Systems: Boring but Essential for Your Business (trust me!)

This week’s topic is about Systems, which might seem boring or overwhelming at first, but they are absolutely essential for running a successful business. I want to share my personal experiences with implementing systems in my landscaping business. Hopefully, this will help you make some positive changes in your own business. Recently, I hired Nicola De Piazzi, a systemologist, to help me figure out what systems we need and how to implement them. This made the process a bit easier, although there's still plenty of work to do. One key takeaway from Nicola was that many of our business problems are due to a lack of systems. If we document and follow systems, many issues can be prevented. If you're like me, you might find the idea of documenting all your systems overwhelming. But you’ve got to start somewhere. My advice is to begin by listing all your services and mapping out the process from inquiry to sale. This will give you a basic framework. It’s important to brainstorm with your team about what tasks can be systemised, then develop and test these systems regularly. Setting aside time each week to work on systems is crucial. It’s not just about creating them; you also need to ensure they are followed by your team. Making systems easy to access and attractive to use is essential. Remember, the goal is for the systems to run the business, while the people run the systems. Systems are not just about making daily operations smoother. They allow you to step back from the business when needed. Whether it’s taking a holiday or dealing with an emergency, well-documented systems ensure that your business continues to function smoothly in your absence. This is especially important if you plan to grow or eventually sell your business. One thing to keep in mind is that if your team is constantly asking the same questions, it’s a sign that you need a system in place to address those issues. This empowers your staff to find answers on their own and improves overall performance. It also aligns everyone with the business goals. Think about the future vision for your business. If you plan to grow and expand, having systems in place is non-negotiable. They make onboarding new staff easier and ensure everyone is on the same page. For me, having systems in place is the only way to achieve my vision of stepping back from the day-to-day operations eventually. Systems are the key to solving many business problems, growing your business, and achieving a better work-life balance. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you streamline your operations and take your business to the next level. The Landscaper’snCoach & Podcast Call us on: 02381 800 102 Email: [email protected] Send us a DM on Instagram with any questions you might have @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast. Follow TLC on Instagram: @TheLandscapersCoach Follow our Podcast on Instagram: @thelimitlesslandscaperspodcast Follow me! Paula Warman on Instagram: @warmanpaula Website: https://www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk