📈 The Invisible Work That Builds a Strong Business

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There’s no applause for sending that follow-up email.

No likes for updating your onboarding process.

No viral tweet about tightening your SOPs.

But that’s the work that builds a real business.

The kind that grows sustainably and doesn’t fall apart when you take a vacation.

A lot of entrepreneurs chase the flashy stuff:

• Branding

• Big launches

• Public wins

But it’s the invisible work that creates long-term success.

Let’s talk about the things that every serious founder must do.

1. Creating Systems (So You Don’t Have to Do It All Yourself)

Flying by the seat of your pants works up to a point.

Eventually, you need a system that can be replicated.

If you’re reinventing the wheel every time you onboard a client or launch a project, you’re wasting time.

• Document repeatable processes (even in bullet points to start).

• Use tools like Notion, ClickUp, or Google Docs to keep SOPs accessible.

• Delegate more confidently when you’ve got a process to hand off.

If you’d like my SOP guide, hop in my $5 Creator Community.

Here's what else you get when you join:

- Support from other creators
- Monthly strategy call
- Community insights / feedback on your content
- Resource Vault (playbooks, growth strategies, monetization strategies, trackers, etc.)

2. Following Up

They say it takes about 7 touch points before someone buys.

That means you need to be following up like your business depends on it.

Closes are made on the third follow-up. The check-in. The “just circling back” email.

And yet, most entrepreneurs stop after one try and wonder why leads go cold.

• Set reminders to follow up weekly with leads who haven’t closed.

• Use a simple CRM or even a spreadsheet to track conversations.

• Remember: You’re not annoying. You’re staying top of mind.

3. Refining the Customer Experience

You might be delivering results, but how smooth is the ride?

The businesses that get repeat work and referrals deliver experiences people remember.

• Audit your client journey: where are the hiccups, confusion, or delays?

• Add small touchpoints: check-ins, thank-you notes, clear timelines.

• Get feedback and actually use it.

Last week, I wrote about how to get more referrals. Check it out:

4. Showing Up When You Don’t Feel Like It

There will be days when you’re tired, distracted, unmotivated.

But if you show up everyday, you set yourself apart from the competition.

Because the gap between good and great is consistency.

• Create non-negotiables: the 1–2 business-driving actions you do daily.

• Batch content or outreach when energy is high.

• Use routines to protect momentum on low-motivation days.

And if you need help creating your content, reach out to FounderBrands.

My content agency turns you into the authority in your industry.

5. Building Relationships Without a Pitch

Not every conversation needs to be a pitch.

Some of your most valuable connections will come from simply showing up, being helpful, and staying in touch.

• Reconnect with past clients or peers with no agenda.

• Comment on people’s content. Share their wins.

• Become a relationship builder, not just a transaction seeker.

The Takeaway

The invisible work is what separates real businesses from random hustle.

- Systemize what you do
- Follow up like it matters
- Smooth out the client experience
- Show up without fanfare
- Build relationships, not just revenue

You won’t get applause for most of it.

But you will build a business that works, whether or not you’re online that day.

So next time it feels like no one’s watching…remember:

The work behind the scenes is what sets the stage for your next big leap.

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:

1. FounderBrands: Build your online identity. Become the authority figure in your industry.

2. Hire me as a consultant to take your business to the next level.

3. Offshore Hiring Guide: Learn how to hire inexpensive ($6 / hour) offshore talent in 3 weeks or less.

4. Promote your business to 1,800+ subscribers by sponsoring my newsletter.

Cheers,

Collin Rutherford

PS. When your dad is the mayor….