Google Docs and Gmail Canned Responses for Process

As a startup grows from a couple co-founders to small team and eventually to departments, it becomes important to add more process while not stifling innovation. One of the best ways to start adding more structure is to document activities in Google Docs and create Gmail canned responses to go with them. Here are some tips:

• Use Google Documents for unstructured content, canned response emails, and any other documentable information
• Use Google Spreadsheets for processes that are linear and structured
• Use Google Drawings for Visio-like drawings that have conditionals and dependencies
• Use Gmail canned responses for as many steps as possible (e.g. sales process, recruiting process, accounts receivables process, etc)

My recommendation is think through processes that are repeated and document them as well script out canned email responses. In addition to saving time and providing greater consistency, another benefit is more efficient delegation to new team members.