I want genuine guidance from people who have actually built agencies or automation businesses. No hype replies please. I want to think clearly and make the right decisions. I started my automation journey in June 2025. I learned chatbots, workflows, and voice agents. I created content, tried outreach on LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp, and built lead magnets. But even after months of effort, I still don’t have a single proper client. I’m at a stage where I want to continue business, but I don’t want to keep repeating mistakes. I have a few serious questions, and I’d truly appreciate honest answers from people who’ve been through this: 1. Is it actually realistic to grow an automation agency today without already having a brand, money, or network? Or is most internet advice oversimplified? 2. Does being too broad really kill your business? How important is choosing ONE niche, and how do you know when you’ve picked the right one? 3. About real estate: I’ve heard most real estate businesses only care about lead generation and don’t value automation much. Is that true? Do they really not care about follow-up automation or workflow systems? 4. If lead generation sells easier, does it make more sense to start with lead gen first instead of automation? 5. Is it smarter to build long-term automation positioning even if it’s slower, or should someone in my situation focus on something that brings faster money first? 6. For people who were stuck for months or years with no clients and finally broke through – what actually changed for you? Niche, offer, positioning, or mindset? 7. If you were in my position right now, what would be your next 3 practical steps? I genuinely want clarity, not motivational keep going bro replies. I’m ready to work, but I want to move in the right direction with a realistic strategy. If you faced similar struggles and came out of it, I’d really value your perspective.