The Myth of Business Systems

Most entrepreneurs recognize the need for business systems. Many books and gurus teach that without systems or standard operating procedures your business won’t last long.

And they’re right—but only to a certain point. If misdirected, an over-reliance on business systems can do more harm than good.

I’ve found many business owners hold common misconceptions about business systems. In this brief video I reveal the top four myths of business systems, and what to do about them.

Action Steps:

1. Watch this video and ask yourself: Have I been acting upon any of these myths in my small business?
   • Systems should be as detailed as possible.
   • The business owner should write the systems.
   • Systems should be perfect.
   • The system is the solution.
2.  Share your perspective or ask questions about business systems on this page.

Principles:

1. A Business System should be a brief sketch outline that you can use for training. Documenting too much detail to systems makes it ineffective.
2. The best person to document the systems is the employee using it.
3. There is no such thing as a perfect business system. We always want to improve and innovate processes within the business.
4. Business systems are only as effective as the people using them and the accountability provided to those people.

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