Being a business owner can feel like you’re running in 27 different directions at all times. Can you relate? Here’s the thing: you’re only one person. And even if you’re the most efficient, organized person on the planet, there’s only so much you can get done in one day. Without implementing systems, automations and workflows in your business there’s a cap to how much you can accomplish, how many clients you can take on, and, therefore, how much money you can earn. Not to mention operating from such a chaotic space can leave you feeling burnt out, disillusioned and cranky.

Systems

Systems are at the heart of building a scalable business. They are the recipe and step-by-step instructions on exactly how to run your business. Why is this helpful? Because it allows you to streamline your own process, identify the areas that can be offloaded to automations or employees and allows others duplicate your exact results in your absence. Systems allow for freedom, scaling, increased profits and even potentially selling your business to buyers or investors down the road.

Automations

Automations cut down on hands-on time by creating automatic sequences and if/then scenarios. This can free up your time to do more of the things you love, like working with your clients, creating your products, spending time with your family or even traveling. Once you know which parts of your business don’t require a human touch you can get use software, like Ontraport, to build out your automations, monitor your results and manage your progress.

Why is this an essential step?

Although systemizing and automating your business requires front-loading some time and effort, in the long run it will:

• Save you time
• Save you money
• Save your sanity

Nothing spells burnout like running in 27 different directions at once. Do it for long enough and you’re likely to give up on your business altogether. Take the time to set yourself up for success now and you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

How can I get started?

• Keep track of your daily tasks, interactions, emails and responsibilities for a week. There are time-tracking apps, such as Toggl, or you can simply use a notebook.
• At the end of the week analyze the data. Look at each item you documented and break it down into a recipe anyone can follow.
• Then ask yourself if it requires hands-on attention, or can it be automated? If it isn’t automatable can you streamline it by building a template or workflow so you can reach the desired outcome faster?

I’m so passionate about helping people build efficient businesses because I’ve experienced the burnout that comes from not having one. I know how overwhelming it can be to keep up with everything, how mind boggling it is to learn new software and how frustrating it is to not know how to market yourself and get more visible. I learned the hard way, and now it’s my mission to help make it easier for people like you.

If you’re looking for help or just want to bounce ideas around you can schedule a free call with me on my website, or you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Amber Barry