Every business  should run like a well-oiled machine and one thing that helps keep them that way are systems and processes for all areas of business.  Typical systems are filing, accounting, contact management, sales, inventory, payroll, customer service.

Having systems in place with processes inside of them lead to less wasted time from the owner of the company on down, decrease in expenses, fewer mistakes or mishaps and overall, a positive impact on your bottom line.  The absence of systems within a company can cost it greatly.

Look to see what systems you have and which you need to add then establish those systems for  your business and create a step by step processes for each one.  Once they’re created, it’s time to create new habits and begin using them and sticking to the process so that things run like a well-oiled machine.  Doing so allows each system to carry out its related processes in contribution to your office and company running smoothly.  Having them in place and using them maximizes everyone’s time and leads to high productivity levels.

What systems have you got in place?  What’s working and more importantly, what’s not working?  If it’s not working, then it’s got to be addressed.  For example, if you always have trouble finding things, then it’s time to create a solid filing system.  By the way, it’s typical for people to waste 1.5-2.0 hours each day just looking for things.  It gets pretty scary when you start to do the math.  If you’re constantly looking for contact information then it’s time for a better way to manage your contacts, because after all, if you can’t connect with your clients or prospects, you’re going to have issues.  Not much work is getting done when you’re spending time looking for things that could be easily retrieved in 30 seconds or less with efficient systems in place.