It’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed and stretched thin by the minutiae of operating a successful business. There’s a lot that goes into it beyond the actual craft and, as creatives, we typically don’t find administrative tasks to be fun or rewarding. Does anybody really want to stare at numbers to balance the books? (Yes, they are called accountants!)
In a perfect world, all of that would be taken care of, and our schedules would be entirely devoted to the work that brought us into business in the first place. However, it's not always that simple. Whether your passion lies in floral arrangements, calligraphy, graphic design, or beyond, you do still need to ensure - your finances are solvent; marketing efforts are reaching the right people, clients' needs are being met, invoices are going out, meetings are booked, and so on.
Fortunately, technology has ushered in a new era for automated business tools, and this shift has made all the difference in how creatives spend their time. The simple automation tools that follow can streamline your workflow and give you back valuable time in your schedule to spend where it matters.
Appointments
Apps to consider: Calendly, TimeTrade, Acuity Scheduling, Doodle
It’s one thing if your time is spent in appointments, but it’s entirely another if you’re spending your time making appointments. Skip the drawn-out email chain and use one of these tools to allow prospects and clients to book their appointments directly, based on what your calendar looks like at any given time.
E-Signatures
Apps to consider: DocuSign, SignNow, HelloSign
When you’re eager to get a contract finalized and get to work, e-signature tools can be your best friend. Not only does this ensure a quicker return, but you’re also simplifying the process for your clients who no longer need to print, sign, scan, and send it back. They can do everything from their computer or smartphone — it really doesn’t get easier than that.
Client Management
Apps to Consider: Honeybook, 17Hats, Dubsado, Aisle Planner
Your client experience defines the success of your business, and today's clients expect simplicity on their end. There are many CRM tools available, including some that are specific to creatives and event professionals, that can automate the process of submitting proposals, sending contracts, receiving payments, sending reminder emails, and more.
Client Intake Forms
Apps to consider: Honeybook, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Wufoo
When you get a new client, you naturally want to know more about them, their needs, and their expectations. Instead of doing a discovery call with every single client, start with an online questionnaire that they can fill out on their own time. Then, you can always schedule a follow-up call to discuss their responses and how you see their project playing out.
Invoicing and Finances
Apps to consider: Honeybook, QuickBooks, FreshBooks
Unless you're an accountant, bookkeeping probably isn't your favorite thing. Using accounting software to streamline your invoicing process and receiving payments will not only take work off your plate — it will also make your life much easier when it comes time to file your taxes, and everything is already in place.
Social Media
Apps to consider: Tailwind, HootSuite, Planoly, Later, Buffer
Some people enjoy social media, and others can't stand it, yet everyone can agree on one thing: it's a time-consuming process! If you're ready to take that extra responsibility off your plate, consider using a scheduling app to automate your social media posts. Sure, you still have to write and create the posts — but, with an app, you can set aside a couple of hours each month to batch schedule instead of scrambling to post something relevant each day.
Of course, every business has unique needs, so take some time to consider the spaces you think automation will help save you time. The tools mentioned above are simply suggestions with a few of my favorites sprinkled in, but there are countless other digital solutions online to suit any of your needs. Additionally, some tools are all-in-one platforms that can automate multiple things for you. Simply put, do your research and test a few program trials before settling on the best fit.
Jennifer Taylor is the owner and founder of Taylor’d Event Group, a leading event planning company that serves local and destination clients in Washington State and Maui, HI. She is also the principal of Jen Taylor Consulting, a consulting firm that works with creative businesses of all sizes to implement streamlined workflows and organized systems to find more time and space for business growth and personal development.