Using tech to tame tech overwhelm bu Jo Gifford www.dexterousdiva.co.uk

1. {Using Tech To Reduce Tech Overwhelm}
on Prowess
Jo Gifford
@dexdiva
www.dexterousdiva.co.uk

2. From social media updates and interactions to emails, blogging and newsletters, the tendency
to feel overwhelmed by technology is common.
Using tech to fight tech overwhelm may feel counter intuitive. However, there are many ways
to set up smart workflows and systems to reduce the need to “step into” the constant
distractions. By creating smarter workflows and eliminating the repetitive tasks, you can
focus on a far more productive working day.

3. 1.
Automate social media updates

4. Social media is a common area which small businesses struggle to find time for. It can also be as
source of distraction and procrastination for many.
Use a social media scheduling tool such as Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule posts throughout the
day or week. Jump in from time to time for live updates, but make sure the “backbone” of your content
sharing is covered.
If you feel overwhelmed by material to share, try using Pocket. I have set up a system in IFTTT
whereby favourite tweets get sent straight to my Pocket app. In turn, when an article on Pocket is
favourited, it is automatically shared again to my Buffer account.
By avoiding the time needed to stay on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus, I am able to find great,
relevant content to share without getting distracted.

5. 2.
Set-up automated systems to
deal with common scenarios

6. Everyday transactions or common scenarios are great examples of actions which would
benefit from a tech automation.
For example, the process of booking a free consultation can be automated by using an
email service such as Mailchimp and Schedule Once. The whole client experience
from the website enquiry to booking a session can then be managed remotely and
automatically without needing input from you at all.
Similarly, set up automated emails for common enquiries. In Gmail, Canned
Responses are great for emails that require similar replies, and canned responses can
also be set up to automatically trigger according to criteria such as subject line and
sender.

7. 3.
Match your brain waves with tech

8. Our brains work most efficiently in “the zone”; this mode of working can be aided by
listening to alpha wave inducing sounds from Focus At Will or Coffitivity ( I am
writing this article now with both of them in tandem!).
Match your ambience for productivity with a timed app to emulate the Pomodoro
technique, timed working for optimum productivity. Chrome plugins such as
Pomodoro Me or web based versions work really well.
Tech can also buy us some distraction-free time to work in. Hush for Mac silences email
and social media alerts for a specified time to allow for distraction free chunks of working
time.

9. 4.
Resources to aid automation

10. Mailchimp and Aweber
IFTTT.com and Zapier
Gmail
Pocket
Buffer

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directly to your inbox}
For more on workflow, tips, tricks and hacks to
stay productive & creative visit
www.dexterousdiva.co.uk