Over the past two decades, the world has witnessed many advances in technology that have greatly improved our personal and professional lives. Technology-based life hacks can improve virtually any aspect of our daily routine. We’re talking about everything from the use of smart appliances to collaborating with colleagues across the globe via apps to using artificial intelligence to chart out meal plans.
Using such technology comes with plenty of benefits, like freeing up valuable time, redirecting our critical thinking powers towards more meaningful tasks, and enhancing productivity, to name a few.
With so many automation tools available, figuring out which technology is worth the effort can be overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ll go over some of the best tech-based life hacks that make our lives easier, like using document generation tools and pre-made templates, managing projects with AI, hiring virtual assistants and so on.
Use Automation Tools
Automation tools are applications designed to execute tasks without the need of a human by using algorithms and commands. Tasks that are often automated include scheduling email marketing newsletters and social media posts; data entry; and customer support. The latter example is an especially interesting case study, as chatbots have significantly transformed the digital landscape by automating the question-and-answer process and engaging target audiences.
Automation tools have become a game changer for many people working in digital marketing, from Social Media Managers to Virtual Assistants, Email Marketing professionals, and Project Managers. The benefits are countless, from freeing up valuable time and bandwidth (especially for startups) to reducing errors, increasing efficiency, and redirecting human resources to more critical tasks.
Take Advantage of Pre-made Templates
As implied by their name, pre-made templates are documents that have already been formatted and designed — all you need to do is fill in the blocks with your text, photos, and other media.
Practically any document can be created quickly based on a ready-made template. We’re talking about resumes or CVs, invoices, contracts, presentations, financial reports (just plug in the numbers and you’ll instantly get charts), social media graphics, invoices, and so much more. There are some websites where you can build a CV online in just a few clicks.
The main benefit of using pre-made templates is, of course, saving time and money on creating a professional-looking design. Yet, they can also help with maintaining brand consistency, making a company look more professional, and streamlining the creation process.
Streamline Efficiency with AI Assistants
You’ve obviously heard of Alexa or Siri, two of the most famous voice assistants from Amazon and Apple, respectively. Voice assistants are AI-powered technology that respond to voice commands and can do things like set reminders, answer questions, act as a control center for smart homes, and even type out entire documents (using voice-to-text capabilities).
Voice assistants are especially useful in delegating basic day-to-day tasks and offer benefits like saving time, seamlessly multitasking, and conveniently automating repetitive tasks.
Apart from voice assistants, AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard can help you do everything from writing emails to coding to creating a business plan.
Utilize Password Managers for Enhanced Security
There’s nothing more irritating than forgetting a password and spending time trying to figure it out (or giving up and clicking the Forgot Password button). A 2023 survey revealed that each year, an individual spends about 26 hours resetting passwords!
Thankfully there are password managers, which are software tools designed to securely store passwords and auto-fill them whenever you need to log in somewhere. The best password managers even come with features like a built-in VPN, secure password sharing, and notifications when accounts are compromised.
These basic yet powerful managers have many benefits, including saving time (no need to constantly type in passwords when logging in), seamless syncing between platforms (i.e. passwords are remembered on your phone and computer), and enhanced security.
Hire Virtual Assistants to Boost Productivity
If you’re overwhelmed, stressed from juggling so many tasks, and feel like your to-do list is never-ending, a virtual assistant (VA) is an excellent solution. Upwork and Fiverr are just two examples of the many sites that allow you to hire a VA from the comfort of your desk.
Virtual assistants are skilled professionals who execute various administrative tasks like data entry, travel arrangements, responding to emails, research, and customer support. VAs with specialized skills can take on bigger responsibilities like content creation, project management, and event planning.
Virtual assistants can help you save time, improve your workflow, and create a healthier work-life balance. Hiring a VA gives you more time to focus on important tasks and can even be more cost-effective than trying to do everything yourself.
Embrace Automation and Simplify Your Life
Advancements in technology have made it easier to simplify tasks through methods like automation, document generation tools, and human and AI assistants. There are plenty of advantages to using these tech ‘shortcuts,’ from increased productivity to more efficiency to better work-life balance.
With so many benefits, it’s becoming increasingly evident that embracing automation is a powerful strategy that will significantly improve your routine, both at work and at home.
