Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Coaching Business Builder - Systematize

Why re-invent the wheel when you don't have to? In building your business, creating systems to support you in your work, making more repetitive items easier through a process, can cut down on a huge amount of time (and headaches!).

Sometimes we aren't quite aware of what we might need in terms of systems until they become urgent because business has come through the door. Here's a quick list of some of the business systems you will want to consider creating:

Client intake packages - whether you work with individual clients, teams or groups, streamlining your intake process, questionnaires or pre-program discussions, can save a lot of time. Take a look at what you have - does it really help you understand how you can support your clients in the best possible way? Is there too much? Enough?

Payment Systems - Of course, a dedicated bank account for your business, and possibly merchant abilities to process credit cards. PayPal or other online merchant systems (options and pricing will vary according to where you live). Related to payment systems are of course invoicing and other financial trackers such as budgets, cash flow etc.

Registration Trackers or Group Lists - essential to keep all the details straight - who is who, contact details (phone and email). Space for notes on attendance or individual meetings. Dial in details and back up bridgeline (if virtual program).

Coaching Log - For those working towards a credential (or maintaining a credential) keeping a coaching log up to date is critical. Whether paper-based or computerized (using a program such as Coaches Console), keeping details straight, and secure, are important.

Take a look at other posts I have written about systems to gain other ideas about what you might want to include.

What systems will move your business forward for the rest of this year?

Have a productive week!
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the Group Coaching Essentials and Group Coaching Intensive programs

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