Author’s note: I’m sharing what actually shipped for me so you can skip guesswork. No hacks—just small systems that compound.
TL;DR
- Start with one automation, one template, one repeatable process.
- Systems work best once you have real activity (clients, leads, traffic).
- Launch first. Then layer systems to compound time and money.
2022: Survival Mode (Job + Weekend Projects)
- 9–5 in eCommerce growth (2016–2022, multiple roles in a 7-figure small company)
- Weekends: Shopify + eBay store
- Freelance websites + odd jobs
- Sharing content inconsistently
I was reacting to life. I took an eBay store to $250K revenue (3-way split), almost replaced my job income… then the project failed. I use this to fuel me taking better decisions for a long term.
2023: First Breakthroughs (Solopreneur Life)
- Took a store from 0 → $10K in 20 days through ads
- Helped launch a Gaming PC giveaway site → built a custom web app when nothing off-the-shelf worked
Great for skills. Cost me e-com momentum.
2024: Reset + AI Experiments
After 8 years in Sydney, I finally took a holiday. Came back clearer. Dove into GPT: debugging, APIs, frustrations, half-second wins. Built a full web app solo, onboarded 100 trial users, and realised: dev is half the battle; distribution is the other. Paused it for now.
2025: Building for Leverage
- Bootstrapping my second app (tighter use case)
- Running agency projects: lead gen, GHL automations, funnels (5 founders helped so far)
- Focusing on systems that compound—same fundamentals, new niches; each one sharpens the next automation
Thinking Out Loud
Systems for leads, funnels, newsletters, courses, websites—these shine when you’re busy serving clients or have real inbound traffic.
I’ve built comprehensive automations for a UK agency owner, and I’m running Meta ads for lead gen for a real estate brand in Australia and planning a comprehensive system for them. Depth came from actually operating businesses end-to-end: asking better questions, researching, mapping flows, and testing with real users.
Where to Start Automations
- A follow-up sequence that runs itself
- A booking flow that works while you’re elsewhere
- Plug-and-play client systems (onboarding + fulfilment)
- Content pillars with hooks for fast posting
These don’t close sales by themselves—but they create directional freedom: time to think, sell, and grow.
How-To: Follow-up Sequence in GHL (5 Steps, ~15 min)
- Create pipeline stage: add “New Lead (Uncontacted)”.
- Trigger on new lead: workflow trigger = form submission/lead created; send SMS + email within 2 minutes.
- Branch on reply: if replied → move to “Engaged” + notify; if not → wait 24h and send reminder.
- Insert booking link: include your calendar; add a no-show recovery step for missed bookings.
- Add manual checkpoints: create tasks at 72h & 7d for personal follow-up and tagging.
Tools I Trust
I use GoHighLevel (GHL) for funnels, CRM, and automations. One platform, strong leverage. If you already have a stack, stick with it—tool-hopping kills momentum.
I’m Obsessed with AI (Coding)
Clarana AI — full web app built part-time in 6 months. 100 users, currently paused to rethink pricing and growth.
PromptTrail — first MVP. Compliance + prompt tracking. Waitlist is live.
Makevo — current build. Design-from-prompt for a specific ICP and pain. Early potential; not celebrating early.
Every project sharpened my skills and built systems to launch faster.
2 Ways I Can Help
Essential System (Free for first 5 solopreneurs) — Discovery → Setup → Ready to Use. We’ll pick one high-impact area (follow-ups, bookings, onboarding), implement, and ship.
Done-For-You Advanced Systems / Consulting — AI strategy, automations, MVP planning, practical growth. Case by case. High commitment.
FAQ
Is GoHighLevel overkill for solopreneurs?
Not if you keep it simple. Start with one pipeline, one follow-up workflow, and a booking calendar. Add features only when you need them.
How much time can a follow-up workflow save?
Roughly ~5–20 hours/month depending on your lead volume, reply rate, and how many reminders you run.
Do I need Zapier with GHL?
Not for core flows like forms, follow-ups, and calendars. Use Zapier/Make only when you must integrate external tools.
What’s the fastest first win?
Automate the first touch within two minutes of a lead. Include your booking link and one reminder; then add a no-show recovery step.
DM me on LinkedIn if you want links or examples.
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