Real automation is getting better everyday for small business owners like us. More and more stuff can be set up once and then handed off to robots to complete. I’m convinced this is going to be THE #1 TREND OF 2026. Our businesses will look so much different at this time next year.

But, where do we start? What software to we use?

I don’t recommend that you begin with any software.

Before you can delegate the tasks, you have to know what actually happens inside your business. That means writing it all down — every step, every task, every point of friction that slows you down.

When I started mapping out my own work, I realized how much of my week was filled with small, repeatable tasks. Creating content. Setting up events. Sending reminders. Things I did automatically, without thinking, that added up to hours. Putting those steps on paper made it obvious where automation could help and where a human still needed to be involved.

Here’s exactly how to do it for yourself:

• Start with one area of your business — something that drains time every week.

• Write down every single task that must be completed

• Then, detail each step of each task (I know, it’s a LOT)

• Once complete, go through this three set evaluation:
  Does this drive business results? (If not, quit it.)
  Can it be automated or delegated? (Great set it up or hand it off.)
  Am I the only person that CAN perform this task? (Schedule it and get it done.)

Running this three-step evaluation will kill useless tasks, automate what’s possible, delegate as much as you can, and leave you with the parts of your business that only YOU can do.

Automation starts with awareness, and awareness starts with a pen and paper.
That awareness is the first real step toward freedom!

Try it for yourself!

Tweet of the Week

We all run into problems on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most of us are just addressing how we SEE the problem, not necessarily the problem itself. That’s why it’s crucial to have trusted feedback from peers so you can see your challenges clearly. As we say in an SBOC Idea Slam: Feedback is a gift.

Behind the Scenes…You’re not wasting money on stuff you want in your business, you’re “DRIVING DOWN YOUR NET PROFIT FOR TAX PURPOSES!” Am I doing this right, bookkeeper friends?!?!

LAST CALL - 2026 Business Planning Done Right

Imaging walking into the first day of 2026 with a rock solid plan and absolute clarity on what actions to take to build a successful business AND personal life. THAT is the promise of my ‘26 Small Business Planning sessions.

This Thursday, I’m hosting my last Virtual Session where we will walk you through the process:

• ‘25 Review

• Business AND Personal SWOT Analysis (Strengths/Weakness/Opportunity/Threats)

• ‘26 Business Vision

• ‘26 Personal Vision

• Q1 Goal Setting and Key Action Task to unlock the outcome

I’ve led four of these groups so far and the feedback has been incredible. You can feel the energy building for a big 2026, let’s get you focused on the goals and tasks that will help you build a winner.

Click HERE to register for the virtual session on Thursday, 12/18!

Holiday Shutdown is Here…Our next issue will be out on 1/6/26 - Have a great celebration with your family and friends!

Pat