Running your own fiber business means wearing all of the hats—product developer, marketer, customer service representative, IT guy that asks you if you tried restarting yet, etc.
It’s easy to feel stretched thin, especially when the tasks you do over and over start to suck the joy out of the work you actually love.
Are you ready for the good news? There are tiny systems—think: automations, checklists, and templates—that can quietly take work off your plate without making your life more complicated.
These 10 ideas are low-lift, high-payoff, and perfect to knock out during a quick work session (especially if your brain’s a bit foggy and needs a small win).
1. Gmail Email Template
Have a reply you send all the time? Save it as a template in Gmail. Think: “Thanks for your submission,” “Your payment did not go through,” or “We received your message!”
Bonus: No more copy/pasting from old threads.
2. Product Listing Template
Sketch out a reusable format for Ravelry, Etsy, or the shop on your website—include yarn details, pattern features, sizing, and a photo layout.
Start once, tweak foreverrrrr.
3. “Can I Automate This?” List
Start a running list of tasks you repeat, dread, or forget. Go ahead, grab a piece of paper, split it into 3 columns, and start filling them out!
Use it as your go-to when you have 10 minutes and want to save future-you some stress.
4. Out-of-Office Auto-Reply
Set up an out-of-office email that works even when you’re not technically “out.”
Sick day? Toddler chaos? A launch (not lunch!) hangover? Let people know when they can expect a reply—and breathe easier.
5. Weekly Newsletter Template
Draft a plug-and-play format: Intro → content block → featured product or pattern → CTA.
Use the same structure each week to save time and avoid the curse of the blank page.
6. Launch Checklist Template
Think: What do I always do before a pattern drop or product launch?
Turn it into a checklist once, reuse it forever. Your future self will thank you.
7. Email Sequence
Write out a simple 4-email sequence for whatever needs repeating.
For instance, if you need a sequence for test knitters, use an email series like this: welcome, cast-on, check-in, deadline reminder.
Load it into your email tool (or just keep it handy) so you’re not starting from scratch every time.
8. Friday Business Ritual
Create a feel-good routine to end your week. Maybe it’s checking your numbers, planning next week, and tidying your desk.
Ritual = automation without tech.
9. Weekly Reporting Checklist
Track key business stats (like sales, site traffic, or newsletter growth) in a consistent format.
Helps you make smart decisions and spot wins to celebrate.
10. Start-of-Day or Shutdown Checklist
A short list that helps you open and close your workday with intention. Example: open tabs, check calendar, prioritize top 3 tasks. Or: tidy workspace, log wins, close laptop. It’s like exhaling.
NOTE: You don’t need to automate everything. Just pick one small thing and try it.
These little systems might seem simple, but they add up—and give you back time and energy to focus on the parts of your business that light you up.