A system is a procedure or a way of doing things. Those of us who start home businesses often think that we will be able to get away with NOT having set methods or a defined structure and that things can be more laid back and undefined. However, having good working systems is a benefit to even the smallest business.
Systems give your home business structure and function. If you set up a system for how you will handle accounts payable and receivable–even if you only get one or two bills and a couple of revenue checks a month–you’ll have a basic sound structure from which to grow your business. If you are a freelance writer, you can develop a system for how you deal with queries, contacts, and deadlines. While you may have so few in the beginning of your business that you think you can keep track of all of them in your head or just by scribbling them down on a notepad–developing a working and practical system will give you a solid base for when the projects start to multiply.
Additionally, putting systems in place can help you stay organized and, if something comes up and you need to have someone step in and help with pieces of your home-based business–you will have a set way for things to be done. This makes it easier for the “helper” and less likely that things will slip through the cracks.
Sure, home-based businesses do allow us a lot of freedom from the confines of a more traditional business or job and all its rules and regulations–but having some functioning, working systems still makes good business sense regardless of how small your home-based business is. Plus, it gives you a strong and functional skeleton from which to build and grow your business.
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