Is it ever too early to start automating?

Recently, an applicant for my EMPIRE mastermind asked: --------------------------------------------------------------- I’ve made $100,000 in the last six months. Is it too early to automate? (All my other coaches have said so.) --------------------------------------------------------------- Ah automation — one of my favorite topics. I still stand behind the advice Bloomberg [quoted me on]( years ago: Build your business as if you’re going to exit. (Even if you never plan on selling — which I don’t.) That includes building systems and automation — so that you’ve got a true business, not just another job for yourself. And no, it’s never too early to start automating. What’s important though, is the order that you do this in. Because one of the most common — and expensive — mistakes? Trying to automate the wrong things too early. For example, let’s say you try to automate your sales process before you’ve mastered your direct marketing skills. That’s a nightmare waiting to happen. Because on one hand, you’re putting a lot of your time into building the automation. But you don’t know what you don’t know—and there are a lot of moving pieces to a successful automated sales system. However, now you have less time for doing the things that HAVE been bringing in sales. Which means that for most entrepreneurs, their first attempts at automation end in lost sales, a failed system…and possibly even worse…the lack of confidence to try again. Unfortunately, this happens all too often. To avoid that, here’s a quick overview of… The order I’d build my automations (if I had to start over): First, I’d start automating my program content from day one. Because with each client you work with, you’ll build out that content a little more. And after just a few clients, you have the foundation of your future group program or course. Second, as soon as I’d worked with a few clients, I’d start building out the simplest sales system possible. For me in the early years of LZ.com, that looked like a webinar and emails driving to a sales call. This way, you don’t have to rely on your direct marketing skills being “perfect.” They just have to be good enough — because your potential customers can still talk to you on the phone and finalize their buying decision that way. The moment I had that done, I’d start automating my lead generation. Because once you have a good product and a decent way to sell it, it comes down to your ability to get in front of more potential customers. Early on in LZ.com, I used Facebook ads to do this. But that was before I realized how much more enjoyable, profitable, and scalable it is to instead write articles on your website and get found that way. That’s why it’s the best way to scale — consistently, profitably, and sustainably — that I personally use and recommend to all my clients. But whatever channel you decide to use, my advice is the same: I’d focus on scaling this part until you hit your revenue goal AND are set up to keep on growing. Doing that for two years built SEO into a multiple 6-figure traffic source on its own for LZ.com. (Which means within two years, from scratch, it became more profitable than Facebook ads were for me — even when driving 7-figures in sales.) Because after that? You get to choose. What do YOU want to do with your business (and life)? Some of my clients go into “maintenance” mode. Because their multiple six-figure income and freed-up schedule lets them travel, spend time with their family, or work on other projects. Others continue to scale their business from there — whether it’s through additional products, traffic sources, projects, or some other combination of whatever interests them. The point being: It’s never too early to automate. But do it in the right order. Luisa Zhou PS - When you’re ready to automate your own growth, here’s how I can help you… Learn my favorite growth system — and the cornerstone of LZ.com’s traffic acquisition — right here: [Watch a free masterclass explaining the system]( . Or if you already know you want to add this to your business: [Enroll in Clients Come to Me]( to get the full system with step-by-steps, templates, guides, and Q&A support. Or if you want us to do it FOR you: [Hire my team]( to do it all for you so you can focus on doing what you love. (Your business does need to be at 6-figures or more in annual revenue for this option to be a good fit.) If you no longer wish to receive these emails, click here to [unsubscribe]( Zhou Ventures, Inc. 54 State Street, Ste 804 #5511 Albany, NY 12207