Once you get a little into how absurdly broken FF7's combat system is even in early game, the Zolom actually isn't much of a threat. Back Row + Sadness is already pretty sick damage reduction and if you use Mindblow he can't use Beta. Of course you probably want to LEARN Beta so this is counterproductive, but if you just want to beat him this is a good way to do it. If you do want to learn Beta, Elemental+Fire in your armor is a godsend.