Why I Created the Self Host Playbook 🚀

As an automation consultant working with small business owners, I repeatedly encountered the same challenge: the gap between discovering powerful tools and actually implementing them.

The Traditional Setup Problem 😓

Setting up a professional automation stack traditionally involves:

• Installing and configuring a Linux server
• Setting up Docker and container management
• Configuring reverse proxies and SSL certificates
• Securing the server properly
• Ensuring all components work together

Even for experienced developers, this process typically takes 2-4 hours. For business owners, it can turn into days of frustration or expensive consultant hours.

The Real Cost 💸

This technical hurdle creates three significant problems:

1. Lost Opportunities: Business owners delay implementing automation because the setup seems too daunting
2. Wasted Resources: Technical teams spend valuable time on repetitive setup tasks instead of creating business value
3. Security Risks: Rushed or incorrect setups can leave systems vulnerable

The Solution: Self Host Playbook ✨

I created the Self Host Playbook to solve these problems. It's not just a script – it's the distillation of years of experience in setting up production-ready servers for businesses.

What Makes It Different 🎯

• One Command Setup: What traditionally takes hours happens in minutes
• Production Ready: Every component is pre-configured following security best practices
• Business-Focused: You get immediate access to tools that matter for your business:
  • 🐳 Portainer for easy container management
  • ⚡ n8n for powerful workflow automation
  • 📊 Baserow for flexible database needs
  • 🔒 Caddy for automatic HTTPS

The Real Value 💎

The Self Host Playbook gives you:

1. Time to Value: Start experimenting with automation tools immediately instead of wrestling with setup
2. Freedom to Explore: Try out different automation scenarios without fear of breaking things
3. Learning by Doing: Focus on understanding how these tools can transform your business, not how to install them
4. Cost Savings: Avoid expensive consultant hours for basic setup
5. Future Proof: Built on NixOS, ensuring reproducible and maintainable systems

Who This Is For 🎯

• Small business owners who want to start automating their operations
• Entrepreneurs who value independence and control over their tech stack
• Teams that need a reliable, secure automation environment
• Consultants who want to provide quick proof-of-concepts to clients

The Bigger Picture 🌅

This isn't just about saving a few hours of setup time. It's about removing the technical barriers that keep small businesses from embracing automation. Every hour saved on setup is an hour you can spend on what really matters: growing your business.

Technology should empower your business, not become another full-time job. The Self Host Playbook ensures you can focus on using these powerful tools rather than installing them.