4 Signs Not to Waste Time Systematizing Business

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Systematizing a business is not for everyone! Truth is, some business owners shouldn’t waste time systematizing business processes they will never use; and, in fact, don’t like. Nor will they ever have their employees use the systems.

Over the years, I’ve preached many sermons on systematizing business. It’s something I’m passionate about because I’ve seen the power of systems at work.

However, I’ve also seen many contented business owners working day-after-day in their small company. Believe it or not, they seem to enjoy dealing with the countless issues that pop up. In fact, I met a business owner in Nashville, Tenn. who told me, pointedly, he actually liked chaos, because it invigorated him. Hmm!

4 Signs Not to Waste Time Systematizing

No. 1: Size of Business

If an owner plans to keep his business small, say two or three employees, systematizing their business may be a total waste of time. Fact is, some business owners just want job security that owning a small business affords, i.e. a “Mom & Pop Shop.”

That being the case, by employing only two or three people, management by the owner is possible with just a few mistakes here and there. That is, provided the owner oversees all their employees’ work. Therefore, quality and service control systems would just waste time. Because, the owner is the Quality Control.

No. 2: Management Style of Owner

Management communication by cell phone is the “norm” in many small businesses these days. Specifically, when an employee needs to know how, what, when or where, concerning their job, they simply call the owner. Or, better yet, they just walk into the owner’s office and ask for the information face-to-face.

Simply stated, by using a management style some refer to as “the open-door policy,” written policies and procedures would just waste time. Policies, procedures, and how the entire business operates are all inside the owner’s head.

No. 3: Personality Type of Owner

Many business owners are just not cut out to manage larger businesses, with five or more employees. Because, some small business owners lack certain traits needed to effectively manage larger numbers of employees. As a company expands, the personality types of employees managed also expands.

As a result, some employees are easy to manage, and some can be a real challenge. Those who are difficult to manage MUST understand who’s in charge, and who signs their check. To be blunt, confronting those who are difficult is not for a “wimpy boss.”

No. 4: Business Ownership Goals

Developing a written Operations Manual for a business may also be a waste of time, if a business owner plans to simply shut down their business when ready to retire or throw in the towel. Therefore, for business owners who DON’T plan on passing their business to the next generation, or even selling their business, systematizing an operation may just waste time!

Only wise investors, and those willing to pay top dollar to acquire a business will seek a systematized business.

Therefore, since the goal, stated here, is just to shut-down the business when the owner is done, there’s no need to waste time on systems.

Don’t Waste Time Systematizing | Unless!

Final thoughts? Don't waste time organizing a business through systematization … UNLESS you want your business to run like a well-oiled machine, whether you’re there or not! Or ... Unless you want to do those things you’ve always wanted to do, but just never had the time or the money.

…UNLESS you believe. Great systems work!