Set it and Forget it

One of the things we’ve learned from working with entrepreneurs and leaders globally is the concept: SET IT AND FORGET IT.

Many corporations can put a system in place and let it run every day, knowing the system will work. It runs on its own, because they have the resources needed to make sure the system is enforced day in and day out, and multiple ways to make sure it continues to work.

As an example, consider a credit card bill you have to pay each month. The credit card company has a system in place to ensure that if/when you forget to pay it, you are reminded. It’s simple. You forget to pay, usually within less than a week, you will get a text, or email to say you forgot to pay your bill! The longer you go without paying, the more reminders you will receive, and eventually, you’ll get calls from a collection agency.

From an entrepreneurial perspective, it’s not about the calls, but the entire system, setting up something that requires specific actions at specific times. The bill goes out, if it’s not paid within 10 days an email is sent, if not paid within 28 days, phone calls start, and at 60 days, daily calls begin. The beauty is that most of it is automated.

Our intention with these blog posts has always been to inspire you to think, not to tell you what to do.

The SET IT AND FORGET IT system works when you have the resources - people, technology, and workflow - to automate. It can work well as you start to grow your business. in the meantime, you might think about what you need to do to ensure the things you set up continue on its own so you don’t have to continuously remind people to do them.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What Set It and Forget It systems can you put in place today?

2. What small systems can you put in place today as a set and check process?

3. What other resources have you used to help you grow or stay as a leader?