Business Systems Specialist, Tamara Simon says many people spend so much time working in the business that they forget to spend time developing their business (and take time off). 

By ‘real’ holiday, I mean you didn’t think about work – no phonecalls, no quick visits into the office, no email, no impromptu meetings with clients.

I’m guessing many of you especially solopreneurs are thinking “tell her she’s dreaming.” But what if I told you that implementing some simple systems can minimise rework, increase your productivity and free up your time to gain more clients or have some well earned time off! Businesses are often deemed ‘successful’ when clients keep coming through the door and there is money in the bank account. 

However, many have little or no systems in place because they started as (or still are) a sole operator where the main objective was to accept any work to maintain cash flow.  This was fine until it got to a point where the work couldn’t be done by one person (even by working 7 days a week).  Staff were then employed to manage the workload.  

So now which best describes you - either you are at a point where you’ve grown so much you’re constantly troubleshooting problems with staff, clients and/or the quality of work OR you are by yourself, still working 7 days a week, not seeing much of your family; knowing and wanting a ‘better way’ but unable to stop this continual cycle because the work keeps coming in and has to be done.

And isn’t that why you went into business for yourself – to make money, be your own boss and have flexibility and a better lifestyle?

But if everything about your work/clients/jobs and how your business runs is all in your head, unless you implement some simple and effective systems then it will be impossible to let go, keep staff or have a holiday; and you will continue to be like the mouse running on the wheel in their cage.

And what price is your business having on your family and friends, and on your health? At some point to move from surviving to thriving, both personally and professionally, business

owners need to say ‘STOP’ and look at implementing simple systems which not only make the business more efficient but reduce costs and stress levels (and thus   profits).

These systems can include: