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You hear it all the time...

Having your systems and processes in place will not only keep your business running smoothly but will keep your sanity in check as well.

It’s the glue that holds your business together.

Yes, I know. It’s easier said than done, particularly if you’re running the whole show.

But that’s exactly why you should do it.

Without systems and processes in place you will ALWAYS be running the whole show.

And you will always feel like your business is running you and not the other way around.

They are the essential building blocks that support your overall business, your business profitability and ultimately your business growth. 

They improve your overall efficiency and accuracy and greatly improve the overall performance of your business

Many people tend to confuse the terms system and process.

So, let’s clarify this first.

What is a business system?

It is a series of tasks that outline exactly how to do something in a business to achieve a specific objective or goal.  What is commonly known as Standard Operating Procedures, and it helps your business run.

What is a business process?

This is what helps you run your systems efficiently. Each system requires a certain number of steps in order to make it work. And those steps come together to make up the process

This is the workflow. What you give to a new employee so that the system can be implemented without training. Everything in your business should be documented in a business process.

“94% of problems in business are systems-driven and only 6% are people-driven.”
~ W. EDWARDS DEMING

Think about a fast-food franchise like McDonalds. 

Without repeatable systems and processes your Big Mac would be slightly different at every McDonalds you would visit. 

As a consumer, this is not acceptable. You want to know that when you order your Big Mac it will always taste the same – no matter where you order it – New York or Florida or Texas.

Without that trust in consistency and quality control you would take your business elsewhere.

As a business owner, McDonalds would not be the global brand it is today if they could not depend on every franchise and restaurant doing the same exact thing.

Without that they would fail as a business. This allows them to replicate their menu and brand across the globe efficiently and profitably.

McDonald’s like most franchise fast food businesses started off as the owners creating one location, building their brand, menu and following and then learning how to replicate that exact process in other locations so that they did not have to be in each one overseeing everything.

Repeatable systems and processes are the framework for running a successful business – ANY type of business.

They provide:

Efficiency – Tasks that can be managed by putting a system in place are usually routine and repetitive. This will help you and your staff achieve greater efficiency. You will be able to streamline your processes and remove steps that are not needed.

Consistency – Tasks need to be done the same way every time. This leads to more consistent results, and helps your business be more productive.  It also gives your staff a better idea of what’s expected of them. This will allow you to grow your business at a faster rate.

Control – Systems and processes provide a way for you to monitor and control key areas of your business without having to micromanage. It gives you confidence to be able to let go and delegate and have a business that can run with or without you.

 Value – Systems and processes turn your business into a valuable asset that gives confidence to a prospective buyer or investor.

The ultimate goal for every business owner should be that your business can run without you being at the center of everything.

You want to be able to have time to focus on the overall management, growth and future vision of your business while still having the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

It is the key to gaining control of your business and creating more profit, more freedom and more value.

Remember, without systems you don’t have a business… you ARE the business!

If you need some help and are looking for a framework to help you systematize your business, book a free 30-minute consultation and let’s chat.

How Consulting Helps Small Businesses

Growth is an absolutely critical ingredient for the success of any small business. But without the right expertise, growing your business can be incredibly challenging. Hiring a consultant can be a great way to get the extra help you need to take your business to the next level. Here are some of the key reasons your small business might need a business consultant.

A small business has a unique set of needs that consulting can help with such as:

Business Strategy

 Creating an overall direction for your business and a plan to get there is essential for success. Business consulting can provide the expertise to help you create a comprehensive strategy for your company.

Business Planning and Development

Consulting can help you develop a business plan that includes clear objectives, strategies, and tactics to achieve your goals. They can also provide assistance with market research, competitive analysis, and financial forecasting.

HR and Staffing

Small businesses often lack the resources to hire and manage their own staff. Consulting can provide expertise in staffing, recruiting, and managing personnel.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Developing a marketing and sales strategy that works for your small business can be difficult. Consulting can provide valuable guidance on how to market and sell your products or services to the right target customers.

Cash Flow and Financing

Managing cash flow and obtaining financing can be difficult for small businesses. Consulting can provide valuable advice and assistance on how to manage your finances, obtain financing, and optimize your cash flow considering your current and future goals.

IT and Data Security Management

Small businesses often lack the expertise to properly manage their IT infrastructure. Business consulting can provide guidance on how to secure your systems, ensure compliance, and manage your IT resources.

Crisis Management

Small businesses are vulnerable to crises, such as IT attacks and unexpected economic turmoil hitting sales. Consulting can provide guidance on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a crisis.

How Do I Know if I Need Business Consulting?

If you’re dealing with any of the following issues, your small business may need a business consultant.

You’re In Crisis Mode

If you find yourself in the middle of a major crisis, such as a natural disaster or cyberattack, you may need to call on the expertise of a consultant to help you manage the situation and get back on track.

You’re Stuck

If your business is stuck in a rut and you’re having trouble finding the right solutions to move forward, a consultant can provide the expertise and guidance to help you get back on track. Growth is essential, and an expert growth consultant can help you get to the level where you want to be.

Skill Gaps

If you have identified skill gaps in your business, such as a need for a better marketing strategy or improved financial management, a consultant can provide the expertise and guidance to help you fill those gaps. They can also help find the right people to fill those roles in the future.

How Can Susan Giddings Help You?

If you’re ready to take your business’ growth to the next level, I can help. With my years of experience as a business owners as well as a business consultant, I can provide the expertise and guidance to help you create a comprehensive strategy for your business.

I can also provide assistance with business planning and development that helps your small business grow faster.

With my help, you can get the extra boost you need to excel.

“A lack of cash can destroy the strongest business model.” -Ashraf Laidi

As a small business owner, you know that financial challenges are inevitable.

But while they can be daunting and overwhelming, it’s important to remember that there are strategies you can use to overcome them. 

From understanding your cash flow to finding new ways to bring in revenue, here are six key tips for overcoming financial challenges as a small business. 

• Understand Your Cash Flow 

Understanding your cash flow can feel like a daunting task. But not to worry! Doing so will give you powerful insight into where money is going during particular periods of time – taking your success to the next level. 

You’ll be able to identify peaks and valleys in your spending, find areas that need improvement, cut back on costs, and take advantage of lucrative sales opportunities – all while making the most out of your money. 

So, if you want to get serious about small business success, hold on tight and keep an eye on that cash flow!

• Make a Budget and Stick To It 

Creating a budget is a crucial part of running a successful small business. Decide on all your fixed costs, such as rent and payroll, and figure out any potential unexpected expenses so that you’re in the know from the get-go. 

It’s much easier to be financially conscious when you have a budget in place!

So don’t let potential savings slip through your fingers — make sure to stick to your budget religiously. That way, you’ll avoid overspending, keep your finances in check, and save money you otherwise would have had to fork out.

• Find New Ways To Bring In Revenue 

Hunt for new revenue streams and conquer the cash flow blues – it’s easier than you think! 

You can start by looking into discounted prices or subscription services that offer continual income. Once you find those sweet spots, ramp up your marketing to spread the word and increase traffic. 

Not ready to dive into those options just yet? 

A quick adjustment to prices could do the trick – raising them too aggressively can be a turnoff, but increasing costs gradually is a great way to boost profits without breaking the bank. 

Any way you look at it, with a little strategic planning, you’ll have more money in no time!

• Cut Costs 

Stretching a budget doesn’t have to be a daunting chore; taking small steps in cutting costs can make all the difference. 

If you’re feeling stuck, start by renegotiating any contracts you’re currently tied into with suppliers or outsourcing services providers – it could be the answer to solving your money woes! 

You could also look into automating tasks such as accounting and customer service functions that take up too much of your precious time and resources.

It’ll give you more room in the bank, not to mention peace of mind!

• Get Creative With Financing Options 

Sometimes, the best way to finance your small business is by getting creative! 

Think outside of the box when it comes to finding loans, grants, or investments—you’d be surprised at how helpful these could be when it comes to keeping your company afloat. 

But don’t sign up for financing blindly. 

Make sure that whatever options you end up choosing don’t cause too much strain on your small business in the future.

This will ultimately give your company a fighting chance and set you up for all kinds of success!

• Stay Organized 

Finally, make sure you stay organized throughout this process! 

Your organizational skills are just as important as your financial savvy when running a business, so don’t forget to make sure you stay on top of all the transactions you handle. 

A bit of organization now can save you an immense headaches later on, whether it’s for tax season or for keeping track of obligations and contracts. 

Put in the effort to stay organized and reap the rewards—you’ll be glad you did!

The Bottom Line:

Financial challenges are an unavoidable part of running a small business—but they don’t have to be disastrous if tackled correctly! 

By understanding your cash flow, making a budget and sticking to it, finding new ways to bring in revenue, cutting costs where necessary, getting creative with financing options when applicable, and staying organized throughout this process—you’ll be able set yourself up for success even during financially challenging times.

If you’re a small business owner struggling to overcome financial challenges and don’t know where to turn, consider reaching out to me. 

With years of experience in business and accounting and a track record of success, I’m here to help you develop strategies for dealing with your particular situation. 

Contact me today and let’s start discussing how we can get your business back on track!