Embracing Systems: Your Path to Business Freedom

I am a Coach, who is constantly re-examining, reflecting and refining what I am doing, for who, where, when and how.? A constant theme through my LinkedIn Newsletters is my ability, need and wish to be ‘reflective’, ‘resourceful’ and 'resilient'.? I still remember that spark of hope when I first started my business? That dream of creating something amazing, something that would change lives - including my own? Well, guess what? That dream is still alive and kicking!

But let's be honest. Running a business can sometimes feel like herding cats while juggling flaming torches. Exciting? Yes. Exhausting? Also yes.

That's where the magic of systems comes in. Now, I know "systems" might sound about as exciting as watching paint dry, but the truth of the matter is, systems are our secret weapon to transforming our business from chaos to calm, from stressed to successful.

Try thinking of systems as your business's superpowers. They help you (and have helped me):

? Do more in less time (hello, efficiency!)

? Keep things consistent (because who doesn't love reliability?)

? Grow without losing your mind (or your hair – I choose to not have hair on my head...believe!)

? Make smart decisions (based on real info, not just gut feeling)

But here's the thing - building these superpowers takes time. It's not an overnight makeover. And that's okay! Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a well-oiled business machine. I am 6-years in and still learning, developing, reflective being resourceful and oh so resilient.

Let me share a quick story. I have a client - let's call her Sarah - who was adamant about doing everything herself. She was the chef, waiter, and dishwasher in her business kitchen. Sound familiar?

It took some time, but when Sarah finally embraced systems, it was like, "wow...where have I been?". Suddenly, she had time to breathe, to think, to actually enjoy her business again. And the best part? Her business flourished like never before.? Sarah has seen her cooking classes, cooking school, mobile catering and demand for her exquisite cooking and leadership skills as a Chef soar like never before.? With her growing team, they have identified, implemented and deliver services and products based on updated and refined systems and processes.? Sarah’s business is now is proving to be more effective and efficient – and Sarah is allowed to do more of what she does best...cook!

So, how do you start this systems journey? Here are some bite-sized steps:

1. Take a step back and look at your business with fresh eyes. What's working? What's not?

2. Pick one area that's causing you headaches. Maybe it's customer service or inventory management, sales or time management.

3. Write down your process for handling this area. Every. Single. Step.

4. Look for ways to simplify or automate parts of this process.

5. Test your new system, tweak it, and celebrate the improvements!

Remember, it's all about progress, not perfection. Each small system you create is a step towards a smoother-running business.

It does not end there. Now, let's talk about balancing short-term fires with long-term dreams. Here's a simple trick: For every short-term task you tackle, ask yourself, "How does this contribute to my big-picture goals?" This helps you stay focused on what really matters.

As your Systems Business Coach, I'm here to guide you through this journey. Together, we can:

? Uncover the hidden potential in your business

? Design systems that feel like a natural extension of your vision

? Help you find that sweet spot between "doing" and "growing"

? Transform your business into one that serves your life, not the other way around

Remember, every business owner I've worked with started exactly where you are now. With a dream, a dose of determination, and the right guidance, you can create a business that not only survives but thrives - even when you're not there 24/7.

Protect your hope. Remember, implementing systems is a process, not an overnight transformation. It might take time to fully grasp what needs to be done to systematise your business. Start by thinking differently today. Look at your business with fresh eyes and be honest with yourself. This new perspective will illuminate the path forward.

Systematising your business takes time, but it's worth the effort. Treat your business as a separate entity deserving respect. The sooner you embrace working through systems rather than manual labour, the faster you'll build a business that rewards you for taking time off.

Another one of my client’s let’s call her Jane,? had an online boutique which was growing rapidly, but customer service issues were piling up. By implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for order processing and returns, she reduced customer complaints by 70% and increased repeat purchases by 40% within six months. In addition, Jane and her team developed systems for staff training, inventory management, and quality control, she successfully opened three new locations in 18 months, maintaining consistent quality and profitability across all branches.

My goal is to empower you to build a business that not only runs efficiently but also gives you the freedom to focus on strategic growth and enjoy your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're just starting to explore systems thinking or you're ready to take your existing systems to the next level.

I am a coach, I love a question. Here's one for you: "What's one small system you could implement this week to make your life easier? Share in the comments - I'd love to hear your ideas!"

I'm here to support you.