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?

Webster’s dictionary defines a system as;

“A regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole; an organised set of doctrines, ideas, or principles usually intended to explain the arrangement or workings of a whole; an organised or established procedure; an harmonious arrangement or pattern”

In the context of small business I would define a system as a provider of order in your business that saves you time and money, and means you expend less energy. It is an organised, established procedure that produces results.

And systems are invaluable.

An easy way to remember the value of a system is the acronym Robert Allen and Mark Victor Hansen coined in their book The One Minute Millionaire …

SYSTEM = Save Yourself Time, Energy and Money.

Sound pretty good when you put it like that, doesn’t it.

What systems have you put in place in your business? And have they made a difference? We’d love to hear from you.

Don’t forget if you are looking to implement systems in your business, ProcedureAssist is a great way to gain this knowledge.