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Let's go back to business basics. Every business needs a business plan. All business plans have two components - the vision and the system. The vision answers the question "What do you want"? The system component answers the question "How will you get it"? Entrepreneurs are notoriously challenged with answering "How will you get it?" The answer to this question is the key to their success - systems!

Systems will allow you to see the details involved to achieve your big picture goals. In each area of your business that you create systems, you will develop clear definitions of success and see a connection between where your business is now and where it is going.

It is critical that you understand and have the mindset that your business is not your life, they are two separate things according to Michael Gerber, the world's No.1 Small Business Guru."Once you recognize that the primary purpose of your business is to serve your life you can then go to work on your business rather than in it."

So what exactly is a system? "It is an organization of functionally interactive units for the achievement of a common goal. All systems have inputs, outputs, and feedback, and maintain a basic level of equilibrium. For example, in the human body the heart functions to support the circulatory system, which is vital to the survival of the entire body." (Dictionary of Business Terms, 3rd edition, by Jack P. Friedman)

Dr. Edwards Deming, an American statistician who was credited with bringing quality control to Japan and revolutionized American business practices, tells us that 97 percent of all failure is due to the system and not the person.

Ray Kroc was armed with this realization when he went he took over the small scale McDonalds Corporation franchise in 1954 and built it into the most successful fast food operation in the world. He created a systems-dependent business, not a people-dependent business. A business that could work without him. Unlike small most small business owners before him - Ray Kroc went to work on his business, not in it." (Michael Gerber, The E-Myth)

Here are 15 great reasons why you need systems:

* Have freedom to take time off as your business is on autopilot
* Solve problems before they happen
* Increase your capacity to get more done with less effort
* Focus on money making and creative activities knowing that day-to-day details are taken care of
* Things get done the way you want them to
* Increase your profits
* Have peace of mind knowing that important things aren't falling through the cracks
* Save thousands of dollars each year by getting the "little things" under control
* Prepares you for successful delegation
* Duplicate what you do by teaching others to do it your way
* Do only the things you love to do
* Increase productivity by doing the same things, the same way
* Better time management
* Better work-life balance
* Be consistent in doing business - people are more likely feel comfortable doing business with you if they know what to expect!

One of the things I love about systems is that they can help you recognize some of the attitudes and beliefs you have that at times may cause you to doubt or have less confidence. When you have systems in place they help to shift your energy. A great example of this is the common attitude "I don't have time for marketing". This attitude results in the "feast or famine life" that many entrepreneurs experience.

Many entrepreneurs realize they need strategic systems if they want their business to grow and thrive yet I've heard so many excuses why they don't have or want to improve them! Let's look at the top 3 excuses I've heard and some simple steps you can take today to begin systemizing for more profit and freedom.

1. I don't have the time

2. It's going to be too much work

Creating systems doesn't have to be time consuming. You can set aside a block of time in your calendar each week (start small, even 1 hr) where you work on your systems consistently. In fact, having systems will save you tons of time!

3. I don't know how or where to start

Here are a few simple steps to get you started:

Identify a system that you need - start by identifying repetitive activities and activities that are time consuming (i.e., scheduling, managing emails, following up)

Create an outcome you desire. What is your compelling goal the finish line? It should be SMART- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timed.

Determine the steps needed to reach that goal.

Commit to working on your system for three (3) weeks. It takes twenty-one (21) days to form a habit - you can do this! Get the support of a business buddy or a Productivity Expert to get perspective, accountability and advice and to accelerate your success.

As entrepreneurs we have the ability to create the lifestyle of our dreams. We can learn and implement proven success strategies that make small businesses work. It all starts though, with a willingness to change. Are you willing?