What do you think of when you hear “systems”? Do you visualize a factory conveyor belt with multiple steps and functions? Ok, I guess that’s just me. A system is simply a series of steps that can be taken to get a specific result that is repeatable and replicable. Once a system is in place, you might build on it and make improvements, but it forms the foundation for success.

There are essential business systems that must be in place to ensure your success.

1. Backup Systems

If you work on computers that have data store locally, this is an absolute must. I have gone to cloud-based systems to avoid this so that I never have to worry about losing data. If a PC gets a virus, no worries. We wipe it and start over. Nothing lost.

2. Business Foundation Systems

Do you need to file an LLC? Are you going to be an S corp or a sole proprietor? Do you have your retainer and/or mediation agreements ready to roll? Make sure you have your financial systems in place for bookkeeping, tax advice, expense guidance, etc.

3. Money Systems

You’re not a real business if you can’t take a credit card. You’re just not. And it’s too easy today to set it up with companies like Square and PayPal.

4. Scheduling Systems

I’ve discovered the joy of online scheduling programs and would never turn back! Check out either Calendly, Doodle, MeetingBird. No more phone tag scheduling meetings!

5. Success tracking

You can only improve what you can measure. Create a dashboard to track your key performance metrics. How many initial consultations are you doing each month and how many hire you? Where are your referrals coming from? By customizing a CRM like LessAnnoyingCRM.com, you can build a system to track a lot of this for you.

6. Marketing Systems

Choose your email marketing platform, Mailchimp is my favorite. You might want to consider a social media aggregator like Hootsuite also. That allows you to plan all of your social posts in advance and post to all of your channels at once and automatically. Huge time saver.

7. Your Support System

This is most important. In the words of one of my mentors, Jim Rohn, you are the sum of the 5 people you surround yourself with. But not only five but 3×5! Five people professionally, personally, and socially. Choose wisely!! Are your five encouraging you to accelerate your growth or are they slowing you down?

In our Velocity program, we dive into each of these areas in great detail but just being aware of where you might want to fill in a gap is a great place to start.