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⚙️Automation > Hustle: How 1% Entrepreneurs Work Less & Earn More
Why the grind is a trap in 2025
Shopify Millions
May 19, 2025
Hey Entrepreneur,
We’ve been sold the grind. Hustle culture. All-nighters. Team “no sleep.”
But what if I told you the real 1% aren’t hustling harder — they’re automating smarter?
This newsletter is your blueprint to build a lean, scalable business that doesn’t burn you out. If you’re still doing everything manually, this one’s a wake-up call.
⚠️ Why the Grind Is a Trap in 2025
“If you don’t automate your business, you are the automation.” — Naval Ravikant
Hustling might get your store off the ground, but it won’t help it scale sustainably.
Here’s what today's data-driven entrepreneurs understand:
Approach | Time Input | Output Potential |
|---|---|---|
Manual grind (old way) | 50–60 hrs/week | Unscalable & draining |
Smart systems (1% way) | 10–20 hrs/week | High-leverage growth |
You’re not paid for your hustle.
You’re paid for what runs without you.
🛠️ Tools That Replace 10+ Hours a Week (2025 Stack)
Want to reclaim your time without hiring a massive team?
Here’s your automation toolbox:
Tool | Function | Time Saved/Week |
|---|---|---|
Zapier | Connects apps to auto-run tasks | 3–5 hours |
Klaviyo | Email flows, SMS automation | 4–6 hours |
Loops | AI-powered retention emails | 2–3 hours |
Shopify Flow | Auto-customer segmentation, tagging | 2+ hours |
Gorgias | Auto-responses to support tickets | 3–4 hours |
💡 Pro Tip: Start with automating repetitive tasks like order tagging, email flows, and abandoned cart follow-ups.
📊 Chart: Time Spent vs Revenue Generated
Here’s what our latest client audit showed:
✅ Takeaway: Automation helps you break free from the outdated idea that working more always means earning more. The real growth happens when you work smarter.
🧩 What Should You Automate vs Delegate?
You don’t need to do everything yourself—but you also shouldn’t automate everything. The key is knowing what needs a system and what still needs a human touch.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Automate These | Delegate These (Need People) |
|---|---|
Order confirmation and follow-ups | Brand deals and influencer collaborations |
Abandoned cart and browse reminders | Handling escalated customer service issues |
New lead welcome emails | UGC and content creation management |
Alerts for low inventory | Managing your online community |
Automation helps you grow. People help you connect. You need both.
🔁 A Simple Framework: Build → Automate → Scale
Let’s break this down:
Build: Start with one great product. Validate it with content and ads.
Automate: Set up systems for emails, customer service, and inventory.
Scale: Focus on what works, bring in help, and launch more offers.
Think of it like this:
Less tasks → More time
Less stress → More scale
Less FOMO → More freedom
🔥 Real Founder Experience
“I used to be stuck around $8K/month. I was doing everything—ads, fulfillment, emails.
Then I set up Klaviyo flows and added Gorgias for support.
Now I make $22K/month—and I work fewer hours.”
— Jay R., Founder of a DTC skincare brand
📩 Bonus: Download Your Automation Checklist
Want to see which systems you should set up this weekend?
Download our free Automation Audit Checklist and discover 10+ time-saving flows that can help you reclaim your week.
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👉 Tap here: @ShopifyMillions
Or just Reply “BRAND ME” and we’ll DM it to you personally.
Let’s turn that one product into your next power move.
Let’s make noise,
Founder, @ShopifyMillions
Helping entrepreneurs build multiple-figure stores since day one.