Conquer Automation Anxiety: Small Steps to Business Automation Success

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Are you dreaming of a business that runs smoother and more efficiently? You're not alone. Many small business owners are overwhelmed by the idea of automation, fearing it will lead to a robotic and impersonal customer experience. But what if it doesn't have to be that way?

Automation can be a powerful tool for boosting productivity and freeing up your time to focus on what you love – without sacrificing the personal touch. Want to add more automation to your workflows, but are scared? Don’t want to sound robotic? What if something triggers when it shouldn’t😱? These are common fears when starting to automate your business for the first time. Don’t worry! There are ways to ease yourself in whether you will always want a little bit of control or until you are ready to let your workflows do the work. In this post, we'll break down the fear factor and guide you through simple steps to incorporate automation into your business.

Approval Buttons

Approval buttons are your gentle introduction to automation. They offer a safety net while streamlining your workflow. Imagine having a virtual assistant who flags tasks for your review before sending them out. This is the simplest and easiest way to automate while remaining in control of what gets sent out and when. Many systems like Dubsado and Honeybook allow Approvals to be added to each workflow step to allow for control and customization. The system will alert you when you have a workflow action that needs your approval and then you can go in, review, edit, and check it off for the system to ship out. You may be thinking, “How does this save me time”? I understand that it might sound like work, but having all of your actions, triggers, forms, and emails, already set up and just needing to click a button saves a ton of time. Remember, it's okay to start small. Begin by adding approval buttons to just a few workflows, and gradually expand as you gain confidence.

Create ToDos

By creating ToDos in your workflows, you have more control over the next steps. A ToDo will pause your workflow until you check it off that that item is completed. This allows you to add, edit, or delete steps in your process for that particular client. Imagine having a virtual assistant who reminds you to take action at the perfect moment. Some people even like ToDos better than Approvals due to their customization. ToDos can be customized with detailed notes, links, and client information, ensuring you have everything needed to complete the task efficiently. That way, when your system alerts you that you need to take action, you know exactly who it is for and what exactly needs to be done. With Approvals, you do not get this detailed information and must log into your account and go into the client project to see what step needs to be reviewed. By strategically using ToDos, you can maintain a balance between automation and manual oversight.

Hold Actions Until

This option may not be available in all CRMs but it is in Dubsado. By setting conditions for workflow progression, you can ensure that multiple steps are completed before moving forward. Imagine requiring both a signed contract and invoice payment before sending a welcome package. Hold actions Until allows you to create this dependency, preventing premature workflow advancement (hold actions until contract is signed by client and hold actions until invoice is paid in full). REMEMBER: Make sure to use after all previous actions are completed in the next step for your workflow to trigger appropriately.

While this feature might seem complex, it's a game-changer for intricate processes. Remember to use it strategically to avoid creating unnecessary bottlenecks in your workflow.

By mastering the art of approval buttons, ToDos, and “hold actions until”, you've taken the first steps towards a more automated and efficient business. Remember, automation is a journey, not a destination. Start small, celebrate your successes, and gradually expand your automated processes.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your business through automation? Book a complimentary call with me to discuss your unique needs and goals. Let me help you create a customized automation plan tailored to your business. Don't let automation anxiety hold you back!

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