Would you believe it if I told you that working just 4 hours a day could earn you $90 million annually? It’s true. Matt Gray achieved this incredible feat. What is his secret? Let’s delve into Matt Gray’s four-step business automation strategy. Use this approach to build a more efficient and successful business.
Step 1: Deep Work
Matt’s day starts with “Deep Work” from 6 AM to 10 AM. This is a time of intense focus without phones or emails, dedicated to his most important tasks, or what he calls “genius work.” During this time, he focuses on two main activities.
Writing: The Backbone of Every Solo Business (2 hours)
Matt considers writing the most crucial aspect of any business. It is essential in sales, marketing, customer communication, team building, and more. He uses seven frameworks—tips, lessons, systems, playbooks, personal stories, benefits, and case studies—to create content that genuinely helps his audience. He particularly emphasizes the effectiveness of handwriting.
Creating Systems for New Hires to Adapt in a Day (2 hours)
Matt uses tools like Google Docs, Notion, and Loom to create detailed work manuals. He documents sales processes, content production systems, and more, making training videos to share with his team. These assets allow new team members to get up to speed in a day.
Step 2: Building the Founder Flywheel
Matt strongly believes in building a robust personal brand to grow the business. He shares honest startup stories and practical tips on social media daily, gaining a massive following. He has amassed 1.5 million followers on TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Collecting Emails: Constant Communication with Fans
Matt funnels social media followers to his website or newsletter, creating a direct communication channel with his fans. Newsletters foster intimacy and have a high conversion rate. He provides high-value free resources to subscribers, building genuine connections.
Step 3: Implementing the AED System – Automate, Eliminate, Delegate
Matt enhances business efficiency with the AED strategy: Automate, Eliminate, Delegate.
Steps to Apply AED
- List all tasks performed over the past 8 weeks
- Determine whether each task drains or energizes you
- Categorize tasks as automatable, eliminable, or delegatable
- Stop and remove eliminable tasks from your schedule immediately
- Find suitable personnel to delegate tasks
- Identify the best tools to automate tasks
Step 4: Hiring a Chief Operating Officer (COO)
As the business grows, the founder’s role must evolve. Matt hires a COO to handle daily decisions and interdepartmental coordination, allowing him to focus on strategy and vision.
How to Hire a COO
Matt evaluates COO candidates with sample projects. He values a “partner mindset” and delegates significant authority after hiring. The COO’s KPIs are “saving Matt’s time” and “ensuring employees have an excellent workweek.”
Matt Gray’s Hiring Stages by Revenue
Matt’s hiring stages from $0 to $10 million a month provide insights into expanding your team as you grow.
Stage 1: $0 to $30,000 per Month
- CEO handles everything (one-person business)
Stage 2: $40,000 to $100,000 per Month
- Hire 3 people: writer, course manager, financial manager
Stage 3: $100,000 to $200,000 per Month
- Hire 11 people: COO, writer, course manager, designer, financial, editor, brand strategist
Stage 4: $200,000 to $400,000 per Month
- Hire 15 people: COO, writer, course manager, designer, financial, editor, brand strategist, team leads for each department
Stage 5: Over $400,000 per Month
- Hire 18 people: COO, writer, course manager, designer, financial, editor, brand strategist, motion designer, additional brand strategists, team leads for each department
Conclusion: You Can Do It Too!
What do you think of Matt Gray’s four-step strategy? With his systems and strategies, you can build an efficient and successful business. Achieve more with 4 hours of focused work each day. We genuinely wish you success!