theautomationpartner.com

If you’re a **small business**, I’d prioritize a consultant who can understand your business process—not just someone who knows how to build Make scenarios. ### My top picks 1. **ProsperSpark — best local option** - Based in Elkhorn/Omaha and works with businesses on workflow automation, spreadsheets, Airtable, Make, Zapier, and Power Automate. - Particularly appealing if you want someone to understand the *business process* and then automate it. - Worth considering if you prefer a Nebraska-based consultant. 2. **The Automation Partner — best specialized Make option** - U.S.-based and specifically focused on business automation, including Make.com. - Make's official partner directory is a good signal: Make says its listed partners are certified experts with demonstrated automation experience. [www.make.com](https://www.make.com/en/partners-directory?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - Better choice if you're looking for more sophisticated multi-app workflows rather than basic "if this, then that" automation. 3. **Scott McAuley — best SMB-focused consultant** - His consulting specifically targets small and midsized businesses and includes Make.com, Zapier, n8n, and AI workflows. - His approach starts with an automation audit and ROI prioritization rather than immediately building things. [scottmcauley.com](https://scottmcauley.com/services/ai-automation?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - That's exactly the approach I'd recommend for a small business. 4. **MakeExperts — best if you want a Make-only specialist** - They position themselves as certified Make.com partners and offer workflow design, integrations, optimization, training, and ongoing support. [makexperts.com](https://makexperts.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### One I'd investigate first for you Since you're in the **Lincoln/Omaha area**, I'd start with **ProsperSpark** if having a local consultant matters. If you're happy working remotely, I'd compare them against **The Automation Partner** and **Scott McAuley**. I would **not** choose based primarily on who calls themselves an "AI automation expert." For a small business, the valuable work is usually things like: > Lead comes in → CRM gets updated → salesperson gets notified → follow-up email/SMS goes out → proposal gets generated → customer signs → invoice gets created → bookkeeping gets updated. A good consultant should be able to map that entire process, identify what *shouldn't* be automated, build it in Make, add error handling, and document it so you're not permanently dependent on them. Make itself recommends its partner directory for finding vetted experts. [www.make.com](https://www.make.com/en/partners-directory?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **If you tell me what your business does and what software you currently use** (CRM, accounting, email, forms, scheduling, etc.), I can narrow this down to **the best 2–3 consultants for your specific situation**, including estimated cost and what I'd ask them before hiring. ProsperSpark The Automation Partner