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		How to Create a workflow to start automating some of your tasks.
Create a workflow to start automating some of your tasks
To create your first task automation workflow, you will identify repetitive tasks, map the process, select the right tools, and begin with a simple automation. A thoughtful approach ensures your automated system supports your goals, rather than magnifying existing inefficiencies. 
Step 1: Identify and prioritize tasks
Start by identifying what you do frequently that can be automated, focusing on tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, and rules-based. 
Look for automation candidates: 
- Repetitive tasks: Think about tasks you perform daily or weekly, such as copying data between spreadsheets or sending standard follow-up emails.
- Time-sensitive assignments: Consider tasks that have tight deadlines and require immediate action.
- High volume and large datasets: This applies to data entry or reporting tasks involving a lot of information.
- Error-prone tasks: Identify areas where manual input can lead to human error, such as invoicing or gathering data for reports.
- Process-level opportunities: Look for inefficiencies that involve multiple people or require moving information between apps.
Don’t automate everything at once: To get started, choose one or two simple tasks. The goal is to see a quick win and understand the process before tackling more complex projects. 
Step 2: Map your workflow
Before you can automate a process, you need to understand every step of the manual version. This helps you identify bottlenecks and determine where automation can be most effective. 
- Document every step: For your chosen task, write down every action taken. Include who is involved, what tools are used, and the average time each step takes.
- Use a visual diagram: Use a flowchart or a simple list to map the current process. This helps you and your team visualize the workflow and see the big picture.
- Find the trigger and actions: An automation has a trigger (the event that starts the workflow) and actions (the steps the automation will perform).
- Example for automating lead outreach:
- Trigger: A new lead is added to your sales spreadsheet.
- Action 1: Create a new contact in your CRM.
- Action 2: Send a personalized introduction email to the lead.
- Action 3: Send a notification to the sales team on Slack.
 
 
- Example for automating lead outreach:
Step 3: Choose your automation tool
For beginners, it’s best to start with a user-friendly tool that doesn’t require coding knowledge. 
Popular no-code platforms: 
- Zapier: A very popular tool for connecting thousands of different apps to automate workflows.
- Microsoft Power Automate: A good choice for those already working within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
- IFTTT (If This Then That): Well-suited for simple personal automations.
- Trello or Asana: Project management tools with built-in automation features for reminders and task assignment.
Step 4: Build and test the automation
Once you have your task and tool, you can set up the automation.
- Set up the trigger and actions: In your chosen tool, select the trigger event and the subsequent actions.
- Test in a controlled environment: Before going live, run a pilot test with a single task to make sure the process works as expected.
- Check for errors: Be aware of common pitfalls, such as misconfigured steps that could send a wrong email or update the wrong data.
- Involve your team: If this is a shared workflow, make sure everyone who uses it is trained on the new process.
Step 5: Refine and optimize
Automation is an ongoing process. You can use data to measure the automation’s impact and identify areas for improvement. 
- Monitor the results: Track key metrics, such as time saved or reduction in errors.
- Get feedback: Ask for feedback from your team on how the new workflow is working.
- Adjust as needed: Be prepared to make tweaks as you discover new efficiencies or as your needs change