Char Katugampola: Marketing Executive at Bespoke
What tasks or processes do you use Power Automate for?
The tasks I automate with Power Automate range between a variety of things. For example, automating emails, automated document approval, and automating certain notifications and it’s also great for tracking campaigns.
How do you decide which processes you automate and which ones to handle manually?
Deciding what to automate and what to handle manually is like finding the right balance in a dance. I usually target those everyday tasks that are straightforward, administrative, and eat up time. You know, the kind that makes you go 'I wish I had more hours in the day!' For instance, chatting with our lovely designers about visual content tweaks is a unique human touch I wouldn't want to lose. However, when it comes to spreading the word about our latest creations through blog posts and social media, that's where automation takes the stage. It helps us share our posts simultaneously across platforms, making sure everyone gets the news at the same time. It's all about keeping the personal touch where it matters most for me.
How has Power Automate improved your productivity and efficiency in your role?
Power Automate has been a game-changer for me and has allowed me to remove time-consuming tasks from my schedule. Not only does it help me keep my tasks in check, but it saves me a lot of time that I can now use towards other marketing activities. With this, I am now able to tackle each day with more efficiency and it's nice having a little helper in the background. By letting Power Automate handle the routine, I get to pour my energy into the tasks that truly make a difference.
How do you stay informed with the latest Power Automate features and updates?
First off, I dive into the release notes and official docs from Microsoft whenever there's a fresh update it's like unwrapping a tech gift! Then any Microsoft events, like Microsoft Ignite, I attend, and they usually cover the latest updates as well which is always helpful just in case, I have missed any. I take it one step further by reading their monthly newsletter on LinkedIn which also covers any updates and how they can benefit you or have done for others.
What are some of the most useful features of Power Automate that you use?
One of the most useful features for me would be having automated workflows. They are like the secret sauce to automating all sorts of tasks and making everything run like clockwork. To add to this, the real-time saver has also been having flow templates. Instead of starting from square one, I get to swoop in, pick a template, and voilà—effortless workflows without the headache of starting from scratch.
Are there any specific Power Automate connectors or templates that you find indispensable in your work?
I would say for connectors the Microsoft 365 connectors that allow integration with Outlook and SharePoint as well as OneDrive are the most useful for me. For templates, I would have to say that social media posting templates for LinkedIn are crucial to me as well. Making it much easier to integrate workflows through the platforms or systems that I am using.
How much time do you save with Power Automate?
Power Automate has been a real time-saver for me. No more double-checking manual tasks, and fewer errors in my day-to-day work. It really all adds up to hundreds of hours saved. It's like having a reliable assistant handling the routine, leaving me more time for what matters. Putting an exact number on it is tricky, but one thing's for sure—it's made a significant difference in how I manage my time more efficiently.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to adopt Power Automate?
Start simple with your automation, look at the smallest tasks and give them a try. Don’t be afraid to google your issue or check in with colleagues who might have some experience. Considering your workflow needs and improving it in small increments has helped me become more comfortable with Power Automate. Once you start automating there will be no looking back as you will start to see how much time you have saved.
