Your Business is NOT Too Custom to Automate

We’ve all been victims of bad automation (I’m looking at you, online helper bots that never understand my questions), so it’s doesn’t surprise me if you’re wary of automating your business. Especially if you’re in the wedding industry which is all about personalizing and customizing every detail. But I’m here to say that even if your work is custom, your business is not too custom to automate!

A custom PRODUCT doesn’t equal a custom PROCESS

When someone says to me, “I have a custom process for every client, I can’t automate it!” what they usually mean is they deliver a custom product. What’s the difference?

The process is the overall journey that you take each client through. It includes every step from the emails you send, the information you request, the payment plans you use, what booking and onboarding looks like, etc.

If your process is truly unique for each of your clients, then my question to you is: WHY???? I hate to say it, but if you are re-writing the roadmap for what it looks like to work with you with every new client… that’s not a sustainable business model.

But usually what they really mean is that the product or service they provide is custom. That is totally normal!

Maybe you’re a wedding cake designer (like I was!) – every client gets a custom design just for them. Maybe you’re a florist – each bride has their own special mix of florals, unique custom installs, etc.

Of course, I have my own “custom business” (which of course I automate) where I’ve designed over 300 workflows for wedding vendors and creatives, and none of them have been copy-pasted. Yet my process is consistent, leaving lots of room for automation that saves me tons of time that I can use to focus on the pieces of my process that do need my personal attention!

Even though no two clients get the exact same end product, the steps you walk your client through to get there should be the same. The steps are what you can automate!

So I CAN automate my wedding business. Why would I want to?

1. Because automating your process saves you time

I mean, it’s a no-brainer. Think of all the time and mental energy you’ll save when simple tasks aren’t even on your radar anymore! You can use that time to serve your clients better, or take on additional clients and increase your revenue, or just have some time off for a change.

2. Because it provides a better experience for your clients

The counterintuitive thing about automating your process is that it can create a better, more personal experience for your clients.

Automation allows you to provide a consistent “best case scenario” experience to every one of your clients. When you’re doing everything manually, your clients don’t necessarily get the best experience; they get the experience that you have the energy and capacity to give them in that moment. Plus, they’re constantly waiting on you to take the next step forward in their journey. With awesome systems and automation in place, your clients will get your absolute best even when you’re elbows-deep in buttercream, setting up for a wedding, or just taking the day off (because now you can!).

And you don’t have to sacrifice the personal. For example, emails that are written in your voice, with your passion and enthusiasm, will feel personal to your clients – even if they weren’t written in the exact moment prior to being sent.

3. Because automating your process might mean you can raise your prices

“Wait, so I’m saving time, doing less, AND I get to raise my prices?!” Yea! Remember, your price should not be about how much time you spend – it’s about the value you provide. If you’re providing a better client experience with more touch points, more personalization – that’s a more valuable service that deserves to be priced accordingly.

4. Because nailing your process down positions you to grow and scale

Solid systems and automation allow you to grow in a couple of ways. First, it frees up a bunch of time that you can use to take on additional clients and make more money.

It also lays the groundwork for outsourcing down the road. Once you have a solid process documented and followed for each client, it’s very simple to transition to outsourcing some of those steps to someone else.

But wait, there really are steps in my process that I can’t fully automate! What then?

There may be certain points in your process where it’s necessary to “pause” the automation. For example, if you send custom quotes, you will need time to prepare the quote and update your proposal before it sends out. That’s totally fine; however, I’d challenge you to be honest with yourself as you think through which steps need your approval. Allowing too many will undermine the purpose of the automation.

How do I get this amazing automation for my business?

My favorite client management system and automation tool is Dubsado! I use it every day in my business, and here’s 7 reasons you’ll love Dubsado as a wedding pro, too. If you decide to check it out for yourself, be sure to use my 30% discount code (HEATHERGAGNON).

Already using Dubsado but need help getting set up? I offer Workflow Strategy Sessions for DIYers or a white glove Full Setup. Find more info here.