As you read this, I am out of town for a family wedding. I left town on Wednesday. I have worked every day. A lot of what I have had to do is the nature of being a lawyer. Deals don’t stop. Court deadlines can’t be pushed. But, I have realized that there are things I can do better. Places I can systematize so they work even when I am away.

All businesses run on systems. Even if they aren’t written down. Even if they aren’t planned. The question is, are they the right systems? Have you taken the time to plan out what happens in your business?

• How do you attract clients?
• How do you tell your story?
• How do you close deals?

In my case, I have a number of systems that do work. But, I haven’t been on vacation in a while and this one helped me realize I have some holes in my systems. Some places I can make work better. Places, I can help people better, even if I am not actually in my office.

So, what does this have to do with you?

Without systems in place, your legal may not help. Whether you drafted your contracts or you had someone do it, if your systems aren’t clear and there is not a systematic way of doing things, your contracts may not cover everything they need to cover. What’s worse, they may not help you when you need them most.

Business systems tell us why you failed or why you succeeded. If you failed, you need to know why, so you don’t repeat it. If you succeeded, you need to know how so you can do it again.

With consistency.

No matter your purpose for having a business, systems will help you get there. Systems help you create successes you can repeat with great regularity. Systems help you counteract your weakness as a business owner. Systems help you know what is working and what isn’t. Systems help you share your vision, mission, and values with your audience.

I know I have a number of systems to work on in my business. Ways I can make sure to get my podcast episodes out when I plan to (hint: it didn’t happen before I left, but is coming soon); ways I can batch my work so I accomplish more similar tasks in less time; and a few other systems I could create to make my business run more smoothly.

What about you? What systems do you need to work on in your business? Do you have your systems written down?

What is the most important system you use in your business every day? (Hit reply and let me know! I mean it.)

I will talk to you next week, unless you talk to me first 😉

Josh

P.S. I hope the content I provide here every week in this conversation, on the podcast, and the blog help you out. I hope you have seen that I really want you to understand the legal that affects your business everyday.

I don’t often ask for favors, but I was wondering if you could do me one?

TEDx Birmingham, which I talked about a few weeks ago, is looking for speakers for 2015. I am really interested in speaking and would be honored if you thought I fit the bill. They are looking for people who are change agents in their industry. People who are doing things that others said couldn’t be done. If you think I fit that description, I would really appreciate it if you would consider nominating me to speak next year. I would also love it if you would share this newsletter and Legal to English with others and ask them to nominate me to speak. I would be ever so grateful for your support.