Once you have your list of what systems are working and which aren’t working, you can refine those that can work with a few changes and create the new systems that are missing.
Typically, a business needs systems for customer sales, whether you sell products or services; an inventory system, payroll system, and as previously mentioned, an accounting system. Think about the essence of what you do and how you do it as well as your intentions as you begin to create the systems that your business needs. For example, when creating your customer system, think about the experience you want them to have and the tools and processes that need to be in place for that experience to be possible.
A good filing system has action, reference and archived files as well as a process for reviewing, purging and archiving files. That maintenance is what will keep you from wasting the typical 1.5 to 2 hours each day that most people spend looking for things when you should be working.
Your business should have a payroll system even if you are only paying yourself, and let’s not forget a system and process for your exit from your business. What should happen when you retire? Are you selling the business, shutting it down or passing it on to a child or other family member? Remember, even the human body has a process for shutting down when it’s time for transition.
Each one of these systems is an integral part of running a successful business. Having them in place can make or break you. At the beginning of the New Year everyone makes resolutions. It’s a really easy thing to do; almost too easy. You will find everyone popping up with things that they resolve to do in the year ahead. If you’re a business owner and you don’t have established systems and processes in place, I strongly encourage you to seize the moment and take action now. It’s time to get your business in gear for the New Year and have all systems GO!