The Automate PER Task Framework: A Podcaster’s Guide to Focused Productivity
As a busy podcaster, you’re constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks on your plate. But what if I told you there’s a way to streamline your workflow and focus on the tasks that truly matter?
I was thinking through this very issue when I cam up with the Automate PER Task Framework – a simple yet powerful approach to help you identify which tasks you should keep, delegate, or automate.
Interested in the video? Here’s me breaking it down:
P – Perform
The first step is to perform the task while documenting every step. This serves two crucial purposes:
1. It creates a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for you, ensuring consistency even if you continue doing the task yourself.
2. It provides a resource for others if you decide to delegate the task.
As you perform the task, ask yourself:
– What are the inputs required?
– What is the expected output?
Understanding these elements will be crucial for the next step.
E – Evaluate
Now comes the critical part – evaluation. This is where you’ll determine whether a task should remain on your plate or be moved elsewhere. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need to do this task? Consider whether you’re the only person who can perform this task. For example, you’re the only person who can host your podcast. However, tasks like scheduling guests or publishing episodes to your website could potentially be handled by someone else.
- Are the inputs and outputs clear? If you can clearly define what goes into a task and what the end result should look like, it might be a candidate for automation or delegation to a virtual assistant or intern.
- Can another person or a computer do it? With clear inputs and outputs, you might be able to automate the task using tools like Make or Zapier, or assign it to someone else.
- Do you want to do it? This is where personal preference comes into play. While it shouldn’t be the primary factor, it’s worth considering. If a task brings you joy or allows you to be more creative, it might be worth keeping on your plate, even if it could be delegated.
R – Remove
The final step is to remove tasks from your list that don’t meet the criteria for you to personally handle. This could mean:
- Delegating to another person
- Automating with software
- Eliminating the task altogether if it’s not essential
By going through this process for each task in your workflow, you’ll end up with a streamlined list of responsibilities for you to perform — and ample time to perform them.
Now You can Automate PER Task
The Automate PER Task Framework empowers you to make informed decisions about your workload. Here’s how to implement it:
1. List all your tasks: Start by creating a comprehensive list of everything you do in your business.
2. Apply the framework: Go through each task, performing, evaluating, and deciding whether to remove it from your plate.
3. Create SOPs: For tasks you’re keeping or delegating, ensure you have clear SOPs in place.
4. Set up automation: For tasks that can be automated, invest time in setting up the necessary tools and workflows.
5. Train your team: If you’re delegating tasks, take the time to properly train your team members or virtual assistants.
6. Regular review: Revisit this process periodically to ensure your workflow remains optimized as your business evolves.
By implementing this framework, you’ll free up valuable time to focus on the aspects of your business that truly require your expertise and passion. Remember, the goal isn’t to remove everything from your plate – it’s to ensure you’re spending your time on the tasks that matter most and bring you joy through automation and delegation.
As you go through this process, you might be surprised at how many tasks you’ve been holding onto unnecessarily. Embrace the opportunity to let go and trust in the power of delegation and automation. Your future, more productive self will thank you.
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