Focus Question:  What systems will help you scale and streamline?

Description
Systems help us scale things. They are what helps us magnify our presence, even if we are a small company. Systems may link into automation to reduce the time spent on tasks that are not a “value add”.

In the remote space, systems also ensure consistency. This is critical if we are one of many people in a program. If I am offering something here in Toronto in a certain way, or with a certain promise, things are done the same way via my colleagues in another location.

In order to ensure systems don’t just become a “thing” we will want to ensure that we are also having a discussion around the values that underpin a system. So, for example, if we have a value of being “high touch” our systems for client onboarding may also reflect that. There may be personalization and a human touch behind that part of the work. What might be automated instead are some of the financial pieces of the work. 

​Activity
Think about these four areas of work – learning, project management, financial and communication. What new additions could you add to help amplify your efforts?

For more on this topic check out: 
​Section 3 of PlanDoTrack

All the best,
​Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Co-host of the Remote Pathways Podcast
Potentials Realized – Coaching, Training and Consulting Services for remote teams, leaders and professionals 
 
Check out the most recent Remote Pathways Podcast Episode, where we explore the people, places and processes of exceptional remote work. You can listen to the latest episode here, or on your favorite podcast player.
​

Description
This week’s blog post brings us to getting organized. What are the things you want to put in place in order to get moving in the way you want?
​

As a remote worker there may be need for getting organized and using systems in several areas. Consider:

• Communication
• Files and information
• Financials
• Client files
• Marketing systems

Make a list of the different systems you want to make. Getting organized can involve more than having good systems. It might entail things like:

• Having a way to file information
• Having a place for everything – consider the things you are going to need to use on a regular basis. What are the things you will want to reach regularly?
• A way to keep different projects and pieces of work separate
• A way to access things offline and online

What’s going to help you get organized? Many professionals indicate that organizing approaches can be contingent on your style. So, if you have a preference for visual learning, it may be useful to have open cupboards (or be able to open a door and take a look at what you have). For those that are minimalists, a place to put things away and close off on business may be a preference.
What do you know about your own preferences for how you like to work and see things?

Need to Know

• Systems help with consistency which is important when we are part of a team. Systems can help to streamline and standardize communication and customer service, so everyone gets a similar approach whether they contact us in Toronto, or LA, or New York, or Sao Paolo.
• Systems help us automate. We use less brain power when things are systematized.
• Systems help us scale. If you need to send out the same information to all stakeholders, is there a better way you can automate that message? What systems are going to help with core activities like – communication, reporting etc.?

AS you think about your work right now, what systems will help you as a business?

To explore this topic further check out:
Section 3 of PlanDoTrack and the early part of this section around systems.
If you are a coach, check out this recent Coaching Business Builder blog posts on systems.
Check out this post from FlexJobs on how to organize your day when working from home -  https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/how-to-structure-your-day-when-working-from-home/.

If you are a professional who works remotely, check out these blog posts related to Systems. Whether you are a leader, remotepreneur, or team member, you'll find them applicable.

Enjoy!
​Jennifer

​Check out the most recent Remote Pathways Podcast Episodes which covers the topic of Vision and Creating SMART-E Goals. You can listen to Episode 4 here (vision), as well as Episode 5 - SMART-E Goals or on your favorite podcast player.