Every small business owner goes through some of this. Finding the right tools and systems is challenging. Often times we piece together some things that work in the short term but don’t look at the long-term vision and goal for these processes. I just need something that works.
I have found many entrepreneurs go through similar stages of realization and implementation of systems and automation. I went through these with my businesses. While it is essential to learn as you grow there are ways you can shorten the time between these stages and get to the place where things are running pretty seamlessly.
Piecemeal
I need a tool for this and I need to do this, oh and then this would help here. By the time you have found things that work just enough for what you need, something changes and everything has a different place to go a different set of skills and user interface. Many of the free trials or “free” price tiers sometimes don’t give you all the tools that you might need. Granted you may not be thinking that far down the road because this stage is offered right at the beginning of the business start-up journey and you just need to get the clients through your door.
Upgrade
Outgrowing the tools and systems is not a bad thing. The important is realizing when you need to upgrade. I have seen many small businesses get stuck in old ways of working and it’s hurting their business and they aren’t even aware.
Many solo entrepreneurs get here and realize they are still too much “IN” the business and need to work more “on” the business. Setting up workflows and task lists to help stay on track. Prewritten email templates that can be copied and pasted. Documents already written
Flow
An automated workflow that brings your client through the experience seamlessly. Delivering the right information at the right time in the process and making them feel like you are taking care of their needs, questions, and concerns. Maybe even before they know they have the questions. Establishing trust and making it easier to get those high-quality referrals.
Why does this have to be the last stage? What if you started here? Worked out your flow and invested in the tools, resources, and automation.