While most of us don’t (and can’t) see that happens in the near future for some reasons, it is a dream worth pursuing. And yes, it’s a reachable one – If you do the right things at the right time.
What’s holding back?
Entrepreneurs and business owners are well known as those who work a typical 16-hour work day. I remember the comment of one of the co-founders of College Hunks Hauling Junk – a junk removal specialist franchise, Nick Friedman. He said that after a-consultant-turning-into-a-business-owner phase, he has the same, old, problem: It seems that here’s not enough time in a day to do what he wanted to do.
The thing is, your business is probably not the one who’s holding you back. You and I are often the main problem of our very own busyness – We love to do things ourselves; Keep controls close to us.
While it’s understandable to protect your business, which is built with sweats and tears, you need to relieve some pressure off your back and let other people do your business daily operation. The purpose: So that you can pursue your personal endeavours, as well as looking for business opportunities and things that can improve your existing business’ performance.
One thing to focus in achieving the true independence that many small business owners pursue but fail to reach: Have your business to run on autopilot.
How to get your business to run on autopilot
No, I’m not recommending you to build an Internet-based business to achieve location independence like many do, because you can still trap yourself inside your online businesses – Just like the off line counterparts. Instead, I recommend you to seek ways to minimise your role in your business through automation.
The only difference between an online and an off line business is the business model. You can have them to run on autopilot implementing similar concepts. Here are some tips, as inspired by Tim Ferriss, the bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek
- Decrease your decision making role in your business through the provision of comprehensive set rules and policies for your employees and clients.
- Implement the power of outsourcing, e.g. Outsource your customer care and support to call centres, outsource your product delivery, even outsource your life – Just make sure you implement ways to automate business activities, such as order fulfillment activity from your company to your outsourcing partners.
- Eliminate non-productive business activities, then automate your business
- Don’t focus on getting new customers – Focus on retaining old customers that repeat orders – This way, you organically automate your sales.
Ivan Widjaya
Autopilot business
Image by alpeviolen.