My Digital technology learning

It's been 4 weeks since I started the Ka Hao i te Ao Programme through Te Whare Hukahuka. It's been fast, full-on and mind-boggling.  All in a good way though.

I have been exposed to applications I had never heard of before, learned a bit more about the software I am currently using and I have discovered practical solutions that will help relaunch my old business 'Tutu Kiwi' efficiently and effectively.

One new software application that I decided to use more from my learnings is Airtable.
Airtable is an online collaboration tool that allows you to organize anything, including projects. It presents itself as part spreadsheet and part database, which allows teams to work how they want.
I am using the free version because I like free and I am on a budget.

Last week, I started on my project 'Tutu Kiwi Relaunch' using Airtable.  At first, when I decided to use airtable, it was a bit daunting and to be honest, the spreadsheet setup was ugly, boring and dull.  I am a visual person who likes images, pretty colours, and nice layouts.  Which explains why I can get lost in Pinterest or YouTube.

I decided to keep my project simple because I am the only one currently working on it at the moment and also I am still learning as I go along.  However, if you are more advanced and are looking for a certain layout for your project, I highly recommend browsing the section called ''Universe'.  This is an online community where users upload and share their tables/templates/projects that they have created.   

Below is a screenshot of how my project was starting to shape and within the first day. I thought this spreadsheet is not going to work.  Not because my spreadsheet was wrong, it just wasn't exciting or engaging to follow/look at.

I then realized I could change the layout to Gallery view below...... TADA!  

Oh My Gosh - This is way better! It's just like Pinterest but better.

On the front tab are main tasks/areas I need to work on for the re-launch.  On the second tab are the subtasks within the main tasks/areas that need to be completed.

In the past, Tutu Kiwi was a product-based business, selling personalized Kiwiana gifts to kiwi women living in Australia between the ages of 28 to 40 years old.

My intention over the next 3 months is to pivot my business and relaunch Tutu Kiwi as a service and product business.  Where creative DIYers like myself can learn how to create personalized gifts on a budget.  They can also purchase printable products and low priced personalized items that will complement the DIY projects I teach them.

Now, this project is going to be huge and trying to keep everything in my head like I usually do is not going to help. I needed to map out a vision in Airtable and then start taking action. 

My plan of attack is to complete 3 tasks a day (Mon to Fri) within the 25 hours I have, that will have a big impact on my business/project so I can launch in 90 days.
Main areas to cover first are rebranding, Social Media plan, Digital Marketing plan, website store & blog format, DIY projects at launch, finalise products for launch and whatever else I have missed so far.

Already by using Airtable I have been able to chip away at some tasks that I have procrastinated over the last few months.

In one week I have been able to complete my Customer Avatar/Target Market profile, backed up my old website and customer data, found a potential print on demand partner and ordered samples, created a draft landing page, signed up to 6 affiliate programs. For me and my circumstances, this is huge.

I also know from looking at what I have mapped out in Airtable and what I would like to achieve within 90 days is that I am going to have to reach out for help to complete some of these tasks. This is a massive insight because knowing this now will help me plan and save time in the long run.

Would I recommend Airtable to others?

If you have a good grasp of technology, you like tinkering around discovering what is possible and have a big project that you may need to bring people in on at a later stage.  Then yes Airtable is a good option.

What I like about Airtable?

• Airtable can be used for personal & business life.
• The Gallery view option if you are not into the spreadsheet view.
• Standard templates and online community templates available.
• The support and guides Airtable have to get you up and running quickly.
• The free version gives you plenty of options.
• The ability to integrate your work with G Suite and google drive.

What advice would I give to someone who is looking to use Airtable and has basic computer skills?

I would say try Trello first.