Do Systems Have to be Boring?

Sometimes when I talk about systems I get the feeling the other person is imagining a stuffy old room full of books and manuals and people working slowly, barely able to keep awake they’re so bored with work.

Yet when systems are actually in place for most entrepreneurs – especially those left brain creatives – they’re anything but boring. Today I’m dispelling the most common myths of systems to help you visualize and see how systems could fit into your business.

Myth: Systems are paper based 

Fact: Systems exist in many forms! While I love drawing out a system on paper, it may live in an automated sequence in Infusionsoft or a laminated checklist for an assistant. Systems come with calendar pop ups in gmail and phone call reminders too.

Paper is typically the easiest way to convey how a system works (in steps) because it’s easier to read than perform an interpretative dance.

Myth: Systems are stodgy and never change

Fact: Good system are constantly in flux, changing with the marketplace and business so they’re always serving. Consider a store that employs 3 team members for the cash register on the day it opens. Ten years later they’ve grown considerably and you better bet there’s more than 3 team members. The basic principle didn’t change (enough staff to manage the store and serve clients) but the details may have to (how many staff is enough?).

Myth: Systems lock us into one way of doing things forever

Fact: Systems help you identify the best action to take in a given situation. When someone wants a refund how do we reply? When a client would like to pay by check how do we respond? When giving an interview what information do we provide? Over and over systems help you navigate situations which could otherwise leave you wondering “what do I do now?”

But as noted above, these ‘best practices’ are subject to change as the business evolves. Even if the system changes it’s changing to get better results!

Myth: Systems are for old, boring businesses

Fact: Every business can have systems to serve their needs, whether you’re financial planning, tax advice, and research scientists or a sculpture artist, psychic, or clothing designer. You mostly hear about older businesses using systems because they know what immature and failing companies do not: systems are the only way to track success, duplicate it and survive another season.

Business is competitive, challenging and risky – wouldn’t you want to mitigate that risk by knowing what works for you and making sure it’s done every time?

It’s saddening to think that many talented entrepreneurs, creative geniuses and caring people would risk letting their business falter because of the misconception that only boring, old, stuffy type companies need systems. Break out of the mold and embrace a tool that can bring you more clients (yes, even young, fun, creative ones!), help you deliver the best service and products, and ensure repeat business, consistent levels of quality and continued growth and success.

If you need systems for your creative business (or a boring one!) contact us at She’s Got Systems today.