So I’m sure you have heard these terms before and wondered, Do I need these? Do they apply to me? If you own a business or side hustle then the answer is YES! Each business needs a set of systems, processes (Procedures) to run those systems and protocols in case something within that system fails. Here are some examples of Systems and procedures.
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Sales
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Operations
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Marketing
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Accounting
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Shipping
Each of these systems will have a subsystem and a procedure on how to run that system. Your procedures should be written out and ready to hand off to a new hire in the event you bring people on to the team. This includes freelancers and subcontractors. You will have freedom in not having to spend time on training them. An example of a subsystem for Marketing would be Website design or Graphic Design. A subsystem for Shipping would be logistics or inventory tracking. Your procedures should be as detailed as possible for how to run these systems and subsystems and should be looked at quarterly for any changes that might need adjusting.
Good systems take out inefficiencies within your business and create repeatable services that allow you to deliver consistent results, increase your sales and conversion rates, provide quality client experience and allow you to bring on more clients without working more or harder. Now that sounds like the dream! After all, no one feels good about having a duct taped business that fly’s by the seat of their pants.
Michael Gerber said, “Organize around business functions, not people. Build systems within each business function. Let systems run the business and people run the systems. People come and go but the systems remain constant” (E-Myth Revisited).
