation targets.
Action: Spend one day tracking every task you do. Highlight the ones you repeat often and those that feel like they’re draining your time. This will give you a clear view of what you need to automate first.
Step 2: Choose Simple, Beginner-Friendly Tools
You don’t need complicated or expensive software to get started with automation. For beginners, the key is finding tools that are easy to set up and use. Tools like Mailchimp (for email marketing), Zapier (for connecting different apps), and Calendly (for automating scheduling) are great places to start.
Action: Pick one task from your list and find a tool that can automate it. For example, if you want to automate email follow-ups, start with a simple tool like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. Explore free trials and tutorials to help you get comfortable with the tool.
Step 3: Automate One Thing at a Time
It’s tempting to try to automate everything, but starting small is key to avoiding burnout. Pick just one process to automate and master that first. For example, start with setting up automated emails for new subscribers or leads.
Action: Choose one small area, like sending welcome emails to new subscribers or scheduling social media posts. Focus on setting up that one automation before moving on to the next.
Step 4: Set Up Your First Automation
Now that you’ve chosen your task and tool, it’s time to set up your first automation. For example, if you’re automating email follow-ups, create a basic workflow where your email software sends a welcome email to every new subscriber, then follows up a few days later with more information.
Action: Follow the tool’s setup guide step-by-step. Many tools have beginner-friendly templates you can customize. Use them to get your first automation live without overthinking it.
Step 5: Test and Monitor Your Automation
Once your first automation is in place, monitor how it’s performing. Are things running smoothly? Is it saving you time? Make sure the automation is working the way you need it to.
Action: Check your automation’s performance after the first week. Does it need tweaking? Maybe timing adjustments or adding/removing steps? Small improvements over time will help you optimize without stress.
The Long-Term Payoff: More Time, More Money, More You
Once you’ve got your automation game on point, get ready for:
– Freedom: Imagine having time to actually grow your business (or binge that new Netflix show – no judgment).
– Scalability: Watch your business grow without working 24/7.
– Sustainability: Build a business that thrives even when you need to take a step back for family time.
Your Automation Journey Begins Here!
Remember, automation isn’t about making your business cold or impersonal. It’s about creating space for you to show up as your best self – both in your business and at home.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose one area of your business to automate today. Maybe it’s setting up that email sequence you’ve been putting off, or finally creating a lead magnet that attracts your dream clients.
Trust me, future you will be so grateful you took this step. Here’s to building a business that runs like a boss – even when you’re in mom mode!
Now, go forth and automate, queen! 👑💪🏾
