Why you should start implementing automation as soon as you can in your service-based business

Are you grappling with your email marketing, course platforms and all that juicy admin that comes with running a service-based business?

I hear you! So many of my clients come to me frustrated that they’re spending all their time and energy on tasks that are way outside their zone of interest and their zone of genius. And I’m pretty sure you didn’t start your business for the admin, am I right?

The sigh-of-relief good news is that those repetitive admin tasks can be simplified, so you can work smarter, not harder!

How? Through automation.

What is business automation and does it work for service providers?

There are many repetitive tasks that come with running a service-based business, such as sending email newsletters and invoices, scheduling client appointments, onboarding and offboarding clients…the list goes on.

For each of these tasks, you’ll often take the same set of steps for each person you work with.

If you’re currently doing these tasks manually, not only is it a tad boring for you (and not the best use of your time), but these tasks can also be automated using business systems, such as Dubsado, Zapier, and Acuity Scheduling…to name a few. These systems can save you hours each week, and they help to create a seamless and unforgettable client experience.

If tech is not your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get your business automations set up without the headaches of learning yet another system. More on that later.

The benefits of business automation for service providers

As a service provider, client experience matters. By automating certain tasks, you can create a smooth and seamless client experience that still feels personable and welcoming.

Automation also frees up more time for you to focus on the most important aspects of your work – delivering impactful client sessions and focusing on your work-life balance.

Here are some other ways that automation can help your business

Improved efficiency – automating administrative tasks, such as your appointment scheduling and invoicing, can save you hours each week
Increased scalability – by automating certain processes, you free up time to work with more clients or to build courses that help you to reach even more people
Better client relationships – with thoughtful automations, you can stay in touch with your clients and your community, and deliver a consistent and personalised experience, leading to stronger relationships over time
Improved workload management and work-life balance – you don’t have to juggle all the roles of business ownership alone. Let automations take care of the day-to-day tasks
Reduced errors and more accurate data – through automation, you can access valuable data and insights that can inform future decisions in your business.

When to implement automation into your service-based business

Implementing automation into your business sooner rather than later will save you immensely down the track. While there may be an initial cost to get everything set up and running smoothly, future you will thank you for doing this from the start.

In the early days of your business, you often have more time to play with. Too often, I speak with stressed-out business owners who have waited to implement automation until they’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed by trying to keep up with everything – and now that the work is rolling in, they don’t have the time to sort out their processes.

That’s why I always advocate for building in your systems as soon as you can, so they are there supporting you as you grow and scale.

With plenty of free or low-cost platforms out there too, budget doesn’t need to be a barrier to having the support that automation can give you.

Be supported to automate your business processes

If technology isn’t your strong suit, an online business systems expert can set you up with the right tools and automations for your business.

As the saying goes, time really is money, so if you’re finding yourself pouring hours into figuring out the nitty-gritty of automating your workflows, it’s time to chat to someone who can set it all up in a fraction of the time.

As an online business systems specialist, this is what I do day in and day out – and it’s what I love! This means I can have your systems up and running quickly, while also keeping it affordable for small business owners.

So, if you’re ready to implement automation into your business, and would like support from a Systems Specialist, book a clarity call with me (Sophie) today.

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