What is a system?

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Recently I’ve been thinking about what exactly systems are and why they are so essential for small businesses.

In fact, systems are vital for all businesses but if you’re running a massive corporation you can’t avoid them whereas they can sometimes seem like an optional and time consuming extra for small businesses.

But believe me when I say “this just isn’t true”

Systems are essential for the smooth running of all businesses and they will save you time and money in the long run.

So what exactly is a system?

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Procedures Myth 1: I don’t need procedures because I’m the only person in my business

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There are many excuses people make as to why they don’t have procedures in their business and here is one I hear over and over again “I don’t need procedures because I’m the only person in my business”

I understand this position, but I also love and understand procedures, so let me explain why I think this is a misguided excuse. Continue reading →

Do I really need procedures in my business?

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Most people who know me understand that I’ve been passionate about procedures for decades now. And yet I get this question remarkably often and the answer is “Yes. Yes, you really do.” While procedures take a bit of time to set up, the right procedures will actually liberate hours each week for you.

What was the last task you did that made you resent your job, life or your decision to launch your own business? Photocopying? Mail? Responding to generic emails asking you for information already available on your website? Maybe it was explaining something to a staff member again, even though you think it’s self-explanatory? Continue reading →

Why thinking ahead and clearing up confusion with new clients is well worth the immediate investment

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Welcoming a new client to your business is a great feeling. There is nothing quite like knowing that all your promotional work has paid off, and the now you have the opportunity to work with someone new.  Lots of business owners I know focus on building rapport and trust while establishing expectations in the first few conversations. These are critical goals. But I want to encourage you to think beyond the first service delivery deadline, and get the details you need at the beginning to avoid confusion and wasted time at the end. Continue reading →

Can you as a small business owner take a leave of absence?

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Yes… absolutely yes!!! In fact if you noticed I have been quiet for the past week it’s because that is exactly what I did .

Last Saturday my father-in-law passed away, for those of you who have lost a loved one you know the emotional drain this puts on a family, whilst also coping with the organisation of a funeral. As a small business owner I found it was incredibly difficult to be there for my family whilst continuing to work in my business. I tried it for a day and it was neither productive nor beneficial to anyone. So I decided to stop working for a week. Continue reading →