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Could a Lack of Systems Be Slowing Your Growth? - Guest Post by Nina Gordon
What springs to mind when you hear about systems and processes? Snoresville? Ok, I get it, “systems” might not be the sexiest word in the business space but I think we need to talk about this sneaky little culprit that may be sabotaging your business growth: the lack of systems. Yep, it might sound boring, but trust me, it's a game-changer.
Starting, building and growing a business is exciting, yet often things get out of control. Balls get dropped and what was exciting can become a chore. Why? Because of a lack of systems!
The benefits of having systems in place can help your business on many levels:
- The Customer: knows what to expect
- The Team: have more autonomy
- You: have more time!
Systems keep the ball rolling…. in a high quality, streamlined way!
So let's break it down and look closer at how a lack of systems can be secretly slowing down your online business's progress.
1. Inefficient Workflow: A Recipe for Chaos
Picture this: a jumble of tasks, information scattered all over the place, and your poor team members frantically trying to keep up. Without solid systems in place, your workflow turns into a disorganised mess. Chaotic, right? But don’t worry! Streamlining tasks and documenting processes can work wonders for efficiency, saving time and helping you scale.
2. Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong brand and earning customer loyalty. But without systems, things get messy, and your brand loses its shine. From customer support to client project delivery, maintaining consistency is crucial. Implementing systems ensures everyone follows the same game plan, delivering a seamless experience that keeps customers and clients coming back for more or recommending you to others.
3. Scalability: Unlocking Your Superpowers
Every online business dreams of soaring to new heights, but without systems, it's like trying to take flight with clipped wings. As your business grows, manual processes and winging it won't cut it. You need systems that automate repetitive tasks and provide the flexibility to scale effortlessly. With the right systems in place, nothing will be holding you back.
4. Boost Team Productivity
Your team is your ultimate squad, but without systems, it's like trying to assemble the Avengers without a plan. They may have superpowers, but they'll be unsure of where to use them and will not be able to save the world! Systems empower your team by clarifying roles, streamlining communication, and eliminating confusion. With clear processes and efficient collaboration, they'll be able to accomplish more, work smarter, and drive your business towards success.
5. Creativity
Creativity is the secret sauce that adds flavour to your business, but without systems, it's like trying to cook without a recipe. Chaos in the kitchen! When your team is drowning in operational confusion, there's little time left for creative thinking and game-changing ideas. Systems free up time, reduce repetitive tasks and create space for ideas to flourish.
Don't let chaos and inconsistency slow you down. Implementing systems is like having a trusty sidekick by your side, streamlining workflows, boosting team productivity, and unleashing your full potential.
So now you know you need to get your systems in order… but where should you start?
Standard Operating Procedures or SOPs - have you heard of these?
An SOP is a documented set of step-by-step instructions on how to perform a task or a process in your business. It can be in written, video or image format - or a combo of these!
One of the most important things you can do to create an organised and streamlined business is to have a strong, robust and personalised business instruction manual! And that is basically what your business SOPs are - a bunch of instructions on how to run your business smoothly and seamlessly!
By creating, using and sharing your SOPs I promise you that you will, save time, avoid mistakes and produce higher quality work.
And what about the tech?!
Don’t get systems confused with tech - the tech can help you but until you get your system structure sorted the tech can wait!
Think of the tech as ways you can enhance your systems - it can help you streamline and automate where possible. But get your foundations nailed first!
Break your business down into it’s main areas and keep it simple: Marketing, sales, finance, team, operations and client management.
Then look at the systems you have in place (or need)! I would recommend the following as key:
- File Management
- Calendar Management
- Email Management
- Project Management
- Clients (and leads) Management
- Communication.
Keep in mind that if I was to implement all of these tasks for a client with an established business it would typically take me anywhere from 1 to 3 months. So it's important to be realistic about the scope of this task and break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks.
It’s a meaty project, but once you have your systems in place it will be so worth it.
Without them you may not be ready to grow your team… scale your offers…and at the end of the day, you’ll be wasting your own time. And at the end of the day, your time is your most valuable asset!
Nina Gordon
Nina is an Online Business Manager and Certified Master Marketer who supports business owners as a partner, strategic advisor, systems creator, team manager and implementor. She helps them to get out of the weeds of their business and allows them to truly step into their CEO role as the visionary and creative of their business.
If you have a vision of what you want to achieve in your business, but you just don't have the time, knowledge, or patience to put it all into action, Nina can be your right-hand woman and partner, who’ll strategise and plan WITH you and manage and implement FOR you.