I have a confession to make
When I started my business, I used to preach that systems, operations, and SOPs were the foundations every entrepreneur needed to succeed. It felt so clear to me – helping people with their operations, building out teams, and streamlining processes had such a transformational impact on businesses. I saw it firsthand, so I called it “foundational work.” But over time, I realised I was doing both you and myself a disservice by framing it that way. Let me explain why I’ve shifted my perspective and why I now see systems and operations as structural – not foundational – to sustainable business growth.
The Misconception – What I Got Wrong About Foundations
Looking back, I understand why I believed systems were foundational. They’re essential for long-term success. But now, I see that when you’re just starting out, your focus isn’t on systems – it’s on getting income through the door (as it should be).
The true foundations of a business are simpler than many make them out to be. They include:
- Defining your vision
- Surveying your market
- Crafting an offer
- Building out your delivering
- Taking that first leap into marketing and selling.
These are the essentials – If you were to think of building your business like building a house, these would represent the first layer of concrete you pour when laying the foundations. Systems, operations, and team-building come later.
Why Systems Are Structural, Not Foundational
Once you’ve established your business’s core foundations, that’s when systems and operations enter the picture. They don’t help you start – they help you scale. Think of them as the framework that supports your business as it grows, just like the beams and walls that turn a foundation into a structurally sound building.
Without structure, I’ve seen business owners face the same frustrating challenges:
- They hit a revenue ceiling because their systems can’t handle more.
- They have to pause launches just to fulfil existing commitments.
- They work around the clock, unable to take a step back without chaos.
That’s where systems and structure come in. They allow your business to handle growth without breaking under the weight of it.
Scaling Is About Freedom, Not Just Growth
There’s a big misconception about scaling that I see all the time. Many people think scaling is just about growing revenue and serving more clients. But true scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better.
For me, scaling means earning more without tying that growth to the amount of work you’re doing. It’s about creating systems that let you grow your impact without growing your hours. This doesn’t mean doing less; it means making your business work smarter, not harder.
Lessons from My Journey
When I managed teams in fast-paced hospitality environments, working in multi-million-dollar companies, I learned one crucial lesson – preparation is everything.
The work you do before things get busy is what allows you to focus on what matters most during busy periods. For businesses, it’s the same.
Too often, people wait until they’re overwhelmed to start building systems, and by then, the work feels impossible. The truth is, systems and structure need to be tailored to your unique business model and goals and the earlier you put them in place, the easier your growth journey becomes.
My New Perspective
If you’ve ever heard me say that systems and operations are the foundations of your business, I want to apologise. I still believe systems are essential, but now I understand they’re not the first thing you need to focus on when you’re starting out.
What I’ve come to realise is this: systems and operations secure the foundation you’ve already built. They create the structure that allows your business to grow sustainably. If you’ve got your offers, you’re generating income, and you’re ready to scale, then it’s time to prioritise structure.
Final Thoughts: Build for the Long-Term
I know firsthand how overwhelming business can feel when you’re trying to grow without the right systems in place. But I also know how transformational it is when you take the time to build that structure.
If you’re craving more security, freedom, and sustainability in your business, now’s the time to focus on your systems and operations. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
So, let’s build businesses that not only grow but also thrive. It all starts with the right structure.
