Coaches Corner: Steps to Streamlining Your Business

Posted on 01. Apr, 2010 by Natalie in Business Resources, Coaching Corner, Featured

Many of us start businesses because we want flexibility and control in how we spend our days and the number of hours that we work in our business.

It’s ironic that, a few years down the entrepreneurial path, we often find ourselves running from task to task, often ending the week not knowing what we’ve accomplished.

If this sounds a little too familiar – sit back for a moment and take a quick look at how you’re running the business.

Do you have systems and processes in place?  Or are you too busy juggling everything that it’s hard not to drop balls.

Here are a few questions for you:

• Do you have a system for tracking opportunities that come your way?
• Do you use a sequence to turn prospects into clients?
• Do you have a weekly schedule (that you follow)?
• Do you spend time looking for things – paper, phone numbers, files on your computer?
• Do you know where your business stands financially?
• Do you handle your customers’ inquiries and issues consistently?

Your business is made up of different systems – sales, marketing, financial, administrative, communications, client support, etc.  Setting up consistent methods or processes lead to having consistent results.

If you want to grow, if you want to hire, and even if you want to sell, it is imperative that you have these systems documented.  Knowing how to do any of these in your head doesn’t count as having a system!

So where and how do you start?

Pick an area that you want to tackle first.  What’s causing you the most stress?  Where are things going wrong?  What is taking up a lot of time?

Document what you are currently doing, then take a look to see if you can make improvements.  Set a desired outcome for each process, and use tools like diagrams, flow charts, duty rosters, process maps, or checklists – anything to get the information out of your head and onto a piece of paper.  Then test your new process, and make improvements over time.

I’m often asked which area to tackle first, if there are no systems in place whatsoever.  I’d say take a look at how you manage your time.  Be intentional about how you spend each day, so that you can dedicate the right amount of time and effort to the areas that need attention in your business.

What systems are you going to implement in April?

Another excellent post from our resident coach Felicia Lee, Ghost CEO Advisor. If you want to speak to Felicia about coaching opportunities with her then please email her and mention WomanzWorld for a special rate.

NEWSFLASH: I’ve almost completed by first ever eBook that will help you and your business rock the Social Media world – or at least get you up and running with the best of the basics.

It’s a compilation of the Social Media Workouts for entrepreneurs  I’ve been posting throughout March and better yet it’s free!

I would love to launch it on my birthday this Saturday so watch out for details!

• Coaches Corner: When To Walk Away From Your Customer
• Coaches Corner: Why We Walk Away from our Ambitions
• Coaches Corner: Get Your Pitches Reviewed
• Coaches Corner: Making Your Dreams Come True
• 8 Steps To Becoming a Savvy Social Media Entrepreneur

Tags: Business Coaching, Felicia Lee, Social Media Workout for Entrepreneurs, Streamlining your Business