Systems are a big thing in business and lately, I have run into quite a few entrepreneurs that are experiencing overwhelm with getting started and/or assessing what they currently have. A great way for them to get a better understanding of their backend operations is to do a quarterly assessment – a systems audit. Not only will an audit identify what systems they are missing, but it will also help them to track and identify any areas to improve.

I’m often asked how I navigate both work and life efficiently. Well, I’ll be first to admit that I don’t always get it right. In fact, I have a running to-do list of things I want and need to update so that I’m able to say YES to the things that I have been saying no to. So for the last few years, I’ve been very intentional about performing quarterly audits of my business and spring cleaning my systems.  

 

For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned,” –Benjamin Franklin.

 

How do I perform a systems audit?

A systems audit can be done in many different ways, but a few years back I created The AIM Audit. Which has helped me stay organized and aligned with my big-picture goals. It has enabled me to assess my systems on a quarterly basis without sacrificing my sanity. Now you’re probably wondering… what’s The A.I.M. Method? Well, let me break it down for you.

The A.I.M. Method

Establish a quarterly audit schedule and decide on which systems and/or processes you would like to focus on each quarter. DO NOT try to focus on them all at one time or you will feel a sense of overwhelm.

Step 1: Assess the “current state” of your systems and evaluate if anything has changed since the last audit. Is everything still working as originally established? If not, what has changed, and what problems have occurred? 

Step #2: Identify if there are any gaps and/or areas of improvement that can be simplified and/or streamlined for efficiency and implement the necessary changes.

Step #3: Manage (track) the performance of the “new state” over the next 60-90 days to see if the improvements have a positive impact.

The A.I.M. Method helps me to:

• audit my systems for maximum efficiency.
• serve my clients seamlessly.
• maintain the work-life balance that I designed for myself.

 

How often do you assess the systems that you have in place to see if they are in alignment with your goals? Do you have a specific method that you use for your audit/assessment? If you’re unsure about how to audit your systems with ease our Systems Intensives will help you take action today!