There is an old saying: “If you can read, you can cook.”

If you are reading to cook, it probably means you are reading someone’s recipe. If so, you are using a system. A recipe is simply a set of instructions to achieve an outcome.

Running a successful business can be likened to following a recipe. Your “recipe” for success is about writing down (functional) instructions so staff can replicate the actions you do.

A business recipe is about transferring your knowledge into a set of instructions or strategies that staff can understand and follow.

You need to identify:

• What are the most critical actions in your business;
• Who is responsible for them;

• When they should be completed;

• How they should be completed.

Once you identify and document these things, you can share this information with others. Obviously, once you have written your systems, staff members will need to be trained and monitored, but a little time invested in this direction will pay big dividends down the track.

The advantages of having systems in place are:

• To free up your time (you can take holidays!);

• To make efficient use of business resources;

• To make it easier for staff to replicate the actions you do yourself;

• To enable staff to feel confident in what they have to do;

• To leave no doubt in people’s minds about the way things need to be done.

Systems also create an environment for improvement, giving staff the opportunity to contribute new ideas and see them incorporated into the business model.

If you don’t have systems you will always be a slave to your business, which will prevent you from looking at fresh areas for constant improvement and growth.

Systems can also save your sanity! They are the natural enemy of chaos, and can give you the freedom and space to exercise your creative business brain.