Workflow automation software should make work easier, not more complicated. It should enhance the customer experience, not degrade it. That’s what we mean by using automation for ‘good not evil’, and that’s why we put together this guide to help you understand what workflow automation does, why it matters, and how to pick the right solution for your business.
What is workflow automation?
Workflow automation software handles all the little things so you can focus on what matters most. Think of it as the grease that makes the wheels of your business turn quickly and smoothly.
With the right workflow automation software, you can automate repetitive tasks to streamline productivity and increase operational excellence. Why agonize over the perfect phrasing when you could select from a library of templates to send personalized emails to your best prospects? Why pester a group of colleagues to get together when workflow automation software could find the perfect meeting time for everyone?
From easy scheduling to email tracking, workflow automation software makes work better. All the little tasks that steal your productivity vanish, leaving you and your teams free to market, sell, recruit, and collaborate faster and more effectively.
Workflow automation software isn’t about what computers can do — it’s about what you can accomplish when better tools empower you to focus on what you do best.
Who needs workflow automation software?
The better question is, who doesn’t? From salespeople and account managers to recruiters, everyone can lean on workflow automation to do more in less time, be more effective and provide a great customer experience.
Salespeople, for example, must manage client relationships, book meetings, and update CRM information without missing a beat. One bad connection could lose a valuable deal, so salespeople can’t afford to let human error get in the way. Workflow automation software ensures salespeople always send effective emails to the right people, schedule more meaningful meetings, and keep CRM data updated.
Recruiters and salespeople have different needs, but both benefit from smarter workflows. Just as salespeople must appeal to prospective buyers, recruiters must woo prospective candidates to convince them to join the team. From well-timed follow-ups to cold email templates, workflow automation takes the guesswork out of recruiting and helps HR departments land more of their target employees.
Business owners tend to be busy people, which means they need workflow automation tools more than most. Smart software can embed presentations to make communication with investors and clients easier than ever. Simple meeting solutions keep everyone informed and on track. With delayed sending options, entrepreneurs can design pitches and responses, then schedule communications for maximum impact.
Not even the best business owners and sales teams can succeed for long without smart customer success reps pulling their weight, though. Email templates and easy scheduling tools help customer service agents, too, but frontline workers also benefit from call scheduling software and check-in reminders. Workflow automation tools ensure no customer ever feels neglected. To solicit feedback, customer success teams can also use workflow automation software to send instant polls and surveys, capturing data in the moment to help the company optimize the customer experience.
Everyone from the biggest boss to the greenest recruit can do more with workflow automation. Companies without it can’t succeed against smarter, more streamlined competition. If you’re ready to sell more, recruit better candidates, increase customer satisfaction, and grow your business the right way, you need workflow automation — but before you go out and buy new tools, you must set the stage for success.
How to prepare your business for workflow automation.
Today, a person with a smartphone can do just about anything. Give a caveman the same tool, and he will quickly discard the technological marvel that can’t help him chisel stone.
No matter how smart your tools, they won’t do you any good if you don’t know what to do with them. Prepare your business to make the most of workflow automation by following a few simple tips:
- Put your people first. Software augments human capabilities, but it can’t replace a good team. Talk to your salespeople, marketers, recruiters, and customer service representatives to learn about the tasks that frustrate them the most. Then, look for software that solves the problems your team experiences without sacrificing your customer experience.
- Consider your existing infrastructure. If you do all your business on Apple products, you probably shouldn’t invest in a workflow automation tool that would force you to switch to Windows. Workflow applications that take months to implement or require a steep learning curve aren’t worth it. Before you buy, check that the solution you’re considering integrates seamlessly with your current toolset. The chances of a successful implementation increase greatly if the tool in question fits well with the applications they already use.
- Consider your existing infrastructure. If you do all your business on Apple products, you probably shouldn’t invest in a workflow automation tool that would force you to switch to Windows. Workflow applications that take months to implement or require a steep learning curve aren’t worth it. Before you buy, check that the solution you’re considering integrates seamlessly with your current toolset. The chances of a successful implementation increase greatly if the tool in question fits well with the applications they already use.
- Lead the charge for adoption. People don’t always adapt quickly. As you implement a workflow automation solution, be the biggest supporter of the change. Show people how much better their jobs will be with the new tools at their disposal. Great workflow automation tools don’t have high learning curves, but if leaders don’t set the example, the rest of the team won’t buy in.
- Keep looking for opportunities to improve. Once your team adopts and loves the new workflow automation solution, keep looking for areas to improve. Where else could you streamline your processes? Which other teams could use a little automated help to improve productivity? Get creative with your ideas to help everyone at your company do more.
Eager to see what workflow automation software could do for you? Whether you’re just curious or fully committed, Mixmax can help you learn more about the world of workflow automation. Schedule a demo today to see what you’ve been missing.
