Unlock Your Day: How I Automate Hours of Work with One Button
I'm working from a different office today but my Stream Deck goes with me everywhere.

Unlock Your Day: How I Automate Hours of Work with One Button

Well, 32 buttons actually....

Picture this, a 32-button panel with buttons that are all designed to turn tedious tasks into automated workflows. Emails, data analysis, scheduling—it’s all done in one tap. This setup doesn’t just save time; it gives you more mental space for creativity and building authentic connections.

So, I took video streaming hardware good for inserting sound effects, memes or to display a title for a live video stream and instead, I'm using it to win my time back and to create more professional results in the process.

What.... prompted me (pun intended) me to do this? Well, a few years ago as an aspiring travel YouTuber I purchased a wide range of equipment to get me on the way to internet stardom! Well, that didn't work so well. I had a great time and learned a lot while traveling the world, but I never made enough money to even cover my costs.
Darn, all of this wasted time and money on this equipment... or was it? I had an idea, what if I can re-task some of my gear for productivity? 3-years ago, I did just that and this is the first time I'm sharing the secret of how I do it. As AI tools have improved, you can get repeatable professional results that in a fraction of the time.
Why did I take my fun Livestreaming hardware and turn it into a productivity tool? First, it was very easy to do and I'll show you exactly how below. However; like some of you, I find myself writing the same types of emails, AI prompts or doing repetitive tasks over and over. So, I started looking for ways to re-use prompts I use often.


The Stream Deck provides you with a blank canvas for customization.


Here is the high level overview and I'll get into the step-by-step details for you.

  • Create instructions for ChatGPT (or your AI model of choice) that you wish to use often (I will include a copy/paste sample later).
  • Paste that instruction or prompt into a piece of software called Keyboard Maestro that is able to connect to the StreamDeck software.
  • I open the Elgato Streamdeck Software and assign the prompt Inside of Keyboard Maestro to a button.
  • That's it, the button is now available to use at your convenience.


What Is the Elgato Stream Deck?

The Elgato Stream Deck is a customizable control panel, originally built for streamers but perfect for professionals. There are large 32 button options like I use but also smaller and less expensive versions. You can create as many pages as you like so even a small Stream Deck is powerful. Each button on the deck is programmable, and with the right setup, one tap can launch complex tasks—whether it’s scheduling a meeting, analyzing data, or sending personalized emails. Think of it as your very own productivity launchpad.


Keyboard Meistro (Mac) or AutoHotKey (Windows): The software that connects with streamdeck that stores all of your prompts

This is Keyboard Meistro and a screenshot of some of my saved prompts

Keyboard Maestro is a powerful macOS app or use AutoHotkey which works similarly for Windows. Either software allows you link your text prompts to Elgato Stream Deck buttons.

Setting Up the Elgato Stream Deck + Keyboard Maestro

Mac

1. Install the Software: Start by downloading and installing the Elgato Stream Deck software https://www.elgato.com/ww/en/s/downloads or for Windows AutoHotKey:

2. Keyboard Maestro (Mac): https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/

3. Install the KMLink plugin for the Elgato Streamdeck software (Mac) (This connects the macros you make in Keyboard Meistro with the Streamdeck software: https://marketplace.elgato.com/product/kmlink-00461192-91a1-4a50-949e-73067be6642e

Windows

This simple tool allows you to directly link to text files and may be the easiest way to get started: https://marketplace.elgato.com/product/supermacro-62195fec-7bcb-403d-b650-c342e9dfec67

AutoHotKey is a similar but perhaps more powerful tool for Windows. The software can be used at a simple level but also has advanced options: https://www.autohotkey.com/

SuperMacro, you need this plugin to connect AutoHotKey to your Stream Deck: https://marketplace.elgato.com/product/supermacro-62195fec-7bcb-403d-b650-c342e9dfec67


(In the Streamdeck software, once you download the plugin link, you will see the KMLink (Mac) or SuperMacro (Windows) option and you can drag and drop it into any box you like).


Now you can crete your AI Prompt: Open ChatGPT and craft a prompt that you’ll use repeatedly, such as:

Prompt: This is a prompt to make a quick email response by simply highlighting the entire email thread and pasting it into the end of the prompt within ChatGPT

This is the prompt:

'Hi ChatGPT, I’d like to respond to this email in a professional but friendly and witty tone. Please include my Calendly link for scheduling a meeting and make the response engaging. Here’s the info you need:

  • Tone: Professional, friendly, and a bit witty.
  • Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/sample-url
  • Additional Points: Kindly offer to connect and make it clear that I’m looking forward to discussing the topic further.

Now, please generate a response based on the original email provided below:

Insert original email or email thread here' <-- (This is where you copy/paste the email thread).

Next, Copy/Paste this macro into Keyboard Maestro or AutoHotKey:


The Prompt is now in Keyboard Meistro and ready to be Linked. I called it "Quick Email Response" Similar process in AutoHotKey


Last: Create your button inside the Elgato Stream Deck software: Remember Mac Users you need the KMLink addon or Windows users you need the SuperMacro add-on linked above in the article. Then, just drag and drop into the place you want your button to appear.


Drag andDrop the KMLink Icon or the SuperMacro Icon to the button you want to assign it to

Drag and drop the KMLink or SuperMacro icon to the button you wish to assign it to.

Under Macro, you will see the one we just created "Quick Email Response", so just select it.


That's it, you are done and can repeat for any macro you would like!


So, let's try it out.


Open a new ChatGPT, Perplexity or Grok (Twitter) window, click in the message bar and just push the new button.

Let's Test it inside ChatGPT:


Here is the prompt we saved and that was activated on our button push.


Here is a long email thread asking for help on a recruiting project.


This is a 3 page email thread asking for help with a recruiting project. I pasted the entire email thread into the last line of my prompt (where it tells you to do so)


Now, the result:

Amazing, right? A well formed and accurate email that I wouldn't hesitate to send. Although tweaking is encouraged as AI on it's own is not perfect, but it gives you a great start.

Why This System Works

It’s not about using AI to replace your human touch—it’s about enhancing your voice and workflow. By automating tasks that typically eat up hours, you’re able to create space for deeper work, creative thinking, and authentic connections.

AI + Human Touch AI doesn’t steal your authenticity. It makes sure you’re not drowning in busywork, freeing up your time to focus on building meaningful relationships.

Maximizing Efficiency, Not Replacing It With a system like this, you’re not just scaling productivity, you’re doing it thoughtfully. Each button is a gateway to saved time and more precise work—whether it’s data analysis, email outreach, or scheduling.

How This Setup Gives You Time Back

Instead of getting bogged down by mundane tasks, I’m able to use that time to focus on things that actually matter—whether it’s high-level strategy or just taking a moment to step away from the desk. Less admin work, more life.

Efficiency Fuels Creativity When you automate the mundane, it doesn’t kill creativity—it unlocks it. With routine tasks handled, your mind is free to focus on the big ideas and meaningful work that move the needle.


I am Rob Pruitt and if you enjoy articles like this please feel free to follow me and connect. My mission is to offer a visionary approach at the intersection of AI-powered recruitment and systems that streamline growth for solopreneurs and innovative companies. With a strong focus on authentic personal branding, audience building, and creative frameworks, I work to lead a movement of reality creators who are transforming the digital landscape.

#ArtificialIntelligence, #ProductivityHacks, #StreamDeck, #WorkflowAutomation, #AIinAction, #EfficiencyMatters, #TechInnovation, #DigitalTransformation, #SolopreneurLife, #CreativityUnleashed, #AIandAutomation, #StreamliningSuccess

Darin Cox

Consultant supporting Companies with workforce Planning and thought leadership

1 个月

Robert, your ingenuity amazes me and it’s great to see your old passions turn into new passions

Honey May Garcines

LinkedIn Engagement Specialist @ evyAI | Empowering Brands to Build Connections & Relationships

1 个月

Rob Pruitt, love how you highlight the balance between creativity and efficiency! Automating tasks really does free up time for what matters most.

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