What does it actually look like to build a business that works without you there? Not the theory — the real, lived experience where you take a holiday and the business keeps running, where your team resolves problems without calling you, where profit shows up at the end of the month whether you were in the office or not.
That outcome — a business that works without you — is what business systems and processes are ultimately for. And if you’ve been promising yourself you’ll “work smarter, not harder” every January 1st and it still hasn’t happened, the missing piece is almost always systems.
Smart business owners learn to incorporate business systems and processes to achieve owner freedom far quicker than those who rely on effort alone.
The key to business success is to combine a profit-making strategy with a vision of personal fulfilment, meaning that the business generates profits while the business owner is enjoying life elsewhere - and this involves relaxing!
So what’s the best way to achieve this? We know from experience that some of our clients achieve this in mere months. We will examine the steps necessary to get there.
The first three steps are about vision, mission and culture. For the vision, answer in just one sentence; why does your business exist? Your mission goes into more detail about who you are as a business. The culture covers something essential; that your staff know a set of values in line with what you want from your business.
Another step is about being SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, a Result and Time-scaled). Think about your goals for the business and where it’s headed, and use them to set the compass direction. Plan clear….and make sure your team members have theirs clear too.
This next step is one business owners often overlook - having an organisation chart might sound obvious, but it is surprising how many businesses don’t have one in place. Does everyone working for you know their reporting chain? Your chart should provide clarity around each person’s role in the company and what they’re accountable for.
It’s astonishing really, how many companies don’t have procedures set out for their business, let alone having manuals in place to show people how they work. If the knowledge is in your head or in the head of a few key people in the business what happens if they are no longer there?
All these steps lead to a final one, and in some respects, it’s the most critical. That’s the implementation of management systems, it’s the glue that holds it all together.
Related Reading
If this article has sparked something for you, here’s where to go next:
- Want the full step-by-step blueprint? Our pillar guide walks through every layer of the system: 9 Steps to Building Business Processes and Systems
- Not sure where to start with documentation? We cover the mindset shift that makes systematising feel manageable: Making systematising your business simple
Ready to get started? Book a free coaching call to discuss how business coaching can help your Sydney business grow.
P.S. whenever you're ready, here are 4 ways I can help you get unstuck and moving forward:
1. Want to escape the 80-hour rat race?
Grab a free copy of my book. I wrote it to show you how I built a business that runs without me. So I could get my time, my family, and my life back. → Get your copy here
2. Need more consistent cash coming in?
If you're a solo operator and want to grow fast, our Business Class program helps you double your revenue in 6 months, or you don't pay. → Learn more
3. Already making decent money, but the business still leans on you?
Our Elite Program helps you build a team and systems that take the weight off your shoulders. You get the full Black Diamond System, plus a business that works while you don't! → Find out how
4. Not sure what you need, but know something has to change?
Book a free call. We'll look at where you're stuck, find what's holding you back, and map out a simple next step to get you moving. Did I mention it's free? → Grab a time here
