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If you want to help a business automate and become more efficient - this is how you start:
Find a simple + repeatable process. For example - a new employee joins and they need a contract, a copy of the company handbook, a welcome email on day 1 + zoom lunch with a team member.
Find a simple + repeatable process. For example - a new employee joins and they need a contract, a copy of the company handbook, a welcome email on day 1 + zoom lunch with a team member.
A single google form can pull in the data you need (employee details, start date, team member email). @zapier can generate the contract from a template google doc + save it in your HR folder.
Zapier can also send the new employee a welcome email with the handbook + lunch invite.
Zapier can also send the new employee a welcome email with the handbook + lunch invite.
Not every task is worth automating BUT automating simple tasks helps build confidence to step it up a level!
This is a good reference to figure out if you are saving time or not - https://xkcd.com/1205/
This is a good reference to figure out if you are saving time or not - https://xkcd.com/1205/
Once you have a couple of simple processes set up and your colleagues think you are an automation wizard - you can start to think about the bigger picture.
Using a tool like http://whimsical.com you can look at how information moves around your business and map it out.
Using a tool like http://whimsical.com you can look at how information moves around your business and map it out.
What tools does each department use? Do they have pre-made @zapier / @integromat connections or an API you can use?
The best part about automating your business is that its not all or nothing. You don't have to learn about APIs or appscript unless you want to - if you use spreadsheets at work chances are you can build something in an hour with 0 experience that will save you time.
The other cool thing is how easy it is to extend your automations!
In my previous example you could put appraisal dates + their birthday in your calendar. You could add an employee checklist and delegate tasks to IT + remind everyone in slack to welcome them.
In my previous example you could put appraisal dates + their birthday in your calendar. You could add an employee checklist and delegate tasks to IT + remind everyone in slack to welcome them.
While you're at it order their company swag via @Printful and schedule an email to your boss for 7pm to let them know you worked late but got everything ready for the new team member!
If you want to learn more about automation i highly recommend:
- @aronkor's @airtable course - http://www.aatt.io
- @edavidpeterson's blogpost - https://bit.ly/3nBjeMr
- joining @makerpad
- signing up to http://automate.work
- @aronkor's @airtable course - http://www.aatt.io
- @edavidpeterson's blogpost - https://bit.ly/3nBjeMr
- joining @makerpad
- signing up to http://automate.work
