Copy and use
Free checklists and templates.
One manual process at a time. Copy any of these and use it this week. No new software needed.
01
The 10-second test.
Does it only get done when someone remembers? Does it stall when that person is out? Does it go a little differently every time? Any yes means it's a manual process. Nothing wrong with that. It's where most businesses start. Pick the one that failed. This week, write its steps on one page, with a day and a name next to each step.
02
One page per process.
Write its steps on one page, hand the page to someone, watch them do it once, and fix the step where they got stuck.
03
Three questions to ask before you automate anything.
1. Does it happen the same way every time? 2. Who notices when it doesn't happen? 3. What does "done" look like? If the answers are fuzzy, the first job isn't automation. It's getting the process clear enough to hand to a system.
04
Missed a call after 5pm? Send this.
Hi, this is [name] from [shop]. Sorry we missed you. What's going on, and when's a good time to call back?
Save it as a text shortcut on the office phone, so whoever locks up can send it.
05
Quote follow-up, by hand.
When a quote goes out, put two reminders in your calendar: day 2, send a short text check-in. Day 5, a short email. If they answer, a person takes it from there.
06
The review text, for every customer.
Text every customer the day the job is done. Something like: "Thanks for having us out today. Would you leave us a quick Google review? [your review link]" Send one reminder a few days later if they don't. Ask every customer the same way. Google's review policy doesn't allow asking only the happy ones (Google Maps User Generated Content Policy, Prohibited & restricted content).
07
Three fixes for a hand-built Monday report.
1. One category list for every store. Same names, spelled the same way, in the same order. 2. Every store exports at the same time, in the same format. 3. Write the steps on one page, so the report doesn't live in one person's head. Start with number 1.
08
The same customer questions, all day.
List the 10 questions your staff hear most. Put your approved answers on your site and in saved replies every store uses.
09
Get your rules out of the group chat.
Keep the current version in one shared doc. Post the link, not the rule. Ask each store lead to reply "read", and follow up with anyone who doesn't.
10
Are your hours the same everywhere?
Pick one store tonight. Check its hours on Google, on Maps and on your own site. Do all three match? If they don't match, fix your Google Business Profile first (it feeds Search and Maps), then your site. Then set a reminder before every holiday.
11
Does each store show up?
1. Stand outside each store and search "dispensary near me". Does that store come up? 2. Ask ChatGPT the same question. Does it name you? 3. Note which stores are missing. Those are your first fixes.
Nobody can promise the top spot.
Your week
Want one built for your business?
Bring the one process that failed this week.