June 24, 2010 41 Comments

Automate the Easy Stuff

On my Mac, I use TextExpander all the time. For instance, when I set up the link to TextExpander, I typed in ;href and it spat out all the little HTML bits so that I could do it really quickly. I have little biography bits set up, so I can add them to guest posts. I have ones set up for people I reference a lot like Julien Smith or Christopher S. Penn (did that by typing ;jul and ;csp respectively). I automate bits and bits of my text efforts, because I write a lot and there’s no sense doing all that typing manually, if I can just set it and forget it.

To be clear, what I’m doing is this:

  1. I use software called TextEpander for my Mac (for the PC, it’s Texter, I’m told).
  2. It lets me put in huge chunks of text into a field. I can write paragraphs, code, whatever.
  3. Then, I assign that huge chunk of text a few characters. (I start all mine with a semicolon, so I don’t accidentally set things off).
  4. Finally, I just use it when needed. I type ; jul , and out pops Julien Smith’s URL, etc.
  5. Repeat

You can automate bits of emails that you find yourself sending, and then just personalize the important parts (I don’t do this much, but I do have a few choice paragraphs that I send over and over, mostly to people pitching me).

And there are many other ways to put this kind of thinking to work.

Automate the easy stuff. It buys you more time.

Related posts:

  1. Small Boxes 09 – Holiday Stuff
  2. Making It Easy to Get Me
  3. Fat Stuff
  4. Gym Stuff
  5. UFC and Stuff

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  • http://www.perfectoled.com electronic display

    let me try it and install TextExpander on my MAC too ..will see what's the features of TextExpander …

  • http://www.ivancosic.com ivancosic

    Chris did you find good alternative for PC? You asked about that yesterday

  • sue_anne

    I've always been a huge fan of building macros. In earlier versions of Windows, it was easier to create macros across programs. Now that seems to be a bit harder.

    I agree that the more you can automate, the better. If you can set a macro and have it do something in 10 minutes vs. it taking you an hour, it's well learning how to do it.

  • Kelly Rigotti

    For automated email messages, I use gmail canned responses. You set up a canned response and then insert it as appropriate using a drop down menu in gmail. I like that they're editable within the email itself, which saves time while still allowing personalization.

    Off to check out Texter now- thanks!

  • http://www.zoombits.co.uk/memory-cards/micro-m2/sandisk-2gb-memory-stick-micro-m2/4375 2gb micro m2

    I had read this whole article and it is really very nice to know about this. Automated email messages seems so much interesting. Yeah, i agree that in earlier versions of Windows, it was easier to create macros across programs.

  • http://www.rugbycoaching.org Callum

    Great stuff Chris. I'm downloading as I type. Should come in handy for a lot of things, espcially long winded company and blog names.

  • http://netbani.blogspot.com Alexica73

    If you said that the program it is so good, maybe I'll try it. Thanks.

  • http://www.thesmallbiznest.com The Small BizNest

    Hey, Chris,

    Thanks for this post. I recently made the switch to a Mac and have been looking for this type of tool. Good stuff!

  • FrankReed

    Excellent advice and thanks for sharing the TextExpander tool.

  • http://twitter.com/caroljsroth Carol Roth

    Love the time saving tip- thanks Chris.

  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    Just downloaded TEXTER for Windows. Thanks.

  • http://twitter.com/tcmeister Tony Meister

    Love it! I actually thought about how nice something like this would be years ago to expand cut/paste; didn't know this was out there. This is why I appreciate getting your blogs Chris since you're helping to keep us on the edge. Good stuff.

  • http://toddrjordan.com/thebroadbrush tojosan

    Textexpander for the Mac is famous. I'd never thought of using it as use suggested. Guess I'll be adding that to my to do list this weekend.
    Keep the work flow tips coming.
    Cheers,
    Todd

  • http://twitter.com/marketingwemail Dr. Z

    I always learn something new from Chris Brogan.
    While it makes sense to automate things we never think about doing it with software such as this.
    Thanks for sharing the thoughts and ideas to make life easier.

  • http://www.gjtutorial.com Sarbjit

    Could not agree more on this.

    It makes complete sense to automate these small tasks which eat up much of the productive time.
    Though Texter is good for text related automation. I use AutoIt to automate a lot of routine works that can save you more time.

  • http://www.websitebegin.com Joe Boyle

    Great thinking, Chris!

    I never would have thought to even use a program like that to automate the simple stuff. That will save me a lot of time that I could be using to write content or drive in some extra traffic! Thanks :D

  • Bridget

    Great advice – as always. Needed a new time saver. Thanks, Chris! :)

  • http://www.rjjohnston.me RJ Johnston

    Great tool recommend Chris, another must have for Windows machines I found is WizMouse! Have you ever went to a new window and tried scrolling with your mouse only to find it is still selecting another window? WizMouse fixes that and lets you scroll in any window your mouse is over.

    Installing Texter now :-)

  • http://twitter.com/miri_orgchange Miri McDonald

    Wow. I love that advice. I've never tried TextExpander and have a MAC. I will give it a try for sure.

  • http://www.doitmyselfblog.com GlendaWH

    Thanks for the tips, Chris. I discovered TextExpander for the iPad a few days ago. And Texter for free sounds better than the overpriced assistive technology software I'm been using that keeps pooping out.

    Funny how the same tools are called by different names by different groups: automation tools vs assistive technology.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Isn't that funny. I hadn't thought about the obvious benefits to folks with assistive tech needs. I'm glad you're around, mi amiga. You keep my head expanded to more than a few frames of view.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Glad to hear it, Miri. Thanks. : )

  • http://www.doitmyselfblog.com GlendaWH

    Thanks, Chris, but aren't we really talking about the same need – saving keystrokes, saving time? Just for some – those typing with a thumb or the blink of an eye http://blinkingartist.com/mbr_bio.php – the need is further along the continuum. Doesn't it come down to marketing? For one group, it's automation, save time = save money. For the other group, it's special needs, assistive technology, rehab. Which marketing message is more positive? Which product is more expensive? Yet, it's the same damn solution!

  • http://thesixonefournine.com/ judd6149

    Chris, maybe you should automate your newsletter. Are you still going to produce one in the style of your last update on it's status?

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    Thanks for the tips, Chris. I discovered TextExpander for the iPad a few days ago. And Texter for free sounds better than the overpriced assistive technology software I'm been using that keeps pooping out.

    Funny how the same tools are called by different names by different groups: automation tools vs assistive technology.
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