In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the notion that automation is a one-time transaction is becoming obsolete. As highlighted by Alane and Micah, the hosts of “Automate Your Agency,” automation and AI require regular care and upkeep, much like developing a piece of complex software. Elaine astutely points out, “this expectation of once it's done, it's done...is only 90% correct.”
The fundamental misunderstanding is that many business leaders see automation as a one-off project rather than a component of their ongoing business infrastructure. This oversight can lead to frustrations when systems face unanticipated data errors or platform hiccups, such as an API being down. Micah describes these common pitfalls, emphasizing that automation should be approached with “quality in mind, not just speed.”
Automation requires vigilance. Businesses must address errors proactively, adjust their systems as processes evolve, and ensure their tools can handle unexpected data inputs. Each of these tasks requires a nuanced understanding of both the systems in place and the new tools being integrated. Alane emphasizes the need for change readiness: “You don't want to be stagnant, you want to make improvements and changes,” a sentiment that resonates across industries as companies strive to innovate continually.
Central to successfully implementing automation is the strategic decision to treat it as an ongoing business function rather than a singular task. According to the transcript, this realization is key to ensuring long-term success and growth. Micah relates this to software development, asserting that once you “put something like this in place, you're going to want to have the ability to refine it, to optimize it, to iterate on it.”
This perspective encourages organizations to invest not just in the technology itself, but in its ongoing management and evolution. Building automation should parallel building a product; it requires strategy, iteration, and refinement. Alane underscores the importance of maintaining a relationship with those who built the automation: “if you stay consistent with somebody in the system, then making changes is so much faster for you as a company.”
Moreover, automation as a strategy implies constant evaluation and revaluation of processes. As a business grows or pivots, its automation strategies must adapt to new requirements and opportunities. Both Alane and Micah give evidence of this by highlighting the inevitable changes in process and about keeping up with them, thus underlining the indispensable role of flexibility and readiness for tweaking systems over time.
Navigating the world of AI and automation can be overwhelming, especially when approached alone or with minimal support. For Alane and Micah, the remedy is establishing strong partnerships. Elaine notes, “having a long term relationship with the builder is so important,” pointing to the added value brought by a collaborative team familiar with the intricacies of the system.
Freelancers or single in-house specialists might provide temporary solutions, but the expertise and broad perspective brought by a dedicated team can be transformative. When discussing the benefits of a team approach, Alane highlights that multiple people working on a project offer a range of experiences and insights, leading to more robust and creative solutions: “I promise you, you are going to have a 10x automation than you would with a singular person.”
Strategic partnerships ensure that businesses are not just reacting to problems but are setting the stage for sustainable growth and development. With a team approach, there’s an ongoing opportunity for evaluation and adaptation, which aligns with a predictive strategy, as opposed to the firefighting that might occur with less collaborative methods.
The dialogue on AI and automation unveils rich insights about the future of business processes. Automation should be perceived as an integral, dynamic part of business operations, demanding continuous updates, evaluations, and strategic thinking. Building reliable partnerships that echo the values of adaptability and commitment can unlock the full potential of AI and automation initiatives. As technology reshapes industries, businesses that recognize automation as a living, breathing strategy will likely outpace those mired in outdated transactional paradigms. With this mindset shift, companies can truly leverage technology to propel their operations towards growth and innovation.
If you think automation means pressing a button and walking away, you’re in for a rude awakening.
Automation isn’t a magic wand; it’s a tool that needs your input, your strategy, and your attention to thrive.
In this week’s episode of Automate Your Agency, Alane Boyd and Micah Johnson break it down:
If you’re ready to ditch the fairytales and learn what it really takes to build systems that grow with your agency, this episode is for you.
Want more insights? Dive into these episodes for even more valuable tips:
🎧 EP 6: When Should I Worry About Processes?– Apple Podcasts | Spotify
🎧 EP 28: When Is Your Process Ready to Be Automated?– Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Don't miss out! Each episode is packed with strategies that could transform the way you work!
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