Overwhelmed to Optimized: The Benefits of Business Automation

Overwhelmed to Optimized: The Benefits of Business Automation

Core Principles
November 04, 2024•4 min read

In the fast-paced world of business, the line between success and stress often hinges on how efficiently you manage your daily operations. As business owners, we constantly juggle tasks, from emails and order tracking to client follow-ups and social media management. The solution that bridges the gap between productivity and chaos? Automation. In this blog, we'll explore how automating key parts of your business can transform your workflow, free up valuable time, and ultimately, lead to a more profitable and enjoyable work experience. I’ll share my own journey, lessons learned, and practical tips for those hesitant to take the leap.

The Struggles Before Automation

Reflecting on my time in the corporate world, I faced a seemingly endless flood of emails daily. It was challenging to stay organized and manage my workload without constantly jumping from one urgent task to another. The breakthrough came when I set up rules and automation to sort incoming emails into specific folders based on keywords or senders. Suddenly, I could tackle one aspect of my job at a time without the mental strain of constant interruptions.

Starting my own business presented a new wave of challenges. I wore many hats, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of daily tasks. The moment I discovered the power of scheduling social media posts a week in advance and automating emails for my subscribers, everything changed. This small shift allowed me to dedicate focused time to content creation and communication, instead of playing a never-ending game of catch-up.

Real-Life Example: Saving Time and Resources

One of the most impactful automations I set up in a previous role involved streamlining the order placement process. Each week, I placed hundreds of orders and had to monitor confirmations to ensure the delivery dates aligned with expectations. Initially, this meant manually sorting through stacks of paperwork and repeatedly searching digital records—an incredibly time-consuming process. By designing a simple, automated spreadsheet that listed all outstanding orders and updated them as confirmations came in, I was able to visualize pending tasks instantly. The result? I reclaimed hours of valuable time each week that could be redirected toward strategic activities.

Advice for Business Owners: Start Small

If you’re a small business owner hesitating to embrace automation because of perceived complexity or costs, my advice is simple: start small. Pick one or two routine tasks that consume significant time and look for ways to automate them. It could be as straightforward as scheduling social media posts or setting up automated email responses for FAQs. You don’t have to automate everything at once; prioritize what will create the most immediate impact on your day-to-day operations.

The Benefits of Automation: More Than Just Productivity

The greatest benefit I’ve experienced from automating parts of my business isn’t just the time saved; it’s the peace of mind. Knowing that certain tasks are set up and running allows me to plan my day more effectively. I can block out time for specific projects, knowing I’m not missing important follow-ups or scrambling to maintain social media engagement. This shift has reduced stress and brought a sense of control and focus to my workday.

Tools That Made a Difference

In my current business, I use a CRM system that’s been a game changer. It allows me to schedule emails, plan out social media posts, and send automatic responses when needed. The CRM helps me track leads and current clients, centralizing information so I’m not jumping between various platforms. Having all these tools in one place has been crucial for streamlining my operations and maintaining consistent communication with clients.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Automation

Automating parts of your business is more than just a time-saver; it’s an investment in your mental clarity and productivity. By integrating automation into your daily operations, you free up time to focus on strategic growth, nurture client relationships, and enjoy a more balanced approach to your work. So start small, make thoughtful adjustments, and watch how automation can transform the way you do business—from overwhelmed to optimized.

By sharing these stories and insights, I hope to inspire other business owners to explore the transformative potential of automation. It may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it’s a step that pays off in both time and peace of mind.

With over 15 years of experience in supply chain management, I have worked with businesses ranging from $8 million to over $1 billion in revenue. My roles as a project manager, procurement analyst, and operations manager have equipped me with a diverse skill set. I have successfully led multiple $5-10 million new product launches and innovation projects, and have worked strategically with major companies such as Walmart and Chewy. My holistic approach has resulted in results such as the following: reducing inventory by more than 70% in under two years, and cutting down out-of-stocks and order lead times by over 75% within six months. Growing up in various small towns in the Midwest, I got the opportunity to try many different things while growing appreciation for what small businesses bring to communities. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Administration, which laid the foundation for my career. My ability to see the big picture in processes and my love for challenges have been instrumental in my success. Outside of work, I enjoy playing guitar and singing, hanging out with my animals at my "funny farm", and spending quality time with my two boys, family, and friends. My hobbies reflect my dynamic personality and my zest for life. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to help businesses optimize their inventory, increase cash flow, and build confidence in their business knowledge. Whether it's through my professional endeavors or personal interests, I am always on the lookout for the next challenge to conquer.

Kelsie Garrett

With over 15 years of experience in supply chain management, I have worked with businesses ranging from $8 million to over $1 billion in revenue. My roles as a project manager, procurement analyst, and operations manager have equipped me with a diverse skill set. I have successfully led multiple $5-10 million new product launches and innovation projects, and have worked strategically with major companies such as Walmart and Chewy. My holistic approach has resulted in results such as the following: reducing inventory by more than 70% in under two years, and cutting down out-of-stocks and order lead times by over 75% within six months. Growing up in various small towns in the Midwest, I got the opportunity to try many different things while growing appreciation for what small businesses bring to communities. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Administration, which laid the foundation for my career. My ability to see the big picture in processes and my love for challenges have been instrumental in my success. Outside of work, I enjoy playing guitar and singing, hanging out with my animals at my "funny farm", and spending quality time with my two boys, family, and friends. My hobbies reflect my dynamic personality and my zest for life. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to help businesses optimize their inventory, increase cash flow, and build confidence in their business knowledge. Whether it's through my professional endeavors or personal interests, I am always on the lookout for the next challenge to conquer.

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