Wait…what is a system, actually?


Lead Well. Work Simply. Scale Smart.

I’ve wasted way too much time trying to reverse-engineer someone else’s “perfect” system.

Sales systems, marketing systems, management systems—I’ve chased all of them at one point or another, hoping that if I just copied the right formula, I’d finally feel like I was doing business the “right” way.

Spoiler: I wasn’t.

Instead, I’ve bounced between accounting software for no good reason, created an overly complex expense process with a VA, over-engineered client experiences that nobody asked for, and held team check-ins that—let’s be honest—probably just confused everyone.

Turns out, the problem wasn’t the tools or the tactics. It was that I didn’t stop to ask:
What outcome do I actually want from this system?

It’s not that I don’t know what I’m doing. It’s more like a classic cobbler’s kids have no shoes situation. I’m great at helping my clients get their sh*t in order, but my own backend sometimes looks like a Cirque du Soleil audition of half-built workflows.

So if you’ve ever looked at your “systems” and thought,

What even is this?

You’re not alone. Jump down to the quickcast for a super simple, actionable tips here.

Going Live With Stephanie Sidebottom Tomorrow

Stephanie Sidebottom is a Forbes Councils Member and the brains behind some of the most functional, personality-packed brand systems out there. As founder of Wax Creek, she helps businesses streamline their website and branding workflows, and she’s been getting creative with AI in ways that actually save time (not just hype it up).

Join us live on LinkedIn, Wednesday 9am PST/12pm EST!

Catch The Quickcast: What Is a System, Actually?

You already have systems in your business—the question is whether they’re working for you or against you.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what a “system” really is (no jargon, no tech overwhelm), why it matters more than you think, and how to start improving yours today—even if you're not a “systems person.”

(Seriously, it's less than 5 minutes. You can finish it before your next meeting starts.).

📃

Read The Blog Version

The Quickcast Gist

A system is just your unique, consistent way of doing something—when it’s clear, efficient, and repeatable, it becomes a growth tool instead of a hidden bottleneck.

Put It Into Practice

  1. Pick one area of your business—client onboarding, project delivery, or invoicing.
  2. Write out the exact steps you take (don’t overthink it—bullet points are fine).
  3. Ask yourself: Is this efficient? Could someone else follow this?
  4. Tweak or simplify it until the answer is yes.

You don’t need a fancy system. You just need one that works on purpose. I dove deeper into this concept in "Why Scaling Just Multiplies Pain".

Here’s to systems that make sense—so your business can run without running you into the ground,

Sam, Your No-Fluff Guide To Making Business Simple

Sanity Saving & Trusted By Me

Hubspot Starter Bundle

HubSpot seems like a beast for some but just like your business systems, it’s all about making it work for you. I have found simple ways to use it to track active deals, VA shortlists, and referral partnerships—and you can get started with bundles as low as $20/month.

Psst...are you ready for some sanity saving support?

What exactly does my team and I do and how can we help you? We're the team you call when your business is growing but operations (and your mental clarity) are a mess behind the scenes. Our team focuses on fractional admin support, streamlining operations, and strategic team development. See if we're a fit to support your growth by booking a no-pressure chat with me.

PO Box #7626, Denver, CO 80207
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