Are Business Systems and Processes the same?
*#2 of 7 post series for Global Entrepreneurship Week.
A detail that can elude some entrepreneurs as they build their ‘empire’ is establishing the right foundation at the very beginning. A number of entrepreneurs that I have worked with made a great start, got established and then ‘hit the wall’ because they didn’t put systems and processes in place to make it easier to scale and grow so now instead of owning their business, their business owns them!
Starting and building is the exciting part but as you acquire a larger market share, what was once fun can become the J.O.B. that you left behind when you struck out on your own. Many business owners end up working longer hours for little or no pay. Having systems in place let you put much of the repetitive and tedious tasks on autopilot and can make all the difference to your success.
Aren’t systems and processes the same?
This question popped up with a new client when we were looking at the potential to expand his business into other markets.
The short answer … no.
To give you a better idea, processes are a checklist of the actions you do to, usually in a certain sequence that are part of the bigger picture AKA the System.
For example, eating breakfast is a process. Your checklist might look something like this:
- take a bowl out of the cupboard
- pour cereal in it
- get the milk from the fridge
- pour it over the cereal
- get a spoon from the drawer
- eat
Following those steps (the process) will make what you are trying to accomplish, starting your day (your system) move efficiently and effectively.
Your business is the same – a successful business is comprised of many systems. Marketing, sales, shipping, customer service, administration … and each of them have a role in your business success and maintaining your sanity.
The following is a great article on Business Systems: the why, the what and the how. Grab a cuppa, have a read and if you would like some help creating your systems, give me a shout.
There’s tons of info and resources to help you get on the right track. If you need more info, clarity on a specific area or help with creating your “Book of Knowledge”, send up a flare. I’m here to help.
#WhenWomenTalk #globalentrepreneurshipweek #entrepreneurialmindset #makinganimpact #businessgrowth #consultant #coaching #connectedwoman
Now Go Get Connected!
An award-winning Leader, Entrepreneur and Business Development Consultant, Cathy teaches entrepreneurs how to increase their influence; build their business and stay sane while doing it. She helps you to let go of limiting beliefs to “Stand Up, Stand Out & Step Forward” for business success. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors by StartUp Canada, Cathy is recognized across the country for her expertise on “All Things Small Biz”. She is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, is a Director on the Board of WeBC (formerly the Women’s Enterprise Centre), author of numerous books and articles specifically the internationally known “Daily Espressos- Your Read it and Delete it Kickstart to Your Day”, and is a networking maven. (whew!)
For information on upcoming workshops, business coaching or to engage Cathy as a Keynote speaker at your next event, visit www.cathykuzel.com
