Just as video killed the radio star, we all know that too much formality, process and admin can kill the creativity of the entrepreneur.
It’s no wonder that when I say “you need a client getting system” or a “sales system” most movers and shakers break out in a cold sweat.
In if that’s your first reaction, you’re not alone.
After all, for most people, having less freedom and more planning and assessment is a fate worse than death.
But what if I told you that there is an approach you can use which will actually FEED your creativity?
That will give you MORE FREEDOM, not less?
Systems: They’re Not What You Think
You see, the thing about systems and processes is that when used correctly they get your head out of having to process things each time.
Let’s take a simple example of getting clients. If each time you need to get a client you need to figure out what sequence to step them through, which conversation to have at each point, and then what course of action you need to recommend, then you’re looking at keeping yourself needlessly busy.
All of a sudden something simple like bringing business in the door is a big ask, and a massive distraction from the other things you could be doing: like building a product, or writing a press release or booking your next talk, or playing Xbox with (or without!) the kids… whatever you’d rather be doing.
A (Good) System Will Set You Free
Putting in place processes that fit at least 80% of instances is a great way to free yourself up from these draining decisions.
And they needn’t be complex.
In fact, putting in place convoluted systems that add complexity aren’t going to help you.
Putting in place systems too soon are a bad idea too… (I talk about why this is in Wire Yourself for Wealth in more detail).
But a well thought-out, simple process that you can just pick up at any point, when you get an email through, or a call booked or an action that allows you to move your potential customer through to the next step is GOLD.
So how do you go about doing this?
How To Create A System That Frees You
- Identify what outcome you’re trying to achieve, and then looking at the steps you HAVE to go through in order to reach that outcome.
- Then you want to look at the order you’ve put things in. With one lady I worked with, jiggling the order of her client-getting sequence, we managed to increase her revenue by 2.5 in a matter of months. (She also has a lot more time on her hands now too!)
- Then you want to test, measure and improve the results incrementally, by altering one variable at a time.
You can also short cut a whole heap of this work by tapping into someone who is already using a systems that works, and duplicating what they do.
Which is where a business coach comes in useful! 😉
Over To You
Right now, have a think about something that you do repetitively, week in week out.
Then write down the steps involved in what you do.
Next have a think about how you can map that process out, and put the things in the best order to get the outcome you’re after. Then Write. It. Down.
Having it written down it all of a sudden becomes a process that you can hand off to someone else.
So there you have it… a simple, easy way to get going with systems.
To Your Inevitable Success,
Laura Leigh Clarke
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