The Origin Story of ActionPlanNow.com
In 2019 I wanted software that didn’t exist. My law practice had a steady influx of clients with similar problems and I was spending a crazy amount of time explaining the same things over and over to different people. I needed software to quickly assign tasks with explanations and enough flexibility to modify the information on the fly.
What I wanted was simple. Unfortunately, all I could find was complex collaborative task management software. I didn’t need to collaborate with my clients, I just needed to tell them what to do!
While in a waiting room with a client, who also happened to be a software entrepreneur, I told him my vision:
The software would have a library of common tasks that I create. I would assign the tasks by going down the list and checking a box. Each task would explain “how to do it” and “why it is important” and be easy to edit. The action plan would be emailed/texted to the client. The client would only have one button to click for each task: “I’ve completed this task.”
“How do I get that made?” I asked.
“Well,” he said, “write down exactly what you just told me and post it on a software development site.”
So that’s what I did.
A few days later I found a great off-shore developer (Emiliano) on Guru.com. Within weeks we had a functional system.
I also convinced a good friend, Rob Turknett, to partner up with me. He is a software developer and also interested in the psychology of motivation.
Now, after a year of tweaking the software, and successfully using the system with 1000+ clients, we are ready to share it with other task-assigning business owners: ActionPlanNow.com
Has the software been useful?
OMG. It has been incredibly effective. I estimate that compliance has increased 60+%. I had a client that ignored my advice for years, but completed the task within 24 hours after receiving the action plan. I have lots of stories like that. It’s magic.
Does it come with a library full of tasks already made?
No. The task library will be empty when you create an account. You will need to create your own task library. I suggest that you start by asking yourself what three things do you typically ask your clients to do? Fill out a questionnaire? Read an FAQ? Find out some information? Over the last year, I have built up a task library of 80+ tasks. Once the task is created, all I have to do is check a box to assign it in the future.
Is it good for onboarding clients?
Absolutely. All of my clients get an action plan when they hire us. It is the perfect way to demonstrate our expertise immediately.
Why do all of the tasks have a “why it is important” explanation?
I incorporated that element based on Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework — which categorizes a large group of people as “questioners.” These are people who will only do something if they understand why they should do it. I recognized that trait in my clients and wanted to address it in the software. It works.
Why don’t you use a portal or password for the clients?
My goal was to eliminate every obstacle that could prevent my clients from completing a task.
Do your clients get annoyed at being told what to do?
No! That’s why they hired me. My clients appreciate the system. Often, when we’re talking on the phone and I make a suggestion they say “will you send that to me in an action plan?”
Can I use this software with my spouse? My best friend? My band?
Probably not. This is set up for a professionals/coaches/teachers to communicate with clients/students. Even if you’re the leader of the band, I can’t promise the bass player won’t throw a tantrum when you assign them a task. You can assign a task to the roadie, though.
Can you attach documents to the tasks?
No, but you can link to them (in Dropbox, Google drive, etc).
What if all the tasks I typically assign are completely unique? I never assign the same task twice.
ActionPlanNow will still have some functionality that would be useful. However, the software is primarily designed for assigning common tasks, over and over, to different clients.
Can you send a task to a group of people all at once? Like to a class?
Not yet. At the moment the software is designed for individual clients. Action plans are sent one at a time. However, we expect to have the ability to send to groups in the near future.
Is it HIPAA compliant?
Not yet. Right now I only send information that is ok to send via regular email.
Is there a free plan?
Yes. It includes unlimited tasks and up to ten clients. The pay plan unlocks the text/SMS feature and allows more clients.
If I try the software, do you want my suggestions and opinions?
Yes! We are in Beta right now. Here’s our Product Hunt page. Anything you suggest will be helpful. Also, I want to hear how you are using the system.
