“You Don’t Rise to the Level of Your Goals; You Fall to the Level of Your Systems!” – Author Unknown

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Aim for the stars.” While having ambitious goals is essential, it’s equally important to recognize that the path to achieving them is not just aspirational but includes hard work and preparation. Having good systems in place is another key to helping you succeed in all areas.

Imagine a running race. Every participant has the same goal—to cross the finish line first. Yet, there is only one winner! And the winner is the one with the best execution plan for the required prep work—a rigorous training regimen, nutrition plan, etc.

Similarly, your business success isn’t merely a function of goals, mission and vision statements. It’s also the underlying systems and processes that dictate how effectively those goals are achieved.

So, what exactly are systems?

Systems are the repeatable, structured processes that guide your actions. They’re the frameworks that ensure consistency, efficiency, and accountability. For example, a sales system may consist of a lead generation process, sales pitch, and follow-up. A marketing system could include content creation, social media scheduling, and analytics tracking.

Creating a business process involves a number of steps.

• List all activities: First and foremost, make a list of all the activities being done every day. Think of this as a data-dump!
• Identify critical processes: Look for patterns and pinpoint the core activities that drive your business.
• Document procedures: Break down the process into individual tasks and activities. Specify the sequence in which these tasks should be performed including decision points, people needed, responsibilities and accountability.
• Establish standards and criteria: Set performance standards and criteria for each step of the process. Be specific! What you might consider ‘good customer service’ could mean something different to someone else. Is this the amount of time spent with the customer? Response time? Number of touchpoints? This helps in maintaining quality and consistency.
• Document the process: Develop detailed documentation that includes process maps, step-by-step instructions, and any necessary templates or forms. This documentation serves as a guide for employees and a reference for future improvements.
• Utilize tools: Leverage technology to automate tasks and streamline workflows.
• Include metrics and KPIs: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of the process. Metrics might include cycle time, error rates, or customer satisfaction scores.
• Continuously review and refine: Use the established KPIs and metrics to monitor the process’ performance regularly. Look for areas where the process is meeting or falling short of expectations. Collect feedback from employees and other stakeholders on the process’ effectiveness. Identify any challenges or areas for improvement.

Remember: Your systems are the foundation upon which your business is built. By investing in comprehensive systems, you’re not just setting yourself up for success; you’re ensuring that your goals are achievable, and the business can adapt to changing needs more quickly!

Coming Soon: On-Demand Operations Course

In late 2024, WeBC is releasing the newest offering in our SMART Programs: our “Mastering Business Operations” On-Demand Course! The program helps you define your goals and set up the systems to achieve them. Sign up for our eBlasts to be notified when the program is available >>>