Systemizing a Business

How much does your business depend on you? If you answered, “All the time!” you are not alone. Many small business owners fall into the trap of creating a business that is dependent on them. This dependency on the owner makes it difficult to scale the business. It makes it...

Bill is always late! Cathy doesn't seem to get it! Taylor is not getting the results we need! If these are the types of statements a business owner is making, it may not be about the employees, but about the business's policies and procedures it has (or maybe doesn't have) in place.

Did you know the scalability of a business not only makes a business more enjoyable to own, but also increases the market value of a business?Scalability is an important topic that many business owners don't take the time to consider. When a business is not scalable it hits its capacity and plateaus. However, a scalable business is able to grow significantly, handle increased demand, and generate consistent revenue with lower costs

As business development experts we are systems junkies! There is nothing we love more than working with our clients to design a new system or getting to the bottom of why an existing system doesn't work and then helping to redesign it. Ideally, businesses are full of documented work systems and people are using those systems to achieve predictable consistent results. This might lead one to think that when all systems are in place the business is set, right? That would be true only if businesses are stagnate. But as you know businesses are not stagnate... they are dynamic... they are constantly changing. 

 "Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results you're getting." W. Edwards Deming

Last week we started exploring systems beyond the electronic programs and applications your business relies on. We expanded your point of view that your business is run on different kinds of systems. Everything that happens in your business is based on a system. This week we want to challenge you to explore the degree to which your business is at risk as a result of not owning the systems being used to achieve results. 

It happens often. When you mention systems to a business owner, their first thought is IT, the electronic information systems, software, or mobile apps that hold and communicate information. We want to expand this point of view to include all the moving parts in your business that are required for it to exist, function, be efficient, and realize the best return of investment on your time and money. Systems are the foundation of how your business runs.

This month we gave you things to consider "while you are away" so your business continues as smoothly as possible. By having a plan in place for a vacation or emergency, you will return from your absence stress-free and without putting undue stress on your employees.

Quote: "The person who owns the business doesn't truly know how to build a company that works without him or her - which is key." Michael Gerber

Last week we showed you the need to have a Quick Reference Guide (QRG) for your business. This week's focus on "while you are away" is how to make sure each staff member has clarity on what they own within their role in your business.