Beginner CEO’s and owners of start-up companies wear many hats. If you don’t have the capital before you launch, your hands are in bookkeeping, labor, delivery of products or services, customer service, administration, marketing, and even janitorial work depending on what you’re in business for. Even if you do have the initial investment, you’d still be wise to oversee (not necessarily micro-manage) each department that runs your business. This is why many people turn a cheek to self-employment – the automated and predictable paycheck for their designated role is far less stressful.
Self-employment is stressful. It’s highly unpredictable. How on Earth are you supposed to do it all and do it well? These questions mean it’s time to take some pressure off. You do not want to burn yourself out.
To answer the title of this blog, yes, you should invest in automation, just be careful. Refrain from letting go. As a CEO you need to be aware of the activity happening from behind-the-scenes. Just because your hands are no longer tied doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
Types of Automation
AI Software
It’s growing and it’s not going away. You can brush it under the rug or you can adapt. AI tools still come with errors, as of 2025, but are time savers. It can write a book in minutes, build a custom-coded website, write SEO blogs (note, this blog was written with 0% AI), and make videos, quality images, research, etc., etc.
Caution: View all AI results as a rough draft. Even if you find no errors, you do not want any information to publish without your voice, your brand, or your emotional drive. Your audience will notice.
Mechanics and Robotics
Probably the best investment. Having various technologies, like computers, timers, or other tools used in your industry, saves time and energy. Hands-on crafting still has its charm, like culinary arts. We’re not saying use tools to replace you, but find tools (like a well-reviewed food processor) to leverage your game and productivity. Don’t have a cleaning staff? Let an automated vacuum work while you sleep. Tired of managing your team and projects on Microsoft Office? Invest in a cloud-based software, like Basecamp.
Caution: Do maintenance checks. If you’re using timers for your farm’s irrigation system, they may get wear and tear from exposure, which can dry up or flood your plot.
Contract Workers
Human automation at an affordable price. Websites like Fiverr.com have thousands of freelance workers ready to help you with your tedious tasks. Consider paying someone, and supporting their independent career, to build your website, design your logo, write up legal documents (yup, you can hire one-time lawyers), or do your social media marketing. Think of tasks that are necessary but time-sucking.
Caution: Like with employees, you do need to oversee the quality of this work. Many contract workers do use AI to maximize their time, which brings us back to the cautions of AI software. One-time freelance work includes 1-3 edits before you approve the final result. However, if you hire a permanent contract worker, you’ll want to have a system of edits and approval before posting. Once you build trust you can reduce over-seeing, but that’s up to you.
Invest, but with caution. Look at areas where you can get help. Reduce burnout when you can. You’ll know the time when you come to a point where growth or opportunity is right around the corner, if only you had more time.