Skip to content
This blog post is based on my recent live session, What Are Business Systems? If you missed it or want a quick recap, this breaks it down in a way that’s easy to follow and just as practical. We talked about the real meaning of systems, why you need them, and how to start building them without overcomplicating the process.
Systems don’t have to be complicated. At their core, they’re just how you do things in your business and how often you repeat them. Whether you’re building your business from the ground up or thinking about your long-term vision, your systems are what hold everything together.
If you’ve ever felt like your business is a bit chaotic or you’re constantly starting from scratch, chances are you’re missing systems or at least missing the structure that makes them work.
Let’s break it down.
What Are Systems, Really?
A system is just a group of repeatable steps that help you reach a goal. Every task you do regularly in your business—from how you market to how you respond to clients—is a part of a bigger system.
Think of your business like a house. Systems are the foundation, the walls, and even the roof. Every part works together to hold things up.
Step 1: The Foundation – Your Core Business Systems
Every business needs a few core systems. These usually include:
- Marketing
- Sales
- Operations
Let’s take marketing as an example. While marketing might seem like just one part of the business, it actually has several smaller systems inside of it. I call these subsystems.
Step 2: The Structure – Your Subsystems
Let’s say you have a marketing system. Inside of that, you might have:
- Social Media
- Networking
- Events & Promotions
Each one of those has its own way of doing things. For example, how you plan content for LinkedIn might look completely different from how you plan for Instagram. The same goes for how you organize a live event versus writing a blog post.
Each platform or task needs its own process and that’s how subsystems are built.
Step 3: The Roof – Your Business Vision
Your vision is what all your systems are working toward. It’s the roof of your business house. If your vision is to grow a community, become a known voice in your industry, or exit your business in a few years, your systems should help you get there.
That’s why repeatable actions matter. They make it easier to stay consistent and build toward your long-term goals.
So, Why Do Systems Matter?
They reduce chaos.
They make your work easier to delegate.
They help you grow without burning out.
And most importantly, they keep you aligned with your vision.
How to Start Building Your Own Systems
If this all feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry. You can start small. Here’s a quick way to get going:
- Look at Your To-Do List
Write down the things you do often. Which category do they fall into—Marketing? Sales? Admin? - Group Similar Tasks Together
What parts of your business do these tasks support? If you find yourself writing emails every day, that’s part of your communication or client delivery system. - Ask Yourself: Why Am I Doing This?
What’s the purpose behind each task? If it doesn’t support your business vision, it might not need to stay on your list. - Write It Down
Pick one area and write out the steps you take to complete it. You’ve just started your first system.
Final Thoughts
Systems aren’t just about being organized; they’re about being prepared. They give you clarity, reduce stress, and help you build a business that actually works the way you want it to.
If you’re ready to start documenting and streamlining your processes, I’d love to support you. Join the Business the Lazy Way Facebook group, or check out the newsletter for more tips and tools you can use to grow your business.
Follow Adriana/TLM on Social Media! Pinterest Linkedin Threads
Listen to past episodes of “The Process Chat”
Learn how we help businesses streamline and document their systems
