August 11, 2022
I LOVE systems and automations…
They make my life easier.
They also make it possible to keep my businesses lean, efficient, and less prone to errors.
Having any system is better than no system. But when you’re able to automate a process, you significantly upgrade the system and it’s predictability because it no longer relies on humans (maybe a little maintenance from time-to-time).
Luckily, there are now tools that allow us to automate processes without knowing any code 😍. There are a number of platforms that allow you to do this, but Zapier.com is my current favourite.
In short, these tools allow you to integrate individual softwares, identify a trigger, and create an automated process.
Here are 5 of my favourite automations:
1. Online Form —> CRM
Trigger: An online form is filled on one of my company’s websites (Typeform.com).
Automation: They’re added to a CRM (most often Airtable.com).
2. Text Follow Ups
Trigger: A lead is entered, and one day later they still haven’t bought (Airtable.com).
Automation: A text is sent asking if they’re still in need of the service. The text can also include details from their initial inquiry making it more personable (Openphone.com).
3. Altering Email Sequences
Trigger: I decide that a lead no longer needs to get a set of follow-up emails and select a checkbox within the CRM (Airtable.com).
Automation: The contact is pulled out of the email sequence (Mailchimp.com / ActiveCampaign.com).
4. Delivering A Promise
Example 1
Trigger: A lead schedules a job via our scheduling page and pays a deposit (Calendly.com).
Automation: A job is created within the CRM and they’re added to an email list (Airtable.com / Mailchimp.com).
Example 2
Trigger: Someone requests to download my Lead Magnet (Airtable.com Form).
Automation: They’re added to an email list, and they’re sent an email campaign containing the lead magnet (Mailchimp.com).
5. Team Notifications
Trigger: A job is assigned to a vendor within the CRM (Airtable.com).
Automation: The vendor receives an automated email with the job details (Gmail.com).
When you begin to understand that nearly any software can be integrated with another, you can begin to imagine what’s possible.
The possibilities are endless.
Go ahead and try it:
- Do a brain dump of all the repetitive tasks that you’re currently doing
- Identify the softwares involved with each process
- Go to zapier.com/apps and search the different ways your softwares can integrate
- Try creating your first automation!
See you all next Thursday 👋
PS. Whenever you're ready... Here are three ways I can help you systematize & automate operations:
- Learn how to find, hire and manage virtual assistants → Free Access
- Systematize company processes & automate accountability → Learn More
- Let me help you automate operations and exit the day-to-day grind → Work With Me
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