Ask an Expert: Here's how to make money while you sleep
— -- Q: We are in the fortunate position where revenues in our business have been steady for the past few years, despite the ups and downs of the economy. Our problem is that that we don't seem to have the manpower to really take it to the next level, and I refuse to go into debt to do it. So what now? — Michael
A: There are plenty of reasons why this is a great time to be in business for yourself, take your pick:
• Inexpensive marketing options abound — everything from social media to pay-per-click are possibilities
• The ability to work anytime, anywhere ( a double edged sword to be sure!)
• More markets than ever
But for today, let's avoid these usual suspects and look at something different, something that any small business can use to grow, right here, right now:
Software automation.
Because of technology, because of computers and software and the Internet, it is easier than ever to automate tasks both simple and complex, tasks that you would either have to spend time doing or that may not get done because they slip through the cracks. And when they don't slip through the cracks because some cool software is doing them for you, you then are more professional, have more time, are more effective, and your business will grow as a result.
Specifically, what I am talking about is automating your most time consuming and basic (and sometimes not-so-basic) functions: email follow-ups, sales leads follow-ups, customer relationship management, invoicing and the like. Imagine if those things were automatic, what would that do to your business?
It radically changed Charles Mack Jr.'s business for the better, that's for sure. Mack owns a very successful business outside of Washington D.C., VIP Auto Appearance. His father started the company some 25 years ago out of the trunk of his car and it has since grown into a business with eight employees and 3,000 customers. So how does the son, who now runs the business, keep things moving and continue to grow?
