Trigger → Action → Result: The Only Workflow Pattern You Need

Before you build any automation, ask three questions: What starts it? What does it do? What's the outcome?

The Universal Workflow Pattern

Every automation—from simple email alerts to complex multi-step workflows—follows this structure:

Trigger: What Starts It?

Something has to kick off the automation. Common triggers:

• • New form submission
• • Incoming phone call
• • Calendar event created
• • Time-based (every day at 9am)
• • Record updated in your CRM

Action: What Happens?

This is the work your automation performs:

• • Send an email or SMS
• • Create or update a record
• • Route to a team member
• • Make an API call
• • Log data to a spreadsheet

Result: What's the Outcome?

What state is the world in after your automation runs? The lead is captured. The appointment is booked. The follow-up is sent.

Putting It Together

Example: When a new lead fills out your contact form (trigger), send them a confirmation email and create a task for your sales team (actions), so they get followed up with within 24 hours (result).

Simple. Predictable. Scalable.