Which one do you need exactly? All of them? None of them? Well, it depends how structured and organised you want your business to be.
Most business owners I speak with are very confused about this, so I figured to explain it in a little more detail and give you the information you need so you can implement what is necessary in your business.
First stop, the dictionary (bear with me, I promise this won’t turn into a boring lecture):
process
noun
-
1.a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
system
noun
-
1.a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network; a complex whole.
workflow
noun
-
the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.
automation
noun
-
the use or introduction of automatic equipment in a manufacturing or other process or facility.
Now that we have the clear definitions out of the way, we can look at how this fits into your business.
Your whole business is made up of smaller systems forming one big system. Think of different types of cogs in the back of a watch, connected yet separate but a perfect fit.
- Client journey
- Project tracking
- Admin
- Social Media
All these different components are processes and workflows that have come together and these processes can be automated as much as possible but ONLY IF you have worked out each step in the process, straightened out the kinks AND perfected it.
If you are wanting to start outsourcing, this is a great place to start.
I hear so many of my clients say, but Joyce, my brain just doesn’t work this way. I am not made to work with a structure and I get it, I do.
I have this slight incline that there is a fear present they will lose their identity within their business, their creative vision, their big ideas if they box it all in or structure it too much. That the flow they enjoy so much will disappear.
What I also know is that most of the businesses run on chaos and the reason they come to me is because they feel anxious and overwhelmed, scared they are dropping the ball somewhere. They also are stretched too thin and feel like throwing in the towel.
What if I told you that finding your way of setting up the processes and systems will allow you to take stuff off your plate, save you time and energy and, if this is your aim, finally have a way of delegating the tasks you no longer wish to do to a team member? Which means, more time for you big visions, big dreams and goals.
Hallelujah!
Whatever type of person you are, taking the time to figure out which processes you require for the different systems within your business is so worth it.
It’s the only way you will be able to outsource successfully and have a strong foundation to scale your business no matter what stage of business you are at.
By revisiting them regularly and tweaking where necessary. With these in place, it is also easy to know what your team members are meant to be doing and keeping them on track.
Choosing the right software tools to support your business requires you to map out these processes and seeing how the systems fit together and where you can create the proper workflows and set up the automations.
Take the time to deep dive into this, separate and map out. Look at it all again, determine what is working right now and what isn’t. If all of it isn’t working, don’t despair, start from the beginning again.
It isn’t a quick fix, it’s not a 1-hour or 3-step process, but I promise you once done, you will have a business that runs with ease and grace and you will have free time on your hands to kick back and pour yourself whatever drink you enjoy the most.
Celebrate and implement!
If you are finding this hard to wrap your head around or you have no idea where to start, please let me know. Send me an email joyce@joycedebakker.com or book in for a free 30-minute call. I can generally set you on the right path with some quick tips and tricks to get you started.
Always happy to help and make life in business as easy as possible for you!
Much Love,
Joyce xo