There’s nothing wrong with a great work ethic and a little grind from time to time, but I’m a big believer that you shouldn’t be working any harder than you have to!
The #1 way to keep your workload light — besides hiring a fabulous OBM, of course — is to put systems in place in your business. And in case you’re not convinced and still think it will kill your creative flow or rob you of your entrepreneurial freedom to operate with systems… I’ve gathered nine powerful reasons why systems are worth your time, even if you loathe structure, organization, and anything resembling a spreadsheet.
As we’ve covered before, a system defines how things are connected in a specific area of your business. They should answer the question, “What’s the general purpose and flow of work here?”
→ Need a bit more of a refresher on systems and processes? Check out my blog, simplifying them here.
Whether you’re a natural organizer or someone who shudders at the thought of organizing, systems can be your business bestie. In this blog, I’ve got nine compelling reasons why systems are worth your time and effort. So, let’s get started!
Systems are self-care for your business; when you have them in place, your business will be well-fed, well-rested, and well-oiled. The best part is that systems give you more security and predictability so you can focus on the direction and alignment of your business instead of getting stuck in constant repair mode. When you set up a system, you can align it with your long-term vision and mission. Then you can essentially ‘set it and forget it’ so that your day-to-day tasks honor your values and make progress towards your goals automatically.
Because systems add an element of predictability to your business, you can better measure and track what’s working and what’s not. Without systems, you’re left guessing and ‘feeling’ your way through business. Don’t get me wrong—your emotions and intuition have a place in decision-making, but they should always be accompanied by a bit of logic and data. Consistently collecting meaningful information about your business is vital to making data-informed decisions that lead your business to success.
Predictability — check! Data — check! Now, let’s talk about tech. Entrepreneurs who avoid implementing systems in their business often expect tech and the latest software they found on an Instagram Ad to solve their business bottlenecks. They end up piecing together several systems and only half-using the features of many of them. Ultimately, they’re the only one who knows their business backend and how things are duct-taped together. When you stop sabotaging your systems, simplify your back end, and as a result, streamline your tech, you can truly take the lead and delegate more easily.
There’s nothing worse than working on a project or in a business where 90% of your time is spent figuring out where to begin, what files you need, and how to get the answers you need and from whom. Clear systems provide a structure that your team members can step into quickly. They’ll know when to start projects, where to start, and how to hand off their work to the next team member. Systems eliminate expensive mysteries from your business! Get your team on the same page with your systems, and they will thank you later!
Since systems help you delegate, automate, and reduce what I just called ‘expensive mysteries,’ they’ll save you a ton of time and money. This becomes even more clear when you see your progress in your regular time and task audits!
Bringing new team members on board can be a daunting task. When you have well-established systems, though, the process becomes much smoother. Roles and responsibilities will be well defined, and your onboarding process will ensure that new team members integrate seamlessly into your team and rhythms.
Now that systems have got your team on the same page, your tech streamlined, made delegation easier, and new team members are being onboarded on autopilot—it’s time for a vacay! Business owners are often tied to their businesses because no one can run it the way they do. Implementing systems empowers you to confidently step away from your desk for a day or ten!
So many entrepreneurs focus on their marketing, sales, content creation, and front-end image without truly optimizing their client experience. Systems are an excellent way to build a strong reputation built on consistency, reliability, and the quality of your services. Whether it’s through streamlined communication, efficient project management, or personalized follow-ups, systems enhance your ability to meet and exceed client expectations.
Dreaming of scaling your business? Systems are your superpower! They provide the foundation needed to expand your operations without sacrificing quality—or your CEO sanity. As your business grows, systems ensure that your processes remain consistent and effective, fostering long-term sustainability. You can also adjust your systems to better meet bigger goals without the headache of wondering ‘how’ you’ll get where you want to go!
Need a little hand-holding as you embrace systems and integrate them into your business? I’ve got you covered! Just click here to connect with me, and we’ll explore your needs, your goals, and how we can make magic happen together.
August 8, 2023