Business Automation for Beginners: Day 1
18 Nov 2025
Level: Beginner
An accessible introduction to identifying everyday inefficiencies and applying simple digital tools to reclaim time and reduce errors.
This beginner-friendly workshop helps you feel more confident using everyday digital platforms like Google Docs, Trello, and Asana. You’ll learn how to map out tasks, reduce repetition, and set up basic workflows, even if you’re brand new to tech. Perfect for those looking to replace paperwork with simple, time-saving solutions.
Core Topics:
- What is Business Automation? Plain English intro: from spreadsheets to smart workflows. What counts as automation?
- Digital Health Check: Identifying repetitive tasks, communication gaps, and process bottlenecks.
- Workflow Mapping 101: Visualising how things get done in your business (and spotting where you’re wasting time).
- Basic Scheduling for businesses: Email scheduling, appointment set up on Google Calendar and Calendly. Email automation
- Tool Introductions: Live demos of Trello (task boards), Asana (project planning, product dev & sprint), Google Workspace (automation tricks), and Zapier (connecting apps easily).
- Quick Wins: Setting up a recurring checklist, automated task assignment, or email trigger, no coding required.
Takeaways:
- ‘Automation Planner’ worksheet (workflow mapping + priority score)
- Comparison table of free tools
- Beginner Zapier recipe handout (e.g. “when I get a form response, create a task”)
This workshop is suitable for beginners, and will be followed up by an intermediate workshop in January.
When: Thursday 13 November, 10am – 4pm (Full Day Workshop)
Where: Co-Lab Harrogate – Entrance 3, Convention Centre, King’s Road, Harrogate, HG1 5NX