This podcast episode elucidates the critical importance of automation in liberating valuable time for business owners. I articulate that the average entrepreneur spends approximately 16 hours each week on repetitive tasks, which equates to nearly two full work days that could be reclaimed through the implementation of effective workflows. We emphasize the necessity of automating these mundane responsibilities to facilitate a greater focus on strategic growth and customer engagement. Furthermore, I delineate practical steps for identifying and automating time-consuming tasks, advocating for the use of accessible tools that can seamlessly integrate with existing applications. Ultimately, we aim to empower listeners to transform their operational efficiency and enhance their personal brand through tailored automation strategies.

The discourse presented in this episode is centered on the pivotal concept of automation within small business operations. The host, Wes Wyatt, meticulously elucidates the profound implications of automating repetitive tasks, which he asserts consume a staggering amount of time—approximately 16 hours weekly for the average business proprietor. This revelation serves as a clarion call for entrepreneurs, imploring them to reconsider their approach to time management and operational efficiency. The episode delineates a structured methodology for identifying tasks that are ripe for automation, beginning with an assessment of one's routine activities. By mapping out these tasks, one can pinpoint those that are not only time-consuming but also amenable to automation, thus liberating precious hours that can be redirected towards strategic endeavors and customer engagement. Furthermore, Wyatt emphasizes the accessibility of automation tools, advocating for user-friendly platforms such as Zapier or IFTTT, which facilitate seamless integration of existing applications without necessitating advanced technical skills. He underscores that automation is not a luxury reserved for large corporations; rather, it is an indispensable strategy for any entrepreneur seeking to optimize resources and scale operations effectively. The episode culminates in a practical call to action, urging listeners to invest half an hour in charting their repetitive processes, thereby laying the groundwork for future automation efforts that can significantly enhance productivity and business growth.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the critical importance of automating repetitive tasks to enhance productivity.
• Listeners are encouraged to conduct a comprehensive task mapping to identify time-consuming activities.
• Utilizing simple automation tools can significantly streamline workflows without necessitating complex software.
• Documenting automation workflows is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring consistency in operations.
• The podcast underscores that automation should reflect personal branding and individual work styles.
• Listeners are prompted to take immediate action by mapping out a repetitive process for potential automation.

Links referenced in this episode:

• weswyatt.com
• marketyoufirst.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Zapier
• IFTTT

This is Market YOU First.

Market YOU First.

It's time to learn to sell what you bring to the table, not what you're selling.

This is Market YOU First.

This is your host, Wes Wyatt.

Hey everybody, how you doing?

This is Wes Wyatt and this is the Market YOU First podcast.

Have you ever calculated how many hours you spend doing the same task over and over and over again?

The answer is you haven't.

And the reason I know this is because I haven't, and the average business owner hasn't,

because they spend just around 16 hours weekly on repetitive work.

And just in case you aren't doing the math in your head,

that is up to two full work days that you can get back with the right automation.

So today I'm going to show you how to set up simple workflows

that can free your time and your energy for what really matters,

which is growing your business and your brand.

So why does this matter?

Automation is not just for big corporations with IT departments.

Your side hustle or your small business needs this even more than they do.

And the reason why is when you're wearing all the hats,

you can't afford to waste time on tasks that you could handle with something else.

Okay? So every minute spent manually sending follow-up emails,

copying data between programs, scheduling social posts,

or whatever it is that you're doing is time that you're not spending on strategy

or connecting with customers.

So automation is going to give you back time.

And unlike hiring help, it works 24-7 without complaining or taking vacations.

And the right workflows don't just save time.

They reduce errors.

They create consistency for your customers,

and they help you scale without burning out.

And I know that this works because even with this podcast,

when I'm going through and doing the alt tags and the descriptions

and SEO descriptions and SEO tags and, you know,

say the social media posts,

the chapter diagrams, you know, that show, you know,

what part of the podcast, a certain thing occurs, the transcription.

I mean, you name it.

I do all of that with AI.

So what would have taken hours before, you know, could be done in minutes.

So, and even in seconds, in some case, it takes me minutes to input it,

but, you know, AI can do it in seconds.

So here are three key takeaways that are going to help you kind of go through

and learn how to do this.

Number one, you want to start with task mapping.

Okay.

So take 30 minutes to list every repetitive task that you do more than once a week.

Then next to each task,

write down how long it takes you and how often you do it.

Circle the three tasks that eat the most time.

And these are going to be your first automation targets.

Now you may not be able to do something with them,

but those are going to be the ones you want to focus on first and see if you can

fix, you know, don't try to automate everything at once.

Just start where you're going to get your biggest time return.

Number two, choose simple connected tools.

Okay.

So you don't need complex software.

Begin with something that's friendly, like Zapier or IFTTT,

Make - or any of those type softwares and use these to connect your existing

apps without coding.

Okay.

So for example,

you might automatically send a new contact form from your CRM or post to your blog

from all other social platforms simultaneously.

The key is picking tools that talk together with what you already use.

Okay.

Number three, you want to go through and document your workflows.

So for each automation you create, take five minutes to document how it works.

Name the trigger, which is what starts the automation, the action,

which is what happens and how to check if it's working.

This is going to be where you go through and you do a system manual.

Okay.

Where you have invaluable information that you have,

if you need to troubleshoot or if you need to bring on team members.

And how do you Market YOU First with this?

Okay.

And make it personal.

Here's where many people miss the mark with automation.

Okay.

They copy someone else's system without considering their unique work style.

Your automation should reflect your personal brand.

Okay.

Are you the person that needs to see everything visibly?

Okay.

Then build your workflows with clear dashboards.

And you know, if you love data,

create automations that generate reports that you actually enjoy reviewing.

If your brand voice is casual and friendly program,

your email automations to sound that way as well.

Try to use the most effective workflows that match your natural tendencies,

not ones that fight against them.

When your automation feels like you you'll use it instead of kicking it to

the curb after a week.

So here's your call to action.

I want you to go through and set a 30 minute timer and map out one

repetitive process. That's eating your time. Okay.

Break it into steps,

identify which parts that could be automated and then research one tool that

might help. Don't build anything yet. Just create your map.

This planning step alone is going to show you opportunities that you've been

missing. And if any of this has helped you, don't forget to like, share,

comment, and subscribe. When you're done listening to the podcast,

go to weswyatt.com,

scroll down to where you can put in your email address and your name and

subscribe to our email insider group. Okay.

I'll provide you with all the tips, tricks, and nuggets that I find.

If you have questions on that same page, weswyatt.com,

just scroll down to the thought bubble on the bottom, right?

That's my chat feature. I don't monitor that live,

but I'll get back to you promptly. And last but certainly not least,

please visit weswyatt.com/disclaimer for important context

regarding this and all podcasts posts and info I provide.

And I can't thank you enough for tuning in for another episode of the market

you first podcast. Until we talk next time, have a DYNAMITE day.

You've been listening to the market. You first podcast.

You are the most important thing you can sell.

We hope you've gotten some useful and practical information from the show.

Make sure to like rate and review the show and we'll be back soon.

But to find the show notes and everything about the market,

you first podcast visit Market YOU First.com on behalf of your host,

Wes Wyatt and the whole market. You first team have a DYNAMITE day.