Startup Name

How2 Technologies

Startup Description

How2 Technologies is a venture founded by Tom Howard, focused on empowering small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups through AI-driven automation, CRM solutions, and digital tools. Built on the HighLevel platform, How2 Technologies delivers practical, affordable systems that help clients capture leads, automate customer engagement, manage reviews, and streamline operations—without unnecessary complexity.

The core mission is to bridge people and technology, creating solutions that reduce re

Startup Industry

Information Technology

Website

www.how2technologies.com

What's your tagline / mission?

Automation That Empowers. Solutions That Scale.

How did you start working on this idea?

I spent years working in IT, doing good work, climbing the ladder, getting the paycheck — but it never felt like mine. I knew I could take what I’d learned — the tech, the systems, the mindset — and build something that actually made a difference.

I didn’t want to just trade my time for money anymore. I wanted to build something that could grow, help people, and give me the freedom to focus on what really matters: my family, my creativity, and doing work with purpose.

How2 Technologies is about giving businesses and entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed — automation, AI, systems that take the weight off — without the cost or complexity that usually comes with it. I believe in profit with purpose. I believe in helping people create value that lasts. And I believe in taking constant, committed, imperfect action to make that happen.

What problem are you trying to solve and how big is it?

businesses and entrepreneurs are drowning in busywork. They’re trying to juggle marketing, customer follow-up, lead generation, reviews, appointments — all while actually running their business. They know automation and AI could help, but they don’t know where to start, or they’ve been burned by over-complicated tools that promise everything and deliver nothing.

👉 I’m solving the gap between what small businesses need (simple, affordable, effective automation) and what’s actually out there (complex, overpriced, or piecemeal solutions).

👉 I’m giving them systems that work — tools that capture leads, book appointments, follow up, manage reviews, and help grow their business, without wasting time or money.

What is your solution and how does it work?

✅ We start with your biggest pain point — whether that’s missed calls, no-shows, slow follow-up, bad reviews, or no lead flow.

✅ We set up automation that handles it — like a chatbot that answers 24/7, a missed call text-back that saves lost leads, or review automation that builds your reputation on autopilot.

✅ Everything connects in one platform — CRM, SMS, email, reviews, appointments, social chat — so you stop juggling apps.

✅ You grow from there — we help you layer on more tools when you’re ready. You control the pace, we provide the system.

What is your business model / how do you make money?

👉 Recurring monthly subscriptions — I offer automation and AI tools as a service (SaaS). Businesses pay a monthly fee for access to the platform, with different tiers depending on what they need (Starter, Pro, AI Pro).

👉 Add-ons and usage fees — Clients can choose extra services (like Missed Call Text Back, review management, advanced chatbots, or voice AI receptionists). They also cover usage-based costs (SMS, email, phone) so my profit scales with their growth.

👉 Done-for-you setups — I charge one-time fees for custom buildouts, onboarding, or full automation setups. That gets businesses started fast and adds immediate value.

👉 Affiliate/referral commissions — I have a tiered affiliate program (10%, 20%, 30%) so I make money when partners or customers refer others to the platform or services.

👉 Training + digital products — I create and sell digital courses, eBooks, and AI toolkits that help business owners learn and grow on their own.

How did you go to market and start acquiring customers?

👉 I started small and real — I didn’t spend forever planning. I soft-launched with low-pressure offers to people I knew (friends, family, early adopters) so I could validate the system, test the automations, and get proof of value.

👉 I offered a Founder's deal — a lower-cost entry point ($97/mo) with real value, one automation set up, and the promise that upgrades would always be discounted if they scaled with me.

👉 I focused on conversations over ads — early on, I didn’t throw money at ads. I reached out to business owners, asked about their pain points, showed them what I was building, and offered to help.

👉 I built relationships, not just clients — I partnered with people who wanted to take ownership of their growth, not just buy a tool. That way, they stayed longer, gave feedback, and referred others.

👉 I leveraged content + communities — I created educational posts, shared my eBook (Domain to Dollars), and invited people into my Facebook group to build trust before asking for a sale.


---

How did I start acquiring customers?

✅ Word of mouth + referrals — first clients came from people who trusted me or were introduced to me.
✅ Beta clients + proof of concept — I helped a few clients solve real problems (missed calls, reviews, lead capture), got wins, and used those as examples.
✅ Simple, clear offers — no long-winded pitches. I focused on their problem and my solution — fast.
✅ Founder’s pricing with clear path to scale — I made the first step low-risk, but with obvious value so they’d want more.

How many customers and paid users do you have?

✅ 2 paid users — they’re on the How2 Connect platform, paying monthly, getting value, and helping me refine the system.

✅ 1 user on a delayed payment plan — this is a custom arrangement (not a typical offer) where they’ll start paying once they hit a revenue threshold. This was part of my Founder’s Edition deal to help an aligned client get off the ground.

👉 I’ve kept it small on purpose. My focus is on building out the platform the right way, proving value, and setting the stage for scalable growth — not just stacking users for vanity metrics.

What's your vision and strategic roadmap for product & marketing?

My vision is to build a scalable SaaS business that gives small businesses and entrepreneurs the kind of automation, AI, and operational power that big companies use — but in a way that’s affordable, simple, and actually helps them grow.

👉 I want to help people stop trading time for money, break out of survival mode, and build value that lasts.
👉 I’m creating tools and systems that make running a business easier — so people can focus on what matters to them.
👉 I want to build a community of entrepreneurs who learn, share, and grow together, using the tools I provide.


---

🚀 Strategic Roadmap – Product

✅ Phase 1: Foundation (where I am now)

Core platform live (How2 Connect: CRM, reviews, chatbots, voice AI, missed call text back)

Early adopters onboarded, refining automations and processes

Founder's Edition pricing for first users, validating value


✅ Phase 2: Scale core offers

Finalize Starter, Pro, AI Pro tiers

Build reusable snapshots and templates for faster setup

Add more self-serve options (onboarding guides, SOPs, video trainings)

Expand AI tools (better conversational AI, integrated voice workflows)


✅ Phase 3: Community + ecosystem

Grow the How2 Connect community (private group, resource hub)

Offer partner tools, affiliate opportunities, revenue sharing

Create training bundles and digital products that support platform use

Introduce API-based add-ons and integrations for advanced users



---

📈 Strategic Roadmap – Marketing

✅ Phase 1: Organic + relationships

Content marketing: educational posts, my Domain to Dollars eBook, community engagement

Direct outreach: conversations with small biz owners, showing value not hype

Early referrals: let early adopters spread the word


✅ Phase 2: Social proof + niche targeting

Case studies from successful users

Niche offers (e.g., promotional products companies, local service businesses)

Paid ads in select channels once the offer is dialed in


✅ Phase 3: Automation + scale

Lead gen funnels with ads + nurture sequences

Affiliate/partner programs

Webinars, workshops, and summits to position as an expert in AI/automation for small business

Who is in your team?

👉 Tom Howard (Founder) — I’m the creator of How2 Technologies. I bring years of experience in IT, automation, AI, and systems thinking. I’m driven by a simple mission: to help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow through smart, practical technology. I believe in profit with purpose, constant committed imperfect action, and building tools that make a real difference.

👉 Helen Kipplin (Advisor, Finance & Strategy) — My mother, Helen, is a retired CFO with decades of experience in finance and business operations. She’s my point of wisdom when it comes to making sound decisions, staying grounded, and thinking long-term about sustainability and growth.

👉 Our approach:
We’re lean, focused, and purpose-driven. I build and execute the vision. Helen helps ensure we stay financially smart and aligned with our values as we grow.

Are you looking to raise funds at the moment?

No

What would you advise to someone who is starting up?

✅ A real-world playbook — not just theory, but the step-by-step of how to set up your first clients, build automation that works, and keep it simple so you don’t burn out.

✅ Lessons from my trial and error — what to avoid so you don’t waste time or money chasing shiny objects, overbuilding, or trying to be everything to everyone.

✅ A mindset shift — how to focus on creating value, not just making money fast. How to build systems that last.

✅ Encouragement to take constant, committed, imperfect action — because waiting for perfection will stall you out.

✅ Templates, SOPs, and tools — the exact frameworks I’m creating to help others skip some of the hardest parts.


---

What I’ve learned so far:

💡 Start lean. Keep it simple.
You don’t need a fancy platform or big team to start. You need to solve one real problem for one real customer first.

💡 People over platforms.
The tools matter, but the relationships matter more. Your early clients will teach you what works and what doesn’t.

💡 Recurring revenue > one-off jobs.
It’s tempting to take custom work or big service contracts, but the real peace comes from building a base of recurring income that grows over time.

💡 Stay flexible. Learn as you go.
Your first idea won’t be your final form. Be ready to adapt, refine, and course-correct without losing momentum.

💡 Don’t build in isolation.
Even if you’re a solo founder, find your sounding board (for me, that’s been Helen, online groups, and trusted clients).

Your idea can change the world, let's make it a reality!

or