Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

An operation that runs on systems instead of being dependent on the owner seems like the “Holy Grail” of small business.

I thought it might be useful to see the actual process of converting a business from being completely owner run to where the owner is hands off.

I`m doing this for a client who has just bought a tiny ice-cream shop. The previous owner (and then her mother) ran the entire business – the new owner doesn`t even like ice-cream.

If you`re interested in following the practical application I`ll be writing it up on my blog at http://www.nomore247.com/wordpress

Cheers

Pete

Great blog post. I new an automated system for the small business would soon be achieved. I mean truly we (people) automate everything we can in life. Because why? Because humans aren`t perfect, yet we all scream for perfection. Faster, bigger, better! Soon I will buy someone`s software package with a calendar of activities and required documentation. By "plugging in" the pertinent information like city of business, product being sold, cost of procurement, building lease amount, and a bunch of other stuff... I will have a program lay out all the mandatory and typical steps, actions, or procedures.

Specifically about your post at wordpress... I believe the day will come when government regulations will determine cost of living standards based on region. Soon we (the people) will know exactly how much "life" will cost. Your basic amenities may be paid to different corporations but all your everyday expenses will be very predictable. Predictability is what allows societies to plan and expand.

Since starting a business from the ground... Looking back, I might have been more interested in buying a "turn-key" operations. But
not the advertising use of the phrase. Buying a working, maybe not long existence business would definitely reduce the stress of starting one.

---forgot to add this---
I think most businesses create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for this "automated" reason. Treating everyone the same. If it works, document and repeat... type of mentality.


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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

I`m glad you understand the concept - why do we keep on reinventing the wheel when so much of what we do is exactly the same no matter what business we`re in

Cheers

Pete

Great blog Pete.  I look forward to reading more.  I am right now in the middle of developing systems for a small technical integration firm.  They are a young company that depends greatly on a couple individuals.  One of my top three priorities for this company in the next six months is the development of these systems.  As everything in any business is interrelated, systemization in itself will improve many of the "clues" or issues that are causing them pain.

Cheers

Thanks Brian,

I`ve added a subscribe feature if you want to keep up without having to remember.

Cheers

Pete