We all know that time is money and I often speak about not using a TIME = MONEY business model. But we all still only have a limited amount of time in a day.
So as a small business owner or entrepreneur it is best to automate and streamline as many processes as possible, that way your time and the people of the time you hire can be spent doing the really important work.
So what do I like to use in my business?
I have 3 platforms I use (others are available that do the same things) and I am not sponsored in any way by these platforms.
- Buffer – This is used to schedule and post to your social media accounts – I have linked my Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin accounts up and can schedule 10 posts per platform in the free version. This means I can set up all my social media posts in advance making sure I show up consistently for my audience. Why is this important? – By showing up consistently on social media you build an audience that trusts you and remembers you. When you show up randomly with no pattern it is hard for people to follow along.
- Mailchimp – A good Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) is vital for any small business. You want to be able to sell in warm leads, then you need a mailing list. And Mailchimp is the platform I use for this. It gives me the ability to create opt-in pages (GDPR correct), sends out an automated email sequence that helps new subscribers get to know me and then gives me a way to continue to interact with these people. Why is this important? Being able to automate a mailer sequence that brings customers on a journey from not know you, to trusting you and buying from you, is the way your business will be able to grow without you putting in my time. You put in the quality time up front to make your life easier in the long run!
- Calendly – This is a scheduling tool – I was only recently started using this tool, but I love it already. You can put a link into your emails, social media post, or on your website, and clients can book and pay for your 1:1 session upfront. Why is this important? So many of my clients lose hours a week scheduling and rescheduling meetings, the back and forth email tennis to try to get a time that suits can be painful for the customer and yourself. So why not create a simple way for this to be handled! Again giving the best customer experience but taking yourself out of the mundane process elements. It is a win-win
Remember the key is to work smart not harder – we want to reduce the hours, but increase the income. By doing that we are creating a sustainable business that can grow, employ others, and help us create the life we always wanted to live. But best of all we can consistently show up and serve our customers to the highest standard every time we have an interaction with them.
What platforms do you use that make your life as a small business easy?