Part 1 of 2

So you’ve made the commitment to yourself: you’re determined to find ways of systemizing your small business. You know that conserving your energy for your “great work,” or what you’re most passionate about, is the key to your success.

The question is, where do you create those business systems? Here are the top eight places to start looking:

1. Marketing Basics. It helps to create systems for those repetitive marketing basics – like having a variety of photos and bios on hand and ready to go. Keep your professional and casual photos of yourself easily accessible, along with short and long versions of your bios – so you can respond to opportunities quicker, with less “thinking,” and less stress!

What is one marketing basic you use over and over again that you could put into a system – so next time it’s quick and easy?

2. Client Relationship-Building. Think about your relationship-building process for a client from beginning to end. Every stage can be systemized so that it takes very little time.

Your initial follow-up system could include a business card scanner, thank you cards or e-cards. Create a system for your initial consultation (I use a client questionnaire to get the ball rolling), and a New Client Package, even use email birthday alert systems or online appointment setting systems once they become clients.

These systems not only make you look more professional – they inspire confidence and position you as an expert. You must be, because you have a system for handling these things!

What is one Client Relationship-Building system you can add to streamline your client nurturing right now?

3. Online Marketing. To fully utilize online systems that can automate your marketing – so you can reach more people with less effort – it helps to have a great support team that knows how to maximize the programs. Shopping carts, autoresponders, an online newsletter, blogs, and social networking sites can all work together to support marketing you and your small business. A great assistant or virtual assistant can set up and maintain these for you – allowing you more time for marketing, working with clients, or relaxing at the pool.

Another area to consider for time-saving systems: if you have standard information that you share frequently, such as in teleclass introductions and scripts, podcast openings, thank you pages for your products, etc. In all of these, you basically say the same thing over and over. Take a few minutes (or get a team member) to put this information into a template. I find it’s easier to get inspired when I’m working from a template – instead of a blank page staring at me!

What is one “script” you find yourself saying over and over again? How could you simplify it into a template?

4. Recycle & Reuse. Recycling isn’t just good for the environment – it’s good for your business! You can take content you’ve created in one format and repackage it into multiple formats (this is often called “repurposing”). For example, this blog post came from a teleclass I gave on systems. I recorded the teleclass for a future audio product. Then it was transcribed for a supplemental booklet. I then used the transcription as the basis for an article that appeared in my newsletter and on Facebook. Then my team will publish the article at online article sites, as well as on community sites where I am on their Expert Panel. One idea: a minimum of eight ways to use it!

What is one idea you could take and reuse in another area of your marketing?

More “Places to Look for Systems in Your Business” coming…

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

Comments

[Nicole]

I love these ideas...what a great way to make things easier and *better* (more professional, more trust-building, etc.) all at the same time! Keep up the great work!