> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://guides.runner.now/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Best practices

> Set up Runner the right way and get consistent, reliable results.

We've watched how people use Runner. These are the patterns that work.

## Start with email and calendar

Don't connect everything on day one. Start with the two apps you use most:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card icon={<img src="/images/apps/gmail.svg" alt="Gmail" width="24" height="24" />} title="Gmail">
    Inbox triage, draft replies, follow-up tracking.
  </Card>

  <Card icon={<img src="/images/apps/google-calendar.svg" alt="Google Calendar" width="24" height="24" />} title="Google Calendar">
    Meeting prep, scheduling, conflict detection.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Those two give Runner enough context to handle your daily briefing, email triage, and scheduling. Once you're comfortable, add Slack, then your project tracker, then whatever else.

<Tip>
  **First-day setup:** Gmail + Google Calendar. That's it. You can add more anytime.
</Tip>

***

## One workspace per context

Keep different parts of your life in separate workspaces:

| Workspace        | What's connected                        |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **Work**         | Work Gmail, Slack, Linear, Google Drive |
| **Personal**     | Personal Gmail, personal calendar       |
| **Side project** | Separate email, Notion                  |

This prevents Runner from pulling your personal emails into a work conversation. Or vice versa.

***

## Review before sending. Every time.

Runner shows you a draft before anything goes out. Make reviewing a habit:

1. Runner drafts the email or message
2. You read it, check the tone and content
3. You approve, edit, or discard

Especially early on. The drafts get better as Runner learns your style, but always take a look.

***

## Start with questions, not commands

When you're new to Runner, ask questions before giving orders. It helps you learn what Runner can see and do.

| Instead of              | Try first                                                              |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Send an email to John" | "What's the latest email thread with John? Can you draft a follow-up?" |
| "Create a meeting"      | "Do I have any open slots this week for a 30-minute call?"             |
| "Update the task"       | "What's the status of that task? What should I change?"                |

Once you're confident, give direct commands. Runner handles them fine. Starting with questions just builds trust faster.

***

## Tell Runner your preferences

Runner remembers how you like things:

*"When you draft emails for me, keep them under 5 sentences. Use a professional but friendly tone. Always end with a clear next step."*

Runner applies those preferences going forward. Less editing, better output.

***

## Be specific with names and dates

Runner works across multiple apps, so precision helps:

| Vague                          | Clear                                                               |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Check that email"             | "Check the email from Sarah Chen about the Q2 budget"               |
| "Schedule something next week" | "Find a 30-minute slot on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon"           |
| "Update my tasks"              | "Mark the API bug task as done and add a note that the fix shipped" |

***

## Review your automations once a month

If you set up automations, check on them every once in a while. Remove any you don't need anymore. Keeps things clean.

***

## Your first week with Runner

Here's a good first week. Each step builds on the last.

* [ ] [Install Runner](/get-started/installation) on your main computer
* [ ] [Connect Gmail and Google Calendar](/get-started/connecting-accounts) -- takes 30 seconds each
* [ ] Ask Runner: *"Give me my morning briefing"*
* [ ] Ask Runner: *"Triage my inbox"*
* [ ] [Set up your first automation](/workflows/creating-automations) -- morning briefing at 8am every weekday
* [ ] [Connect Slack](/get-started/connecting-accounts) and ask: *"What did I miss overnight?"*
* [ ] Try voice dictation for at least one request (click the mic icon)
* [ ] [Create a second workspace](/get-started/workspaces) if you have work and personal accounts

***

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Tips and tricks" icon="star" href="/tips/tips-and-tricks">
    Quick wins and features you might not have found yet.
  </Card>

  <Card title="See how others use Runner" icon="lightbulb" href="/use-cases/overview">
    Real workflows for founders, real estate agents, and more.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>