“Really liking Workshop Software and how professional the invoices look. Support has been great the whole time. They are always consistent in calling us and making sure our questions are answered.”

AJ’s Mobile Automotive
We had an interesting discussion in our meeting today about time management and how systems can set you free.
I’m constantly amazed by how often we get the excuse “I’m too busy”. The crazy thing is that we actually use it in our business, and I bet you do too (you do, don’t you? be honest!)
I’ve been banging on about “systems” for our business for around 8 years now. While we’re pretty good at systemising our business, and most things are really streamlined, I still hear lines like:
Does this sound familiar? I bet it does.
I’m a firm believer that no business is able to grow (with any real potential) without some reasonable level of systemisation. We deal with hundreds of mechanical workshops each year, and we constantly hear stories of working unbelievable hours per week; staff that don’t perform; inability of anyone other that the owner being able to do just about anything and many other system related chronicles of horror.
There are 2 interesting observations that I often see:
If you step back, take a look at your business, start the streamlining process of systemising, EVERYONE wins. The owner loves it because they have more time and make more MONEY! The staff love it because they know where they stand; know what’s expected of them and feel a sense of achievement that they are finally providing a rewarding input into the business.
The undeniably amazing fact is that the business is WORTH more. It’s unbelievable that more business owners don’t see this and put as much effort into systemising as they do the day-to-day work.
One day you’ll need to sell your business. When that time comes, surely you want the absolute maximum return from all your hard work? Think of someone who wants to buy your business. Are they going to pay a premium for a business that they have to work unbelievably hard in? Or would they rather the streamlined, predictable, systemised business? If there are no systems in place, then they may as well start their own business from scratch, it’s not worth the extra investment.
I’ve just got back from a 2 week family holiday in New Zealand. We had a great time. Guess how many times I needed to do something for my business; got a phone call, an email, text message asking a question?
I own a successful software business, it must be complicated, right? What do you think? A few times a day, once a day, few times a week?
How about ZERO. In two weeks, I did not get interrupted once. A few years ago I would have thought that was impossible. Today, I expect it.
I’ve empowered my team to act on my behalf. I’ve provided them with the tools to effectively carry out their jobs, and they love it.
How long could you leave your business and not get interrupted? (I bet some of you the answer is 5 minutes).
NOW is the time to go make something happen. Yes. NOW.
Don’t come back in 2 years time (or 2 weeks time!) and read a similar article and say “I should have done something about that”, or “I’ll get onto that soon”.
Take the first step. What is that step going to be? Email me back the answer james@workshopsoftware.com . Now.
To your success…
James
CEO of Workshop Software