Many SME business owners turn up as if they are turning up to a job and operating as a technician in their own business. As the demands of work keep rising and the pressure becomes more intense, many try and resolve the challenge by putting in more hours, but this inevitably leads to burnout. A vicious cycle ensues, and many business owners find themselves trapped under what I term the entrepreneurial ceiling with their business fortunes porpoising based on their energy levels.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The business owner is the boss. They get to make the rules. They could create their own business by their design. So why don’t they? The reality is most of us gravitate to tasks we find comfortable and often, these are highly operational. After all, this is likely to be where our journey began and what is most familiar.
If we truly wish to have a business by design, tinkering around the edges won’t get it done. We must think differently, act differently and operate differently. We must create capacity by getting the operational information out of our heads and into business systems so others can do what we have previously done. The key to creating impactful business systems relies on five core elements.
- Rethink and grow your team
Your team can be a significant asset in creating a systems-based business model. Communication is key. Getting everyone on the same page around a systems-based approach that is no longer reliant on people, creates excitement and anticipation for a different, more structured future. - Take the friction out of capturing your knowledge
Engage your people to help develop the systems and processes around how we do things around here. Use video, photographs (smartphones are awesome for this) along with documented procedures and ensure they are easily accessible and simple to follow. Have your team do a lot of the heavy lifting in developing and recording the systems. Investing in specialised IT systems can also help support and facilitate a systems-based approach. - Rebuild your organisational structure and create formal mentoring relationships that builds capability in your key people
Ensuring the people in the organisation are supported in their professional growth is critical. A formal documented organisational structure shows everyone where they fit and what role they play in the team. Building capacity in people throughout the organisation via an internal mentoring program is a great way to transfer knowledge and continually improve business capability. - Craft a new position description that repositions you as the entrepreneur
Once the new structure is built and many of the systems have been captured, draft a position description that redefines your new role and live it. It will be uncomfortable at first, but piece by piece implement the systems, let go of the reins, anoint a senior person to take over the operational tasks one at a time and expand your business beyond your personal capacity. - Stay the course
At times you will no doubt be dragged back into the operational weeds. If you have truly committed to a different future, have awareness in the moment and get out of your way. Gain confidence and momentum in the new approach by creating small incremental wins for you and your team.
Although many have tried, it is almost impossible to sustainably balance supply and demand. By committing to create a systems-based business free from key person risk, business owners are able to create capacity and have the clean air to grow and expand their business and in doing so, build their business by design.
