Let’s be honest — most of us didn’t start a business so we could become part-time tech managers.

There was a point where I had so many logins, subscriptions, and automations duct-taped together that I could barely tell which tool was running which task. Half the time, something would break, Zapier would throw an error, and I’d lose hours trying to fix it.

That’s when I knew something had to change. I didn’t want to manage more tech — I wanted to manage less of it.

So, I started searching for a solution that could simplify everything without sacrificing quality. Spoiler: I found it in three tools that now keep my business running — even when I’m taking a break.

This is how I replaced a dozen disconnected apps with Nerdly, Make, and Google Workspace — and finally built a system that supports my energy instead of draining it.

(Some links in this post are affiliate links — which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to try them, at no extra cost to you. And since Black Friday is right around the corner, it’s a great time to simplify and save.)

Nerdly (Built on Go High Level): My “Less Apps, More Flow” Hub

When I first started using Nerdly (which runs on Go High Level), I was already knee-deep in tools.
Calendars in one place. Contracts in another. Emails over here. Funnels and automations over there.

It worked — kind of. But I felt like I was constantly babysitting my business.

Then I found Nerdly.

What caught my attention wasn’t just the all-in-one functionality — it was the freedom it gave me to stop piecing everything together. I didn’t need to rely on Zapier or stack a dozen subscriptions to make things talk to each other.

With Nerdly, I could:

• Capture leads

• Manage pipelines

• Automate client onboarding

• Send emails and texts

• Host forms and funnels

All from one clean dashboard.

Now, when a new client joins, everything happens automatically: they fill out a form, get their contract and welcome email, and are added to the right workflow — all inside Nerdly.

It’s not fancy; it’s functional. And that’s the beauty of it.

👉 Try Nerdly here — if you’re ready to simplify your backend.

Make: The Quiet Assistant That Keeps Things Moving

I discovered Make through [AI to 100K with Brittany Long] — a program that completely reshaped how I approach automation and business growth.

Brittany has this way of making tech feel human again. She teaches that AI and automation aren’t about replacing people — they’re about reclaiming time, energy, and mental space so your team (and your creativity) can focus on what truly matters.

Her lessons on streamlining systems and using automation intentionally helped me see just how much time I was losing to tiny, repetitive tasks. Now, with the structure she teaches, Make quietly handles the background work that used to pull me out of flow.

Here’s what that looks like in my business:

• Drafting thoughtful email replies to recurring client questions (without losing my voice)

• Collecting blog and content ideas automatically from notes and forms

• Moving client data seamlessly between Nerdly and Google Workspace

It’s like having a quiet assistant who never misses a beat.

Unlike Zapier, Make is more visual, flexible, and affordable — and thanks to Brittany’s guidance, I know why I’m automating, not just how.

If you want to learn how to use AI and automation to actually simplify your business — not complicate it — I highly recommend checking out AI to 100K with Brittany Long. It’s one of the best investments I’ve made for creating systems that truly scale.

👉 Explore AI to 100K with Brittany Long here

Google Workspace: The Backbone That Keeps It All Synced

People often underestimate Google Workspace. They think it’s just Gmail.

But here’s the thing: Workspace is the backbone of my business — and the reason everything else runs smoothly.

The secret? Nerdly (Go High Level) integrates natively with Workspace. That means my emails, contacts, and files flow seamlessly without extra tools or “iffy” connections.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Client folders in Drive are created automatically when someone signs on

• I collaborate in Docs with clients — no endless back-and-forth attachments

• Gmail filters and templates handle routine admin so my inbox stays peaceful

It’s streamlined, reliable, and deeply connected to the rest of my system — which means fewer apps, fewer logins, and way fewer headaches.

If you’re still using a patchwork of tools for file sharing and communication, this is your sign to simplify.

👉 Try Google Workspace here (and get 10% off your first year).

How These Tools Work Together

Here’s my rhythm now:

• Nerdly runs the front-end — capturing leads, onboarding clients, and managing communication.

• Make connects and automates the behind-the-scenes — moving data, drafting responses, and reducing admin work.

• Google Workspace anchors everything — storing documents, syncing email, and keeping it all neat.

No more scattered apps or duplicated data. Just a streamlined system that saves time and energy — and gives me space to focus on strategy, writing, and, honestly, living.

Simplify Before You Scale

It’s easy to believe the next shiny app will fix your overwhelm, but often, it just adds another tab to your browser and another charge to your credit card.

The truth? You don’t need more tech — you need aligned systems that make your business feel lighter.

If you’re in the middle of simplifying your setup, this Black Friday might be the best time to finally do it. Use the sales to invest in tools that buy you back your time, not just your data.

And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve built a simple way to map it all out.
👉 Download the Harmony Tech Tracker to audit your current tools, or
👉 Book a Growth Ready Systems Review to rebuild your system for clarity and scalability.

FAQ

1. Do I need all three tools to simplify my business?
Not necessarily. Start with where your biggest pain point is — if you need client management, go with Nerdly; if it’s automation, start with Make; if it’s organization, begin with Workspace.

2. Why did you choose Nerdly instead of Kajabi or Dubsado?
Nerdly offers the same core functions but integrates better with Google Workspace and doesn’t require extra zaps or plugins to work smoothly.

3. Can Make replace Zapier completely?
For most small businesses, yes. It’s more visual, affordable, and offers deeper integrations.

4. What’s the advantage of using Google Workspace with Nerdly?
Native integration — meaning email, files, and contact data stay synced without any middle tools. It’s clean, secure, and reliable.

5. How do I decide what to automate first?
Start with what you repeat daily — onboarding emails, lead tracking, or file creation. Automate that once, and you’ll feel the difference immediately.

Final Word:
You deserve a business that gives you more of what matters — time, clarity, and peace of mind.
The right tools can make that happen, not by adding complexity, but by creating space for what actually counts.

☕ Here’s to smarter tech and quieter inboxes.