What's the point of learning automation when I can position myself with someone able to sell even low ticket?

#63 · AI Automation: Too Good To Be True?

What's the point of learning automation when I can position myself with someone able to sell even low ticket?

I’m not saying you can’t use automation – you can, but if you’re underage you can’t sign up for Upwork. For people in that situation I recommend treating the platform like a straightforward sales funnel: you don’t need to master every sales skill, you just pitch why you’re the better pick among thousands of freelancers. Talk to the client, explain how you can solve their problem, and close the deal. If you can’t use Upwork, replicate the same approach by sending custom video DMs that solve a specific problem, distributing them via Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or email. Search for “Loom outreach” or “video outreach” to see detailed tutorials I’ve made, and check out the Maker School community for a step‑by‑step guide.

automationupworkvideo outreach

Related answers

youtube ↗Agency Operations

Can you make a video with practical steps to start an automation business for freelancers or solo agency owners? I’m confused by all the content out there.

I’ve actually recorded a video that answers that exact question, and I’ve been publishing a new video on the topic every day for the past six days. Right now I’m focused on funnel‑building and trying to reach as many people as possible, so you’ll see a lot of repeated content. Think of it as me consolidating the most important points you need to know to be successful in this niche, rather than just shouting at you. Check out the recent videos for a step‑by‑step guide on launching an automation business as a solo agency owner.

automation businesssolo agencypractical steps

youtube ↗Agency Operations

How do I deliver automations to clients?

Start with a kickoff call after the client pays, where you help them set up any needed platforms and possibly share your affiliate or partner codes for discounts or revenue. Then state that you’ll build everything in their environment so they retain full control if they stop working with you. Build using their tools (they give you credentials), and deliver the project with a video SOP that walks them through the system and serves as documentation for future maintenance. Use that video as a retention mechanism, then upsell related projects based on the knowledge gained from the current job. Mention that you can save them $500–$10,000 per month with a simple system, and invite them to a quick call if interested. The loop gets you in and prints money; you can pitch a monthly upsell or another one‑time project.

automation deliverykickoff callvideo sopretention

youtube ↗Client Acquisition

I’m spending a lot of time learning automation and building systems while also trying to build an Upwork profile and create content. What should I focus on to get my first paying clients?

Focus on the need‑to‑know, not the nice‑to‑know. Get customers first, then let their feedback tell you where to invest your time. Apply for jobs on platforms like Upwork to start earning, and learn the tools you need by actually doing the work for a client. Prioritize outreach—cold email with personalized Loom videos works well initially—rather than spending endless hours learning theory. Once you land your first client, double down on delivering value and then scale from there.

upworkcold emailfocusfirst client

youtube ↗Lead Generation

Should I focus on getting clients first and learn skills later, or build skills and automations before acquiring clients? What to do while warming up cold emails?

To be fair, we cover all this in Maker School, but I'll still dangle the carrot. There are other lead generation mechanisms you can use while warming up emails. Upwork is big—apply the same approach I recommend there: record customized Loom videos and send them via cold DMs instead. Find creators, influencers, or people doing work you think you can help with, record a video solving their problem, and send it across their social media platforms. There's a lot you can do here, but I wouldn't just wait 2 to 4 weeks; you could send many customized DMs in that time, and many would likely respond.

lead generationupworkloom videoscold dms