Why I am not giving you my systems and you shouldn’t be buying other people’s
Hello! This week I am talking about something a bit different. I am a big believer in business systems and, when implemented right, they can completely change your business. With systems in place you can streamline your processes and automate effectively, create consistency and create a business that is ready for growth. However, there is something bugging me. I’ve seen more and more people packaging up their systems and selling them to others. Now, this is my opinion and based on what I believe — it is, by no means, saying that the people selling systems are doing wrong. They just might look at systems differently than me.
So, I am going to take you through why I will not be selling you my proven systems, and this is not because I do not like to share.
So, why?
Systems are the foundations for any business. If you plan to grow your business, you will definitely need to have systems in place in order to grow without being completely overwhelmed. However, every business will have different systems. It is not a one-size-fits-all.
For example, the systems I use in my business may not be relevant to you, depending on your strategy. In order for a system to work you need to have the entire business set out exactly the same — which is never going to be the case, unless, of course, you have bought into a franchise.
Look at it this way: I have a content repurposing system which is based on my lead content, the platforms I’m on, the messaging that relates to my audience and the marketing store I’m using. If I told you my systems and your content repurposing strategy looks different (which it will!), then the systems are not of any use to you, unless you create a copy business model (which you absolutely do not want to do).
What are the exceptions?
I’m not saying you should not use other people’s systems to create your own. It can be really beneficial to understand how to put systems in place by seeing other people’s systems in action. Yet, you should never buy a “done-for-you” system and expect results. You should instead go into group programs to create “done-with-you” systems and then you will start to get results
But, in honesty there is no easy or cheap way around creating systems. You need to be involved in some way, otherwise you risk being one of those businesses online that everyone knows whose system you are using, because there are loads of people doing it the same way.
You are putting yourself into a situation where the market is saturated. Not the industry! The market. And the owner of those systems will remain the go-to person and you do not want that. You want to stand out for being you and for bringing your uniqueness to the table.
You need to create your own identity and create strategies that work for you and for your audience and not just blend in.
What can you learn from McDonald’s?
This is probably one of the most common examples used when it comes to systems. McDonald’s is a brand known worldwide for its fast food — but how did they do that?
You know when you go abroad and get a McDonald’s burger, it tastes just like it does at home, right? That is because they have a strict system in place that every franchise follows. It is cooked the same, there is the same amount of gherkins, the same sauce, and the list goes on.
Now think about it this way: if McDonald’s said “Right, we have this amazing system that works (let’s face it, it absolutely does work), let’s make some money by selling our system to other fast food outlets to help them be as successful as us!”. Do you think that will work?
Let’s take Burger King as an example.
Burger King says “Look how amazing McDonald’s is doing! But creating systems is so much hard work. I don’t really have the time for that! I can buy their proved system to incorporate into Burger King. Amazing!”.
So, Burger King buys McDonald’s proven and successful system. And then they wait for the flock of customers to roll through the door.
But wait, no one is coming. What’s happened? Why are people not as interested in us as they are in McDonald’s?
It’s because Burger King has created a copy business in the market that is already taken by McDonald’s.
Does this mean they cannot be successful? Absolutely not. It means that they need to have something different to standout and appeal to their chosen audience.
There is room in the industry for everyone as long as they are bringing something new to the table.
You have to create something that is going to bring that audience to you (or customers in this case). You need to create something that is going to bring the customers that don’t really like McDonald’s to Burger King.
Please note, this is a make-believe story though. It’s just to explain to you how systems are not a one-size-fits-all in business. Of course, Burger King and McDonald’s both sell burgers, but they also have their uniqueness which is why they are both successful. I just wanted to show you that this would not be the case if Burger King had used McDonald’s systems.
Ok, I get it — if you’ve not incorporated systems from the start of your business journey (and let’s face it, not many of us do) the thought of creating them can scare us.
All the hard work, “How do you do it?”, “I don’t have time”… so many reasons why it would scare you to create systems.
My mission is to de-scare you and simplify the world of systems into something you will actually use and can benefit from.
I also aim to bring in a bit of fun too, so you are not alone in your system chaos. There is no shame saying: “I don’t know where to start.” — the main thing is that we start and help you remove that overwhelm in business.
I’m not discouraging you from accessing other people systems if they are offered. But I do not want you to fall into the trap of “If this system works for others so it must work for me!”.
Seeing other people systems can really help you understand how they look, but they should only be used on an example basis, never on a done-for-you basis.
If you’re interested in how you can work with me and the team you can book a call today .
Alternatively, we have tons of other tips on the website that you can get loads of free amazing advice from.
Until next week! Bye.
