Automating yourself out of business

Hey there, how are ya?

Me… I’m slightly tanned, well rested, and hopefully a little brighter after my conference in FL last week.

Despite some uneasiness from Hurricane Helene, it was a great time for relaxing and learning. We experienced high winds, rain, and a brief power outage but were fortunate compared to other areas.

On the plane, I was reviewing a section in my notebook that I call “Dots.” It’s where I jot down things I notice and periodically see if there is any “connecting the dots.”

Two recent dots are related to purchases I decided NOT to make. In each case, my decision was based on poor automation - resulting in poor communication.

In both cases, I was ready to buy but had a question I needed answered first.

Instead of getting a response, I received automated emails. When I asked a question about an Airbnb I was interested in, they didn't answer it. Instead, they sent a standard message saying, "You only have 12 hours to book if you don't want to lose your spot."

It’s a case of efficiency over effectiveness. They saved time, but they lost the sale.

So, if you are using an autoresponder for outreach and/or early-stage conversations, be sure it isn’t actually driving customers away.

Personally, I think there are much better places to use an autoresponder, but that will have to wait for another day.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. - reach out if you have questions about getting the most out of an auto-responder in your business.

Suspicious Google Reviews

If you get a call from some shady character who wants to charge you to remove suspicious/negative Google Reviews, know that you can do it yourself.

Here’s how Link →

Video Watermarks

Contrary to rumor - using a third-party editing tool for your Instagram videos does NOT affect your reach. But adding a watermark will hurt your reach.

According to this Link →

Targeting Tourists

For my friends in Moab, Jacksonville, and other tourism economies, this new targeting feature from Meta will help you reach more visitors to your area.

Here’s how it works Link →

How was that image created?

Google was already planning to let you know if an image was created with AI. Now, the plan is to label images as AI-generated, edited with photo editing software, or taken with a camera in the image search results.

Details here Link →

And this…

Earth will have a mini-moon for 2 months. You will need a pretty healthy telescope to see it.

Learn more Link →

Featured Picks

📚️ Featured Book - Daily Drucker

I just started “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This!” and I’m not far along yet to offer any insights. So this week’s pick is an oldie but goodie that I’ve mentioned before. Get daily advice from the legendary Peter Drucker and “Action Points” for implementation. Link →

🛠️ Featured Tool - SolidPoint

One of my favorite uses for AI tools is summarizing webinars, podcasts, and other long-form content I don’t have time to consume. SolidPoint.ai not only summarizes YouTube videos but can also summarize Reddit threads. And it’s free. Check it out Link →

📷️ Featured Image - Helene on the Way

Like this newsletter?

Let me know. Just hit reply (I read every reply), I’d love to know what you think.

Thanks for reading.

Bill

913.962.9261

P.S. Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your business.

1) Optimize Your Offer

Without an offer that sells, marketing feels like rowing a leaky boat. If you’re struggling to make sales, let’s work together to optimize your offer. Reply to this email with "Offer" if you want to learn more.

2) Close more deals with a Visual Sales Sheet

Win new clients and projects using a visual path to success that answers the key questions they have about your service. Reply with “Visual” to learn more.

3) Work with me One-on-One 

If you'd like to work directly with me to achieve predictable growth in your business... just reply “Let’s Talk.”