Now that you know your financial needs and stretch goals, you might be wondering how the inside of a lifestyle-business should be created.
It's all about a more "hands-off" set up and we achieve that by leveraging multiple streams of income (a.k.a. passive income), systems, automations. outsourcing and a great plan that considers and supports your boundary statements.
If you need to review the article on boundary statements, go to But I Don't Have Time for That.
Over the next couple days we're diving into automations, systems, and outsourcing. Then we're going to jump into the types of income streams that work best for the lifestyle-business model.
LET'S DIVE IN
Setting up a more "hands-off" business involves considering the aspects of your business that are most important to your customers. That means customer service - ensuring that they are getting communication from you, they're receiving access to their products, and that they are happy with your service or product.
The best way to do that is to employ technology that helps you run this area of your business. The technology you need will be based on your offer and your audience’s needs. However, there are certain tech services that just about everyone needs.
For the most part, customer service, product delivery, and marketing can be automated seamlessly using various types of technology and software. Let’s explore the ways you can create a business that almost runs itself.
Use Scheduling Software
Some of the software you already use has scheduling options right inside. For example, you can schedule posts for your Facebook Pages using "Publishing Tools." You could also hire a Virtual Assistant to upload and schedule posts for you.
You can also use software like Later to plan and schedule social media posts (across multiple platforms) without having to do it every day. You can do it yourself, or you could hire a VA to upload and schedule the content you want to be delivered and it posts automatically at the desired date and time.
Use An All-in-one Software for Your WEBSITE Needs
The platform you use for your website, blog, and offers should be considered thoroughly because it's a big decision. If you're in the "I totally don't know, I'm totally lost" place regarding where to host your website, it's a great idea to ask around or ask in our Facebook group . . . because it COMPLETELY depends on what you want to do with your business.
DO NOT randomly ask people what to choose, ask them why they chose what they use. This will give you greater insight into if it's a good fit for you.
For someone starting out who is not familiar with tech, I often recommend Kajabi (full disclosure, this is an affiliate link) because it's an all-in-one service that fits most needs. But I say that with the caveat, check all your options before you choose.
Set Up a Self-Service Knowledge Base and FAQ
Customer service is vital for happy clientele. The best way to ensure customers are happy is to put customer care at the top of your list.
Building a customer-centric business requires that you put their needs first. You can use technology to set up a self-service, searchable knowledge base and FAQ on your website that answers the most-asked questions. Creating a full knowledge base takes time, but you can start with the most frequently asked questions and build from there.
You can have your VA add every question ever asked and answered via email into that FAQ to get you started. Then add to it as you go.
Give Customers Full Control Over Their Accounts
If your customers sign into your website to use your services or buy your products, give them as much control over their accounts as possible. You don’t want to have to send or reset passwords, update their credit card information, or change their address for them.
It's best if they can change their account information on their own using the system’s automation.
Use Customer Service SUPPORT TICKET SOFTWARE
This might be a new thing for you, but it’s not new for big business. Support ticket software is a great way for customers and clients to submit a request when they need help. You can connect it to your website, inside your courses and memberships, and FB groups. The system then alerts you that a request has been submitted and it's organized and managed inside the software.
The added bonus, you can hand this off to someone. Instead of the emails coming to your email inbox, you can hire a VA to manage the requests for you.
IT WILL SAVE YOU TIME
Setting up systems can take time, but the time savings over the life of your business are immeasurable!
You can save hours a week with the automation options available today. I always say that well-built systems, automations, workflows, and processes are like having a dream team of employees. The automations you implement in your business are like having multiple VAs working for you 24 hours a day.
Automated technology allows you to run your business in a more hands-off way. It also gives you peace of mind because you know it's being handled (even while you sleep, are on a hike, playing with your children, in meditation) and things aren't slipping through the cracks.
Please share in the Facebook group what you've learned about yourself and your business. I will be in the Facebook group every day to answer your questions and support your growth.
Till tomorrow,
Be brilliant.
Be imperfect.
And always, be you.
Melissa