For fastest results and more freedom, develop and implement systems

One of my all-time favorite books is The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber.  In this book. Michael tells us this is the secret to success is using the right systems and people.  Here are a few take always on using systems to grow your business and regain or retain balance in your life;

• NEVER rely on your memory, use checklists. Simple, but often overlooked.  Lists will ensure that all activities necessary to perform the work are completed and provided accountable.  Checklists are also a great way to communicate with your clients and team members and eliminate unnecessary repetition of others.

• Develop a written procedure manual for all of the activities you do.   Successful entrepreneurs don’t do it all. Document everything from how you perform each task in your business.  A written plan will make it simple to hire the right person in the future and give you a reference point to discover where your time is being best spent.

• Devote quality time for income generating activities DAILY.   Review your business, determine the steps necessary to create the desired results, and then take steps toward that goal daily.  For example:  As a Realtor and it may take you 100 calls to generate a new listing, to get one new listing each week, you’ve got to make 20-25 calls each day.  Scheduling for this and creating a system to implement it will dramatically increase your success.

• Focus! Start the day with a plan and stay focused.   It’s easy to get off on something else as soon as the phone rings but staying true to your plan will help you achieve your goals.  You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll get done in a shorter period without any interruptions or distractions.  Remember how much you got done in the few days before your last vacation?

Spending time developing goals, new systems, and solutions for implementing them is a surefire way to increase your business.  Don’t get stuck in the day-to-day and confuse busy time for business building time.  Step away from the email, turn off the phone, and eliminate interruptions during this critical time to simply work on improving your business.