A systematic approach to business
by Kelly Schwedland
Just as we build systems into our business to create freedom, there is a system for building the systems.
We need to remember two things: Starting a business should give us time to have a life, and that the only way to build a business that will work - with or without us - is to develop a system to make that business work.
We must go beyond establishing “how we do it here”. In discussing procedures, we need to be aware of the "hierarchy" of systems needed to make the business truly work.
This hierarchy of systems begins with what we have already talked about, the operational systems, or “this is how we do it here.” But, this is not enough.
The second system we need is our recruiting, hiring, and training system. The processes that we use to find the right people for our business then properly develop and deploy them. Not just anybody can run the systems. We need to have the “right” type of people
The third system we need is our management system. This is the process we use to evaluate the first two systems and determine if they are done properly and if not correct them.
The fourth is our innovation system. This is the process that our people use to constantly improve the way we do it here. A process that is pre-determined that will allow for innovation, quantification and, if it works, a re-orchestration of “how we do it here”. A truly successful business requires all four types of systems in place to be able to run effectively and efficiently without the owner present. Now, the next logical question is, “How do we do it?”
The process for creating the systems that work in the business is as “step-by-step” as the end result. It would be easy to say that we need to create the systems and just stop there and not do it. But, the purpose of us sitting here having this exchange isn’t for enjoyment. The purpose of reading and understanding this is to actually put it to use in our business. So that is what we have to do. Determine, no, commit this very minute, that we will spend the time each day, ten minutes to one hour, dedicated to working on our business not just in it.
Once we have made the decision to do it, this is how we do it:
That business development program has seven steps.
- Visualization of your personal primary aim.
- Creating a strategic objective for your business when it is done.
- Organizational Development — determining the functions needed in your business.
- Management Development — creating the process for predictable results from others.
- People Development — the process for finding and building “good” people.
- Marketing Development — communicating the promise.
- Systems Development: * Hard Systems * Soft Systems * Information Systems
Kelly Schwedland is president of American Business Dynamics, a small business consulting firm focused on issues related to growing companies.