Setting Up Workflows For Your Business by Sarah Chadwick
Posted by Victoria Pillman on
Setting Up Workflows For Your Wedding Business
Have you thought about setting up workflows and automation in your business but need help figuring out where to start?! If so, this post is for you! Simplifying and streamlining your business will save you a ton of time (at least 40+ hours per month). It also helps you avoid repeating the same task, like responding to inquiry emails with the same response repeatedly. So, where should you start? First of all, let's chat about what a workflow is. A workflow is a series of steps that accomplish a task. While automation is setting up these steps to happen automatically, so you don't have to complete them manually. So, think, set it and forget it. Read below to learn more!
Plan out your workflow/automation
Take time to consider what you want to accomplish with your workflow in your CRM (customer relationship management system). Some ideas include building a process for inquiries and onboarding new clients or employees. You can even build systems for workshops and coaching or referral programs. The possibilities are endless. Next, think about which parts of the process you want to automate and which steps you want to do manually. For example, CRM systems like HoneyBook or Dubsado allow you to build in approvals, so nothing gets sent without your permission. They also allow you to automate tasks within your workflow, so you're always on top of your to-do list.
Create the forms and emails you need
Before you start building the workflow, you need all the components you'll use. This is why it's essential to think about and plan it out first. It will make your life 100 times more manageable if you do that. Consider things like if you need a contact form, a questionnaire to gather important information from your client or an email introducing you and your brand with a brochure. Ensure you think this through because it will save you time and a lot of headaches. Take it from me, when I first started setting up my system, I didn't do this, and it was ROUGH. Learn from my mistakes.
Develop and test the workflow
The fun and surprisingly easy part come next as long as you've done the work ahead of time. Set up the workflow and approvals, timelines, and automation. Once completed, test it yourself, so you know it works. Keep your workflow simple by keeping the number of steps to a minimum. If you have a long workflow, break it down into smaller workflows.
About the author:
Sarah is an Online Business Manager specializing in systems setup and social media management to save wedding pros and creatives time. She has a post-graduate degree in Corporate Communications and is a former event planner. When not working, she can be found spending time with family, enjoying coffee, travelling, or working out at the gym. Follow her on Instagram @itssocialsarah.