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- Jul 30 2008
- 74 Comments
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Okay, so I'm really pumped about something and I need to share it with you real quick...
For the past several months, I've been feverishly working on the next big thing for Strategic Profits (more on that in a moment).
And you know me--I'm the research-aholic. Even as I'm typing this, I'm virtually buried in a mass of books, magazines, printouts, Post-Its, and assorted clippings.
But here's the cool part...
As I was researching a certain aspect of this major project, something stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb...
It was all about establishing systems in your business...coming up with processes that help you "take action" and get things done..finding the road map to take you from A to Z with the least amount of effort.
All the research showed, it was painfully obvious across the board that most people were missing a key component--THIS is one of the biggest pieces of the business building puzzle.
If you are struggling in your business you need to get this. You need to really look at your business and identify the processes and systems or lack of.
One on the biggest hurdles holding companies back are the lack of fundamental systems that can really help expedite it's growth.
This might not be a huge surprise to you but in the mist of all the research I have been doing it is clear that people who know this still don’t take action on it.
Why? Because in most cases they don’t know what to do, or at least what to do first. In a lot of cases if they just had a road map they would be able to supercharge their business and short-cut lots of hurdles. Thereby jumping ahead of competition significantly.
Now, I could have tucked that little tidbit away and kept it for a piece of the "big thing" I'm working on. Goodness knows it would have been a welcome addition.
But I'm not going to do that.
No, I've decided that this is something you need to know about right now. Because it's something that can help you--RIGHT NOW.
So as soon as I hit the last keystroke in this blog post, I'm going to call my team together and get them going on this little "side project".
I figure we'll need about 48 hours to get it together. So check back on Friday August 1st to see what's up.
Seriously--mark your calendar. Because you will not want to miss what I'm about to do.
(And best of all, it's FREE for you)
Gotta get to work now...
But I wanted to hear from you first.
1. Let me know what major processes you implemented that positively helped your business in regards to what I am saying here.
2. Looking back in time, what would you have done differently that would have put you much farther ahead in your business? To Higher Profits,
Rich
P.S. Like I said, I've had my head down, working furiously on this MASSIVE undertaking for the past several months...
And I've been doing my best to keep it under wraps. But as it tends to happen, some info has leaked out.
So to satisfy any curious minds, I will go ahead and confirm this much:
I'm about to set the internet marketing community on its ear (again)
There's something HUGE on the horizon for September
We'll announce more details in the coming weeks.
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hey Richard,
You asked a great question……. “What, looking back, would you say if you had done would have put you much farther ahead?”
Thanks for asking man. I have already compiled such a system, and just mentioned it a few days ago on my blog that I am going to launch it soon.
Having seen how people from all over, including my self have been lied and deceived in this industry, I decided in the end of 2005 to drop everything I was doing and to take time and investigate the facts, see trends, observe patterns and so I have been RESEARCHING for almost 2 years now!!!!!
Oh yeah seeking the hard core facts…. and of course have put together not only the fundamental structures and efficient simplified processes, to help me take “correct action” but also timeless principles that people can use to improve their business and their life. All condensed into one map…which I called “The Clarity Map”
And that’s what is going to get me ahead for sure, and of course all those people who get their hands on it!
Btw, I have question for you….. how come so suddenly you..are in such a hurry?
Thanks for the info
Hi Rich,
Looking back I would have created less product and made sure each one was complete before moving on-that means autoresponders in place and affiliate tools plus driving traffic to that specific ebook or product.
On implementation, my newsletter used to take days, now I whip them out in a couple of hours. What I did was simplified it so that I could repurpose Q & A’s and use them in my newsletter. Take articles submitted to Ezine Articles (written by a ghostwriter taken from my teleseminars) and change them 30%, have my VA add the tech tip since she’s better at it than I am and tell me who the top affiliate was. And keep my eyes open for free stuff and keep a list so I have something juicy in each newsletter.
Another system is having a page where joint-venture partners can go to get the questions to ask me, get my bio and picture,
get the affiliate link to my products-basically everything they need so I don’t have to do it manually each time. It works really well.
Thanks for addressing this-it’s huge!
Rich,
Processes that I always find lacking or in need of repair are:
1. Problem solving for clients or Cuztomer Service
2. Order entry or taking orders from clients
3. Product development
4. Lead generation or getting clients
5. Client followup
Murray
Sounds interesting. I definitely want to know all about it.
As simple as it sounds, I think that is what I am missing…. A system run correctly could catapult my company.
I wish you wouldnt do this. What is it?
Rich,
Organization and a fundamental system to overcome it is what most companies, online and off, are missing. What you are proposing sounds like a great system and I for one can’t wait to see what you will be offering.
First, I needed a lead generation process (Actually several that all related to each other) and then I needed the conversion system (from a lead to a sale). If I had to pick just two, its them. They are far more important to the many numerous office and administrative systems that are needed too. Tom
hi Tom your right so i am building what you want a list building machine..i am tested the beta version and will be upgrading in October
when i apply the real secret .found an Asian market of millions who have never been marketed to because they have no internet access ..we are supplyng that….in Mian Channu Pakistan.
You can be ready if you join now its free and all the leads are free ..
It will take about 6 months to officially open the center….
It takes 15 mins to add your ideas….www.testmyidea.com
regards ian
The best thing we ever did was to insist that EVERYONE had a small notebook to write down ideas as they surfaced. They have a habit of never coming again.
Secondly fill the jobs with people who want to do that part, and do not try and do it all yourself. The business seems to grow to accomodate the new person as if by magic.
Abundance to All
Croz
so sad but true
Tip…
Small pocket digital voice recorders are relatively inexpensive.
Find the one’s with the option for usb connection to a computer and it is much easier to save and compile all those great ideas your employee’s have.
Dan
Ya know Rich, probably the best process I ever put in my business is using an egg timer to control the length of time I use in my individual daily activities. It really helps focus the action for me, and I can really amaze myself with the amount of work that I can produce.
In looking back in my business I would’ve trusted more in myself instead of trusting less in myself and my abilities. Believing in myself has monumentally moved my business towards success.
Thanks for all you’re doing Rich.
RB
If you need a review of whatever you come up with - whether e-book or video, just let me know. I will be brutally honest, as always.
Rich, I think you are exactly right regarding systems and the lack of! And about feeling lost as to where to start. I know I struggle with this and have seen and heard the same from friends/colleagues in other businesses.
I’m *really* looking forward to seeing what you produce on Friday. And a big “THANK YOU” in advance for setting aside a bit of time to produce it even though you’re busy. I’m sure it will be great–your stuff is always excellent!
Best,
Liz
PS: Answer to your question re: what would have made a definite difference and put me farther ahead–setting up a list management/automation system (like Aweber) a long time ago. OMG, the number of people that I let slip away! :-S
Rich,
While not a process, it is, the foundation of any successful process. Self worth and self confidence. With out failure will appear.
Once that happens, the action to take the ‘known’ necessary steps for success follow easily.
Proper belief. Proper action. Success
I would like a visual drag-and drop command center where I could bolt together all the pieces of my system in any way I choose and they would work seamlessly together. Each part of the system could be modified to create new modules. Am I dreaming or what?
Rich,
I have found the book by Michael Gerber e-Myth Revisited to be a staple in how we built our business. As a driven entrepreneur I can related with taking on any challenge full force with much gusto. However it wasn’t until I started quiting that actually helped me succeed in business. I realized the easiest way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. I was always trying to swallow the whole thing and choked many times making my business go idle or completely stop. The importance of systems in your business is a vital if you care to see it grow past the point of YOU eating the elephant. You have to rely on others in order to move past the me-istic altitude that most entrepreneurs possess. When you find reliable people that JOIN AND CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR VISION you have a redefining experience in your life.
Thanks for serving others.
Remember… be a servant,
Cory Boatright
Loss Mitigation Specialist
ShortSaleology.com
Cory,
I liked your comment. I know and have talked with Michael Gerber. Yes systems (and knowing what to do with them) and people are important. So is the technology to leverage all the information that starts getting acquired when you use systems.
Our software fits the E-myth orientation really well (www.managepro.com) Went you went through the course, did they have a software tool to help you implement the program?
Rodney Brim
Hey Rich…Accidental success here…turned a 6,000 initial investment into over a million in Revenue in less than 36 months. Created a six-figure residual income for my family, practically on accident. I’m brand spanking new to the “information marketing” bandwagon….did it all on instinct so far. Can’t wait to see what I’m going to be able to do with my next project after tapping in and learning some of your systems. I’ve got a super exciting launch about to happen in the next 30 days…trying to systemize and prepare like crazy. Look forward to your Friday announcement and thanks so much for giving away such great information!
Michael Chriswell
http://www.RevelationsTraining.com
http://www.KickstartMyDay.com
Orlando, FL
If, by “systems”, you mean well-defined and engineered processes and procedures, then you are right. If you mean software systems, you are dead wrong. As a consultant (Lean Expert and Six Sigma Master Black Belt) who has helped businesses gain efficiency improvements of 30 to 90% over the past 30 years, I have seen every company make the mistake of thinking that a new software system will accomplish what they need without optimizing their processes first. Each software system has an inherent process built into it, and the user is obligated to follow that process because that’s the way the software works. It is far better to map your processes FIRST, determine the IDEAL process, and then find the technology that can get you as close to that ideal as possible. Then as you blend that technology with a new optimized process, you have the best state possible in your business.
So, Brent, you are saying that we shouldn’t have the tool wag the dog?
Hi Rich,
What has helped me move forward was experience, automation, organization, time management and a plan of attack.
I can’t wait to see what you are working on.
Ricardo
Your the BEST!
check me out @ http://www.newellfinancial.net
Well Rich,
That certainly is a good question! I would say having started as a rookie internet marketer back in January of this year that the most lacking part of my multiple streams of income would be traffic and automation. I have been looking to create an automation system where everyone signs up underall the id’s of their sponsor for multiple programs that are involved within my the program. This would be an automated process that happens after the double opt-in and they have agreed to the terms. I already have suite of marketing tools but need an automated signup system without having to join another program like viralurl or something. I don’t want to help their downline. I want mine.
Cheers,
Bob Billings Jr.
YourBlueprintMentor.com
The most important aspect that’s been implemented and is demonstrating results repeatedly is the power of a weekly meeting with pre-set agenda and structure.
Everyone focuses on core strategic areas each week and shares what their observed realisations have been.
Then each person commits to action step for that week.
blessings and abundance
Alex
Rich,
I can’t wait. You have given us so much already to use, I am sure this one will be just as good.
Processes…Hmmmm.
Mark
Hi Rich, You’re going to be either shocked or disgusted when I tell you I don’t have a site,yet. I’ve been on the net for 7-8 yrs. and have yet to catch the right person by the tail and get into the swing of it. Actually it was pure lack of self-confidence I’ve probably invested $40,000, and I’ve been lied to, ripped off,
and conned until I nearly gave up. My stubborness or pure determ-
ation has kept me going. I have met up with a great guru who promises to help me and I’m going to finally be building a site or blog this week, then hopefully watch me go. Billions coming out of my unlit fireplace chimney. (Well I can dream can’t I.) I’ll work my butt off for as lohg as it takes to get the hang of it. I can’t afford a mentor. WOW! Pricey! But I’ll learn no matter what. I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with.
Best of Luck
BJM
Brenda,
I think you are like so many other people. I almost fell in to that procrastination trap (sorry)& opportunist mentality.
Set your sights on what you want to achieve and just go for it.
You hear a lot about TAKING ACTION & FOCUS but that’s exactly what it is.
Although I am in the trader training space, I decided to start sharing my first hand experiences and frustrations about internet marketing with everyone. Which I will continue to do….but you know what…it made me take action! (Even with no one listening, although that bturned out not to be the case)
If you are not sure, find something you are interested in and look for products to promote as an affiliate.
This dramatically reduces ‘time to market’ but again you must be serious. Focus & get on with it, you will learn a lot!
Good luck,
Ron
PS Don’t spend any more money, you already have eveything you need. Go read Rich’s Manifesto!
Rich,
Task Forces. Task Forces. Your points are always valid and with this one……SPOT ON! Your insight and advise on your weekly call program are also nothing short of shockingly stupid good er ah great every time.
Back to task forces. As you may recall, I have just recently established an LLC with 30 internet marketers. So I set up task forces. It worked. No more (much less) bottle neck jams….But far less control.
I truly believe our group is the wave of the future…for instance, I received top ranking in affiliate sales recently because we all acted as one to get the job done.
Bottle neck issues in a co-op company continue but thanks to your suggestions not as much.
I look forward to your nugget on Friday.
BTW. We are “TheWidgeteers” All for one…And
Hey Rich
the best thing I ever did was to sit down and plan…everything !
We now have systems in place to measure our performance in most areas, and hey we still have a long way to go.
Just having that clarity on where we are and where we are going and what’s in our way has improved our results phenomenally,
I’m a little bit curious about what you’re going to spring on us next Rich…
Hey I can wait. No sweat…!
Mike the Thai guy
I am from Bangalore /India.started a new com-pany in to corporate gifting and promotional activities.;Eagerly waiting for your feedback.
If I could go back in time to change one thing about my business, I would not have bought so many products, but instead paid for coaching from someone I respected. All those products I bought for the future when I was ready for them are now outdated. What a waste of money! I could cry…
Deb Gallardo
Using your methods I hope for success in development of business!!!!
Rich, Nice methods mate!
http://chacha-money.blogspot.com/
Hi Rich,
Great to see your contribution,
I have this to share for people who are starting out or have gotten stuck…
Model simple system that you have seen in action. Instead of reinventing the wheel. (although you can do that at a later date when you’ve got more experience under your belt.)
One of the best ROI I have was on a list-building system that I’ve modeled and enhanced to give it a super boost.
Seeing it in action convinced me that it will even be more helpful for someone who’s just starting out or people who are “lost”. And that’s when I decided to make it available to people.
And yes, strategic planning was crucial in constructing the system.
Best Regards,
W. Knight
http://www.goldrushsystem.com
Hey Rich,
Been practicing to Build Better Business Systems
online because we discovered while being a Fire Fighter
for 28 years, that You had to have Systems in place to
have an Effective Business. Thank God with Your help we
are Planning to be a “Maven” when Using the Internet
to build Evangelical Ministry to Spread to Word
of God Almighty.
It’s our Niche, because it our purpose of life. There-
fore we practice with joy everytime that you bless us
with your business insight. What I have is vision
and understanding that God is the only one that can
saturate the hearts of mankind to get it done.
I’m reading-Psalm 103:19-22
I’m just a vessel of God’s mercy trying to tell
everyone what God had already done for us
to realize in Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed always…Peace!
Jim Legington
This sounds real important - am anticipating something cool !
Road maps need to be simple, understandable. We need a product which create simple, readable, readily available, needing less time to create “Road Maps”.
Hi Rich,
I’ll have to come back to read it properly. You’ve got SOOOOO much on your page it scrolls in extreme slo-mo making the font unreadable.
(Unless it’s because you’re getting so much traffic) Either way, I thought I’d share it with you because if it’s the first reason, you’ll want to rectify it.
Cheers,
Pete.
We need Process which leads to simplicity, saving time, understandable mind mapping. Process which tell how to start and from where to start. Process which gives new ideas and does brain storming simulations.
Ah love the tease and cant wait to find out more
Rich
This is enormously irritating. You do this all the time and frankly its annoying. If you’ve got this great idea, why do we have to wait ’til Friday to discover what you already know. When will you so called ‘guru’s understand…. We’re interested AND busy.
This supposed ’suspense’ creation DOESN’T create anticipation, DOESN’T create attraction, DOESN’T create demand. It creates irritation, annoyance, frustration.
Why can’t you tell me what it is? If I’m interested I’ll buy it, if I’m not I won’t. The ONLY reason I’m still on your list is because you write good copy and I enjoy looking at how you’ve structured your emails.
To supposedly ‘get’ this great idea that’s worth millions if I successfully implement it as well as you or your JV partners - I have to receive two emails and visit your blog twice. What’s the value add for me?
Obviously the value add for you is that I along with all the other sheep get to read your messages twice and the number of ‘click’ on your blog increases.
If as you state many times you’re here to help me, how his this helping me? The information has potential value (but I have no way of knowing that until i’ve read it), but the process I have to go through to acquire it does not.
Disappointed, very disappointed.
John
p.s. If “For the past several months, I’ve been feverishly working on the next big thing for Strategic Profits” how come I still get at least two emails from you every week?
Hey John,
You are seriously missing the point my friend…
Re your:
p.s. If “For the past several months, I’ve been feverishly working on the next big thing for Strategic Profits” how come I still get at least two emails from you every week?
It is because of his systems that he can work on his next project AND send you two e mails a week.
Hey Rich - great post and good stimulation.
I think the best system I ever put in place was the constant reminder of where I am going and the regular reviews of what I am doing (or getting done) to make sure it is getting me closer to where I want to go.
Looking forward to Friday
Michael
Hello Rich,
First of all thanks for reminding me about ‘C O O L’
Recently I wrote the editor of the Sunday Times TRAVEL magazine
about ‘COOL-ness’ in Summer, (hope it gets published, to get some additional exposure) and in a few minutes I will be at the Beach to COOL-down…, Unfortunately my website isn’t really HOT yet, on the other hand COOL doesn’t sound that bad either.
POSITIVELY HELPED?
Actually I do think that I now have a COOL ’site’ and have a lot of ‘Systems’ in place running rather smoothly, that combined
positively helps, because I actually sell some of my own
ebooks, and have daily visitors looking at the content on my ‘Blogspots’ and looking at the Sales Pages of my
Affiliates also.
* You can find the ‘Sign-up & autoresponder-stuff’ (although this can use some improvements, maybe better placement, perhaps a little ‘Oil’ and maybe a bunch of additional Squeeze page(s) or something.)
* You can find my ‘Promotional’ Main Blogspot, with links to my other ‘Theme Specific’ Blogspots, my (Syndicated) ‘Happy Vibe’ Column, ‘YouTube Promo Video’ and a link to my ‘Webstore’, where you can have a FREE Preview of
my brilliant little eBook.
* You can find all kinds of interesting ‘DAILY ITEMS’ for your Daily Inspiration ‘running’ on the Blogspots.
WHAT WOULD I HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
1) Manage my time better? (already use an egg timer
once in a while)
2) I might have created multiple email addresses for all the different kind of ‘Newsletters’ with a better selection between
- Always Insteresting/useful
- Sometimes Interesting
- Waste of time, Delete!
Such as Strategic Profits….,
euh.., that one actually is
Interesting and useful, looking forward to Friday.
Special Message to every reader:
I have a really COOL site,
‘Feel free to have a look
- tell all your friends - and
make it smoking HOT’
All the Best,
To your Happy Inspiration,
HP
Great, I am currently working on the very thing you are saying. A system! Looking forward to your report !
Cecil
Excited about your new thing even each time, due to the fact, that I live in Spain, i can’t have totally access to all the ressources and benefits to apply your methods…
I have implemented a system of creating small best practices documents for most of the functions performed regularly in my company like testing client sites, studying Anaytics reports, performing vaidations and testing software.
These come in very handy when training new recruits to do any function.
This is building a knowledgebase that will make us capable of recruiting new people and getting them productive super fast.
Arun Agrawal
http://www.ebizindia.com
Hi, Rich!
We have set up standard operating procedures for everything from sample shipping, to sample receipt, the analysis and the reporting. We have SOP’s for most everything in our lab, so we can ramp up proportionally as our business grows.
It’s never confusing,, because we all know our procedures, and most importantly in a small bus., when someone is out - others can cover without a hiccup, providing the same awesome service our customers expect from us.
Our “problem” is effectively marketing to grow our business. I have been running a certified drinking water lab for twelve years, but the growth is slow. We grow every year, but with our systems in place,, we sure are ready for growth.
Thanks for your great info as always!
I must admit, I feel really frustrated right now!
Why?
We use software to run our business, well…it’s only capable of running about 60% of it. The remaining 40% is done manually which I know is completely crazy. The truth is…the software is lacking in so many areas and that’s because it was bought off the shelf. We really need to have bespoke software written exclusively for our business but I know that it will cost us a small fortune and then there’s the ongoing support costs which would have to be paid. We don’t pay any support costs at the moment. I wish we could cut down the manual work that we do as it takes up so much of our time and I know that it could be all automated. I’m a big fan of business systems and I really want my business to run like clockwork. It is a well run business but we just seem to be duplicating and sometimes even triplicating things unecessarily…it’s driving me nuts!
I can’t wait to read your report on Friday, thank you for making it available.
Best Wishes
John O’Hara
United Kingdom
I follow the system Andrew Carnegie credits with positioning himself as the wealthiest person in the world (at the time) and the sixth wealthiest person in the history of the world.
Make a list of the “Top-10″ things you need to accomplish TODAY. Next… PRIORTISE your “Top-10″ list. By doing this simple activity, you’re always working on the most imporatnt thing you need to accomplish TODAY. If you get interruped after only completing three items, at least, they were the three most important things you needed to accomplish on this day in your life.
Carnegie paid $25,000 for what you just read. If he paid in today’s dollars, the check would be for in excess of $500,000.00.
Time is the raw fabric of your life. Today is all there is. Today is the only day of your life you have absolute total control over. Extract the maximum value from this 24 hours of your life. Give TODAY’s “24″ everything you’ve got. Tomorrow, repeat the process.
It truely doesn’t make any difference what system you use, so long as it works for YOU.
Rich when I run workshops for my business clients I tell them that if you are adding new tier 1 clients and systems and processes to your business you are always moving forward.
I teach people the following systems to help them grow.
1) Strategic Business Planning and Execution-how to build an effective plan, monitor your progress, plan updates, eliminating admiring the problems, how to set priorities.
2) Communicating with your team
3) Roles & Responsibilities
4) Documenting Your Systems
5) Sales Process
6) Marketing System
7) Managing Your Team
Dear Rich,
Considering the fact that I am a brand new business builder, I am still in the planning phase..
I have been reading a lot of Jay Abraham stuff and the people that send it to me are always telling me good things about you. Checking out the strategic profits blog now assures me that this is where I need to be now and forever.
Just wanted to take a minute of your precious time to say thanks man, for the commitment, for your energy..
For Families and Kids in Crisis,
-Marcelino Latorre
Hey Rich,
One of the processes I recently implemented in my business was setting up a “Quick Upload Folder” for JV giveaways. Not only does it provide everything you need for filling out registration forms for the giveaway, it gives you an automatic process to follow and saves a “lot” of time.
Looking back one “major” thing I would do differently is to evaluate and plan first instead of just taking action. Planning brings more “focus” to the process along with taking the “right” action that will do the most for your business in the least amount of time.
I totally agree that knowing what to do first with a road map to follow will supercharge your business. I can’t wait to see what you have come up with!
Regards,
Paul Gallion
http://internet-viral-ebook-marketing.com
P.S. Thanks for picking up the shipping for 7FigureSecrets…It’s Awesome!
Hi Rich,
First - thank you for creating the CASHMAPS! I am completely convinced that you have one of the best business minds ever, the new Jay Abraham, if you will.
I just hope you don’t get your head so swelled that you can hardly fit through doorways.
But honestly, I hardly read anyone’s emails anymore (delete delete delete) since I find that it’s a time saver to focus on the really knowledgeable people who give away so much information free that it is absolutely awe inspiring. Those CASHMAPS were remarkable. Some a bit redundant, but probably necessary to be that way.
Thanks for all you do to help people. Looking forward to more of your mind-sharing.
What would I have done differently that would have made me more successful today? Hired better. And kept ALL my people at arm’s distance, not gotten so personal and friendly - that was my biggest mistake. And yes, systems are what everyone needs to have a well-oiled machine.
Ideas are crucial to my copywriting business. I used to use the notebook & pen system to note ideas as they occurred. Then I migrated to tape recorders / memo machines. Now I use my MP3 player that has an inbuilt microphone / recorder.
Automated follow-up procedures (both online and offline) are crucial in our business for keeping in touch with people and generating more business.
In the office my PA has process flowcharts, which she creates for every system we use. The intention is that anyone joining the company can pick up the chart and know what steps to follow and where to find any other related info they need to accomplish the task.
Personally I find I get more done when I block my time for specific projects and activities. Also gives a great sense of achievement when looking back through my diary
Love the info you provide. BTW - your Internet Joint Venture course is great and I’m recommending it to my blog readers (in tomorrow’s post) as a resource for offline Joint Ventures as a way of Recession Proofing their business.
Carol
Your mention of systems makes me think of two points when it comes to helping businesses. Very simply systems need to help you manage and leverage information to do primarily 3 things:
1. Stay focused on your goals, what’s working and not, and the changes needed,
2. On top of your tasks in a project or prioritized fashion,
3. In touch with people.
What’s very fascinating is all the psychology around using systems and the leadership involved in implementing systems that are intended to improve performance. The challenge of implementing systems when you or others have run out of the motivational driver of immediate interest or fear. I write a bunch about that, as it’s probably more important than any one system you implement - see http://www.managepro.com/blog/index.php/category/leadership
Will be interested in what you present.
Rodney Brim
Rich,
Now you got me guessing what it is> I just can’t wait to find out though I am sure that it is going to be ground breaking as all of your other products have been.
I await patiently Rich
Hi Rich,
Thanks for asking a great question! I really ahd to think about this one.
I was out of commission with an extended illness when I created my website. My main focus was to generate income to replace the money I was not earning due to my illness. So I quickly created the e-books I sell on my website.
If I had known better, or paid more attention to the guidance I was getting about creating a profitable website, I would have taken the development of my website much more slowly. I would have built a dynamic list, contacted them frequently, found affiliate products that supported the message of my e-books, and built an additional list of products with low - to - high price ranges.
Now I find myself having to backtrack to recreate what should have been there in the first place. It’s going to be a lot of work.
I am breaking down my main website into seven different websites, one for each e-book, and building them properly from the start. I sure hope this is the right thing to do at this point. I’ve got good, unusual products that have no comparison on the market and it’s important that people can find out about them.
If you, or anyone else has good suggestions for me, I sure would appreciate hearing them. I really want this business to work.
Sharon
C’mon - it’s friday!
Post post post!
Deb, you hit the nail on the head with this comment: “If I could go back in time to change one thing about my business, I would not have bought so many products, but instead paid for coaching from someone I respected.”
How true…and come to think of it, this applies to many industries, mine included. There is NOTHING like having a good mentor.
-Erich Senft, CTA
SupportandResistance.com
Hi Rich,
I love your stuff, it has significantly shaped my thinking & been instrumental in a number of decisions.
THAT SAID…..
I completely agree with a number of points you make about systems & processes. This is something most people say little or nothing about.
You see…I consider myself pretty good at what I do…training people to trade financial markets & developing software apps to ease that process.
But I have been very slow to harness IM and in truth, am a complete newbie, well almost.
What I have learnt, cutting through all the info overload and “opportunist” stuff, is that systems & processes are key.
This should ring true with you, as I believe it is your mantra.
The real difficulty…
Understanding what your business actually needs & how to put it all together to maximise your effort.
No one had told me how difficult & involved this piece would be…
I can see why it would be easiest to become an affiliate. But as I have created some truly high value training products, that was not an option for us.
So to my point…
I have discovered that the single most important (that’s if it is indeed single) is the autoresponder, shopping cart system at the very core of your business.
I have opted for 1shoppingcart because it is functionally rich (no pun) and meets most of my core needs.
I know you have had a working relationship with the founder but I have found it far from easy to set up. Quite a lot does not seem particularly intuitive to me or logical.
So, it is an absolutely crucial area of your business but far from straightforward. I have found this to be true of others I have looked at.
So I would say, that others must be going through the same problems/issues & spending a truckload of time on this.
This is non productive time!. Yes, I could outsource but as a business owner, I need to undertstand. I think this is too important to be left to chance.
From experience & dependant on what sort of business you want to create, these ‘central systems & processes’ are absolutely fundamental to the success of your business.
I should know, I have been fumbling around for years making a mess of it…now I have woken up!
Wow, the power of some of this stuff…at the price…is truly awesome.
Such a long post, have got to Friday…..
To Your Success!
Ron
This is a very impressive article about systemizing Rich. Most businesses as we know have some sort of operations system. What most dont understand is the need for there more valuable marketing system. I have noticed your marketing system you use is by infusionsoft which is stated at the bottom of your emails as Delivered by infusionsoft. I have downloaded there ebook and viewed a few demo’s. I believe this is a all-in-one database, contact, customer relationship management program thats good for any business. I would appreciate more information about how this software system has been working for you Rich? If anyone is interested in more about this system click on my name and it takes you to the page. You can get a no-cost ebook and a demo.
Dear Rich
The Money Gym has changed beyond recognition since I first came across your teachings and joined your coaching programme.
We now have a carefully structured customer journey, front end free rebrandable report products building our list virally, two back end products, an offline presence which pays for itself, and creates back of room passive income, a social networking presence, finally some statistics we can trust and we are now starting to use Google Optimiser to really hone our sales pages.
And yet, in spite of a 1000 page blog which is now on a sub-domain on our URL, our traffic levels are tragic and that is the next thing to really focus on - we are going to work through the John Reese offering very systematically.
My major challenge is that we are not outsourcing yet, and so while I love creating systems, process flow charts, etc., I bloomin’ hate sticking to them myself. I find myself resisting the dull things that need to be done till the very last minute. I’m not proud of that and wonder if it’s the different side of my brain at war with each other?
Outsourcing seems to be the way forward - I create the content and do the speaking, online video etc, while the checking, ezine and statistics compiling and posting of articles to various sites all gets done by someone else - so that it actually does get done!
Leverage other people’s time while I concentrate on what I’m good at, enjoy, and have a unique advantage with.
Really looking forward to your next release - the previous ones have, quite literally been life and business changing.
Cheers, Nicola
just to actualy trust myself and do the new thing im, told to do, the ONE thing then the NEXT thing , NOT to try all the things at once FOCUS THANKS……garry
It’s now the 2nd of August here in New Zealand so please Rich spill the beans!
I’m a little nervous in case you are delivering a system like the one I’ve been working on over the past couple of years that uses full-motion and screen-capture video to capture and communicate business processes and procedures. My vision is to create a small business operating system that creates highly “aware” businesses that can easily improve and share their processes and procedures.
While working for a large Corporate (by NZ standards!), as a process analyst, I was constantly frustrated at the often inaccurate way existing processes were captured i.e. the analyst attempting to understand a process through multiple meetings, data analysis and observation. Often, the process user (the worker actually doing the job), would describe and behave quite differently when interacting with the analyst compared to an everyday work situation. To make matter worse, to have to interpret what someone else does (or what you yourself are doing!), through interviews, writing, mapping, and other forms of documentation can at times be a bit like describing to a Himalayan Monk the process of driving a car!
I experimented with using video to capture processes and procedures and found that it was not only great for capturing rich, real-time process information but also was a fantastic tool for process communication (when you improve them you want others to understand and use them!). I developed a suitable video format that allowed the “macro” process in any functional area to be shown along with the ability to drill into any component process or procedure videos with a mouse click.
The different teams within the organization found that the video format breathed “life” into processes and procedures and made them meaningful and enjoyable rather than group training sessions and hard copy documents with pictures normally prescribed to them!
So Rich, please tell me what you are up to - I’m sure it’ll be great and really love all the good work you have done in the past and your focus on systems!
PS. I’m only just starting-out on-line so have only just kicked-off a blog http://www.businessprocessvision.com/wordpress and associated website (at this stage just dummy text).
All the best - Jason Nethercott
Hi Rich
Really looking forward to seeing what’s coming - even if its now a day overdue !
I have dabbled with creating a system so begin earning money on site - at the moment I’d settle for just covering costs !
Information overload is one of the main things I find really distracting. As we are constantly told, the web is a fast moving marketplace so I often find myself pouring through emails and product literature to find out if i’m missing out on something. The result being I have little time to put anything into practice !
Hopefully, your info will give me a plan to work to so I can confidently ignore the mass of infoproducts that are constantly emailed and promoted.
Our website http://www.designercelebrationcakes.com is great information source for cake decorators and helps publicise my wifes talents and coaching courses but I’m sure it could do a lot more.
Looking forward to seeing whats coming !
All the best
Jason Isherwood
http://www.designercelebrationcakes.com
One key fundamental system that never seems to get mentioned is a system for systematizing. Just drawing process maps is not good enough.
I’ve been through a number of business development programs and while they all discuss the importance of systems none of them had a method for organizing and managing the development and use of systems.
Without this you’ll very soon find you are hopelessly mired in process maps, procedures and system documents. Eventually, many small business owners give up trying to systematize. It just becomes such a overwhelming mess.
I was almost at the point of giving up myself until I developed, what I think is a critical fundamental business system.
Think of it as foundation for your business.
A solid systemization foundation makes the systemization of your business a whole lot easier and saner.
I’ve written a seven part series describing this key fundamental system. If you’re interested in learning more it available free at the link below.
Lyle
Business-System-Organizer.com
Hi Rich,
Well I’m still struggling to get something started but I do an awful lot of reading and am looking forward to seeing this really cool thing you have but somehow I feel I have missed something here. I have been coming back ever since Friday August 1st and nothing changes, no update or notice of slipped schedule, so what’s up with that? Should I just be patient and keep checking or have you deserted us.