You hear it all the time. Having your systems and processes in place will not only keep your business running smoothly but will keep your sanity in check as well.
It’s the glue that holds your business together.
Yes, I know. It’s easier said than done, particularly if you’re running the whole show.
But that’s exactly why you should do it.
Without systems and processes in place you will ALWAYS be running the whole show.
And you will always feel like your business is running you and not the other way around.
They are the essential building blocks that support your overall business, your business profitability and ultimately your business growth.
They improve your overall efficiency and accuracy and greatly improve the overall performance of your business
Many people tend to confuse the terms system and process. So, let’s clarify this first.
What is a business system?
It is a series of tasks that outline exactly how to do something in a business to achieve a specific objective or goal. What is commonly known as Standard Operating Procedures, and it helps your business run.
What is a business process?
This is what helps you run your systems efficiently. Each system requires a certain number of steps in order to make it work. And those steps come together to make up the process
This is the workflow. What you give to a new employee so that the system can be implemented without training. Everything in your business should be documented in a business process.
“94% of problems in business are systems-driven and only 6% are people-driven.”
~ W. EDWARDS DEMING
Think about a fast-food franchise like McDonalds.
Without repeatable systems and processes your Big Mac would be slightly different at every McDonalds you would visit.
As a consumer, this is not acceptable. You want to know that when you order your Big Mac it will always taste the same – no matter where you order it – New York or Florida or Texas.
Without that trust in consistency and quality control you would take your business elsewhere.
As a business owner, McDonalds would not be the global brand it is today if they could not depend on every franchise and restaurant doing the same exact thing.
Without that they would fail as a business. This allows them to replicate their menu and brand across the globe efficiently and profitably.
McDonald’s like most franchise fast food businesses started off as the owners creating one location, building their brand, menu and following and then learning how to replicate that exact process in other locations so that they did not have to be in each one overseeing everything.
Repeatable systems and processes are the framework for running a successful business – ANY type of business.
They provide:
Efficiency – Tasks that can be managed by putting a system in place are usually routine and repetitive. This will help you and your staff achieve greater efficiency. You will be able to streamline your processes and remove steps that are not needed.
Consistency – Tasks need to be done the same way every time. This leads to more consistent results, and helps your business be more productive. It also gives your staff a better idea of what’s expected of them. This will allow you to grow your business at a faster rate.
Control – Systems and processes provide a way for you to monitor and control key areas of your business without having to micromanage. It gives you confidence to be able to let go and delegate and have a business that can run with or without you.
Value – Systems and processes turn your business into a valuable asset that gives confidence to a prospective buyer or investor.
The ultimate goal for every business owner should be that your business can run without you being at the center of everything.
You want to be able to have time to focus on the overall management, growth and future vision of your business while still having the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
It is the key to gaining control of your business and creating more profit, more freedom and more value.
Remember, without systems you don’t have a business… you ARE the business!
If you need some help and are looking for a framework to help you systemize your business, book a free 30-minute consultation and let’s chat.
