How to Save 10+ Hours a Week with Smart Workflow Automation

By: Kathy Kent Toney, CEO & Founder, Kent Solutions

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Ever feel like your to-do list is running your life instead of the other way around? I know it feels that way to me at times, so you're not alone!

Most small and mid-sized business owners find themselves trapped in a cycle of repetitive tasks, consuming up to 30% of their week. The liberating news is that smart workflow automation can free you from this cycle, giving you back at least 10 hours a week, and empowering you to be more efficient and productive.

Here's how you can make that happen:

1. Automate Your Lead Follow-Ups

Stop manually sending those 'Just checking in!' emails. With automated workflows, you can create a series of personalized follow-ups triggered by your prospect's behavior—whether they opened an email, clicked a link, or booked a call. This is done by setting up rules in your automation tool that define the conditions for each follow-up, making the process seamless and efficient.

With automated workflows, you can nurture leads consistently without lifting a finger, giving you peace of mind.

2. Streamline Appointment Scheduling

Still, playing email tag to set up meetings? This used to be one of my most despised tasks. but not any more! Like me, you can integrate an online booking tool that syncs with your calendar, automatically sends reminders, and collects pre-call information. You'll eliminate back-and-forth and reduce no-shows—saving you precious hours each week and providing a sense of relief. I know it did for me!

3. Automate Client Onboarding

Onboarding new clients shouldn't feel like recreating the wheel every time.

Use an automated sequence, which is a predefined series of actions that are automatically triggered in response to a specific event, to send contracts, welcome emails, questionnaires, and next steps without manual work. An innovative onboarding workflow can easily save 2–3 hours per client.

4. Simplify Marketing Campaigns

Instead of manually creating emails, social posts, and reminders for every campaign, build automated campaigns that automatically launch and nurture prospects across email, SMS, and social media.
Bonus: You stay top of mind without being chained to your desk.

5. Use Task and Project Automation

Tools like automated task assignments, such as assigning a follow-up call to a specific team member, reminders, like reminding you of an upcoming deadline, and internal notifications, such as notifying the team of completed tasks, keep your projects moving without constant check-ins.

It's like having an extra project manager you don't have to hire—or train.

Ready to Work Smarter, Not Harder?

Imagine what you could do with 10+ extra hours a week—grow your business, connect with more clients, or even breathe a little easier.

Want even more powerful strategies?

I've created the 2025 Marketing Automation Trends Report for people like you who want insider insight into the newest tools to improve their workflow (and results).

Intrigued?
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​Then download the 2025 Marketing Automation Trends Report now!

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