Hey Hey,
Welcome to the fourth issue of Better Than Busy, your weekly dose of smarter, faster, easier ways to get things done.
Let’s jump right in with three common time-wasters you might be doing manually, and exactly how to fix them.
Tool #1: Sejda - Stop Wrestling with PDF Documents
The Time Drain: You need to merge five different PDF reports into one document, split a 50-page contract to send just the relevant section, or fill out a PDF form that won't let you type in the fields. You're bouncing between expensive Adobe subscriptions, clunky free tools, or manually retyping everything.
The Shortcut: Sejda handles all your PDF tasks in one clean interface. Merge, split, compress, edit text, fill forms, add signatures, and convert files without the bloat or cost of traditional PDF software. Everything works directly in your browser or via their desktop app.
Time saved: 30-45 minutes per PDF project
Tool #2: Relay - Stop Manual Data Shuffling
The Time Drain: Every day you're copying information between apps: taking leads from your contact form and adding them to your CRM, moving completed tasks from your project tool to your time tracking app, or manually updating spreadsheets when someone fills out a survey.
The Shortcut: Relay connects your apps with powerful workflows that handle the tedious stuff automatically. When someone submits a form, it can automatically create a CRM contact, send a welcome email, and add a task to follow up. No coding required, just point-and-click automation.
Time saved: 1-2 hours of manual data entry per week
Tool #3: TextExpander - Stop Typing the Same Things Over and Over
The Time Drain: You type your email signature 20 times a day. You write "Thanks for reaching out, I'll review this and get back to you by end of week" dozens of times. You're constantly typing the same client onboarding instructions, meeting templates, and standard responses.
The Shortcut: Create text shortcuts that expand into full phrases. Type "sig1" and get your complete signature. Type "followup" and get your standard follow-up message. Set up shortcuts for addresses, phone numbers, common responses, and templates you use daily.
Time saved: 2-3 hours per week
Quick Win This Week: Pick one of these tools and set it up today. Start with the one that addresses your biggest daily frustration. Your future self will thank you.
That's a wrap for this week! Which tool are you most excited to try? Hit reply and let me know.
Next week: We're covering automation tools that work while you sleep 😴
Escape the busy trap