> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.philsimon.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Automation Toolbox - URL: https://www.philsimon.com/the-automation-toolbox/ - Published: 2026-08-17T13:12:46.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-17T13:12:45.000Z - Description: There have never been more ways to bid adieu to manual processes and save yourself time, money, and energy. - Author: Phil Simon - Tags: AI, Notion, Claude, Automation, Admin, Google, Low-Code/No-Code, LCNC book, APIs Since I began using [Notion](https://www.philsimon.com/tag/notion) six years ago, it has morphed in ways that no one could have ever imagined. (Such is the case with [no-code tools](https://www.philsimon.com/on-amoeba-and-notion/).) These days, I'm particularly excited about [Notion Workers](https://www.philsimon.com/early-notion-worker-lessons/)—specifically, their ability to sync data from third-party systems. After noodling with them for the last month, I've started to implement them for myself and my clients. In today's post, I'll explain how I replaced an effective but relatively expensive automation with a simpler, far cheaper one. ![a screen with a bunch of information on it](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1600267204091-5c1ab8b10c02?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fG5vdGlvbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3ODUzNjc2MTd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Compagnons](https://unsplash.com/@sigmund?ref=philsimon.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Early Automation Efforts By way of background, I've used [Notion as my CRM](https://www.philsimon.com/simple-notion-crm/) for years. When someone fills out [the contact form on my site](https://www.philsimon.com/connect), Notion automatically generates a new prospect/client record in my CRM01 database. If the inquiry is legitimate, then I emailed the person a scheduling link. When that individual booked time with me via Calendly, a little automation magic: - Matched the existing CRM01 record (via email address). - Created a new meeting record in the related CRM02 database. (After our call, I'd post the Zoom meeting in that new CRM02 entry and the NotionAI meeting transcriptions. In total, there would be CRM02 entry per client or prospect per meeting.) The automated matching process worked, but it was neither terribly elegant nor cost-efficient. In its most recent incarnation, I routinely fired a Notion [custom agent](https://www.notion.com/blog/introducing-custom-agents?ref=philsimon.com) to see if any new client or prospect meetings appeared in my Google Calendar. If the answer was *yes*, then the agent created a new CRM02 record and notified me. Brass tacks: Over the last few months, I wasted plenty of tokens. Still, it was the best I could do under the circumstances. Simon Workplace Tech Assessment Gain a deep look into how your team, department, or organization uses its current tools—and what it can do better. [LEARN MORE ](https://www.philsimon.com/products-simon-workplace-tech-assessment/) ## Changes and Savings Not too long ago, I made two significant changes. First, I ditched Calendly for TidyCal. Second, I began using Apple Calendar in lieu of Google's equivalent. These shifts made me ask a fundamental question: Can I improve my own internal process? Thanks to Notion Workers, I could and did. > What else can I automate? I created [a TidyCal API key](https://tidycal.com/developer/docs/?ref=philsimon.com) and went to work with the [Notion CLI](https://developers.notion.com/cli/get-started/overview?ref=philsimon.com) and Claude Code. In no time, I had spun up a new Notion Worker and database that pulls all my TidyCal bookings. A few fancy [automations](https://www.notion.com/help/guides/category/automations?ref=philsimon.com) do the same matching for me and alert me of new CRM02 records. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/2026/07/meetings_converted.jpeg) Notion TidyCal Data Sync | Click on the image to enlarge it. Even better, I can view and edit those meetings right from client and prospect CRM01 database records: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/2026/07/crm01.jpeg) CRM01 Record for Current Prospect | Click on the image to enlarge it. I suspect that I reduced [my supplemental Notion charges](https://www.notion.com/help/category/notion-credits?ref=philsimon.com) from this automation by roughly 90 percent. What's more, the new, far smoother process effectively nullifies Notion's über annoying Apple Calendar bug. [Everybody wins](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuRo2H87wJY&ref=philsimon.com). [Old School vs. New SchoolThoughts on unconventional methods and the ever-changing mix of tools people use to get things done.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/icon/300br-1-12b8044a-c79f-488a-9d95-509780e7cfb7.png)Phil SimonPhil Simon![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/thumbnail/old-school-vs-new-school-v2-6e098fac-9d72-4f7f-8d8e-5d69441f3625.jpg)](https://www.philsimon.com/old-school-vs-new-school/) ## Simon Says There are more ways than ever to automate manual processes. In the Notion world alone, adroit developers can access: - Integrations. - Custom agents - API calls - Webhooks. - Native automations. - Zapier, Make.com, and other third-party tools. Collectively, the Notion developer's toolbox has never packed more power. Of course, some methods are better and less expensive than others. The broader lesson: Just because you've *already* automated a business process doesn't mean that you can't do better.