People are always wanting the sure thing investment. Unfortunately, in the stock market, there is no such thing, but what about investing in your own productivity? Now there’s a way to get a sure-fire return.
This week, I welcome guest blogger Arielle Minicozzi. Even though I hate learning to use new technology, Arielle recently helped me with some automation in my practice. It’s the best gift I’ve given myself in a long time!
Kristi: What are your favorite tools to increase workplace productivity?
Arielle: The best productivity booster is my appointment scheduling tool. I use a program called Calendly, which allows contacts to schedule calls directly from my website or email. It saves so much time for both parties.
Another favorite is MailChimp. Instead of retyping the same email over and over, I can just schedule messages to send automatically once certain events occur.
Kristi: How can process mapping (or workflow illustrations or whatever you like to call it) help us be more successful in our business and even life?
Arielle: Process mapping is important because it forces you to hone in on what is important to you and your clients and why, and really consider whether you do an activity out of habit or necessity. It also allows you to identify gaps and obstacles in your existing process so you can address them before they become systemic issues.
Kristi: What is the major hurdle for people to create more automated work flow? How would you suggest we get over it? What are the benefits?
Arielle: The main hurdle for people to create a more automated workflow is fear of the unknown. If you’ve always considered yourself to be a technologically challenged person, that doubt will likely prevent you from exploring options that would otherwise be extremely helpful. Like with any doubt, the best thing to do is to jump in and try it out. Most programs offer free trials and others offer ongoing free access to lite versions of the program.
The benefit of automation is an enormous recovery of time and energy. If you don’t have to think about what to do next, you’re less likely to become distracted or frustrated. That frees up time to use for other, more important things like helping clients or relaxing. Even if your workflow isn’t fully automated, just taking that first step of setting up a scheduling application can open up a world of possibility.
Kristi: Thank you Arielle, for your inspiring ideas! For more information or to hire Arielle yourself, see her bio below:
Arielle Minicozzi worked six years in the mortgage industry and became a CFP® certificant before starting Sphynx Financial Planning in 2017. She has a passion for teaching millennials how to become financially free and also enjoys helping other financial planners refine their workflows and automate their processes. You can check out the company’s website at www.sphynxfinancial.com or book an appointment at www.calendly.com/sphynxautomation.
