In today’s fast-paced digital age, businesses are faced with managing a deluge of apps, CRM systems, CMS tools, instant messaging platforms and cloud-software, on top of managing people and customers. So how do some businesses make it all look so easy? The answer lies in harnessing the power of a ‘systematic approach.’
What does a systematic approach mean?
Widely applied to a healthcare setting and practice management, a systematic approach is generally defined as implementing a series of key systematic ‘pillars’ upon which to manage and build a business.
This could include having systems in place for:
- Client relationship management (CRM)
- Sales proposal processes
- IT issue tracking
- Document management and storage
- Invoice processing
- Financial and operational processes
- Secure messaging and communication
- Business administration and automation
- Integrated marketing management
These systems should be regularly revised, reviewed and updated, in collaboration with key executive team members and stakeholders. They should also be regularly communicated to the wider team – and be an integral part of the onboarding/recruitment phase.
Ideally, every business needs a ‘systems champion’ to be able to effectively refine, improve and manage these pillars, particularly as the business evolves. It is this ‘systems champion’ who also needs to carefully identify which technologies the company should leverage to facilitate these processes at enterprise-level, and which technologies are simply ‘shiny, gimmicky toys’ that are better left out of the equation.
Key benefits of a systematic approach
One of the key benefits of having a systematic approach is that it paves a solid foundation upon which a business can scale and grow. It also reflects positively on your business culture because it demonstrates a higher level of transparency and accountability.
Other key benefits include:
- Improving productivity and minimising ‘business clutter’
- Reduction in double-handling, duplication and minimising human error
- Easily facilitate more flexible team management models, including remote or home-based workers
- Increased cross-team collaboration across HR, Sales, IT, Marketing and Finance
- Enhanced transparency and collaboration with stakeholders and partners
- Improvements in data collection, accuracy and privacy
- Enhanced customer serviceability and response time
Importantly, a systematic approach makes the wider team more comfortable with leveraging the most effective technology, systems and tools within the business to streamline workflow, automate tasks, save time and make everyday tasks easier and fuss-free.
The end result is a lean, powerful and agile approach which creates a happier work environment where your team is more empowered to reach their goals and customers enjoy a better, more seamless experience with your business.
