Written by: Amber Barry, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As I sit here creating content for Week 10 of my Go-Getters Couch to $5K Business Training Plan, I realize just how much it is for new business owners to keep up with. Most of my clients are in their first 1-2 years of business, and those early stages are easy to feel like you're "not ready" to hire help — the problem is that those first couple of years in business will either make or break you.
Why? Because it's so easy to feel discouraged or run into challenges with time management and energy conservation, and you risk getting burnt out trying to keep up with all the things.
A big part of what I focus on in my business coaching is simplification and impactful time management. Starting a business is overwhelming, so I walk my clients through building systems and automation that offload or lighten some of that workload.
Streamlining your workflows and creating lead-generating systems that run in the background serve to free up some of your precious time and energy so you can focus on the parts of your business that you're passionate about.
If you're worried that automation will cause you to lose your personal touch, that your business is just too small for you to think big or that it's too expensive or too difficult to set these systems up, think about what happens if your business grows the way you want it to. Can you keep up with everything you're doing now, and then some?
As scary or overwhelming as it may seem, it's much easier once you get into it and start thinking systematically. Plus, you'll gain motivation and momentum when you see how much more organized you are and how much time you save.
Still on the fence? Here are some things you might not know about systems and automation:
They can help you deliver a better user experience. Automations allow you to create tailored experiences that meet your potential customers at each unique stage of the sales process.
They save you time, money, and sanity! How many repetitive tasks do you do every day to keep your business running smoothly? Creating streamlined systems for each repetitive area is as good as hiring help if you set it up correctly! You can boil it down to tasks that don't require a human touch, ones that do, and others that need YOUR specific human touch. Automating or delegating everything that doesn't need your time and energy allows you to focus on other things. And, when you approach it this way, if you decide to hire help, you'll know exactly how to use that extra manpower most efficiently.
They help you stay organized. Breaking your business down into systems allows you to see the big picture with more clarity. When you understand how each system works with the next, you become the conductor of the symphony! Plus, you’ll make better business decisions when you come from a place of organization and power.
You'll have access to real-time data and analytics that help you make better business decisions. Essentially, you'll be able to tell which campaigns work and who they work for, giving you all the feedback you need for improvements and optimization.
Marketing automation improves your conversion rates. In fact, according to trellis.com, implementing automation increases conversion rates by an average of 53%.
Nearly 2/3 of businesses that use marketing automation beat out the competition. That’s a big deal!
Getting systems and automation in place for your business from the start is truly one of the best decisions you can make, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Remember to start small, but think big! You'll thank yourself in the long run.
If you’re not sure what system to use, I highly recommend Ontraport. It’s what I use for myself and all of my clients. Need help getting started? Book a free call.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram or join my private group and visit my website for more info.
Amber Barry, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Amber Barry is a US-based business strategist and consultant specializing in digital marketing, automation, and social media advertising for small businesses and startups. She is passionate about deconstructing the process of establishing and growing a business and aims to make it less overwhelming and easier to navigate for new business owners. She is the founder of Amber Barry | Digital, a digital marketing and advertising agency, and creator of The Go-Getters Club, where she offers online courses and coaching to women in business to help them maximize their marketing efforts and turn their small steps into big wins and massive momentum. She is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Health Coach by training. She draws from her 12+ years of experience in health and wellness and 20+ years as an endurance athlete to help people transform their journey as business owners into an enjoyable, successful, fulfilling experience.
