BUSINESS GROWTH

The Ultimate Business Systems Checklist

31 essential systems every profitable business needs

📅 December 2024⏱️ 10 min read

Use this comprehensive checklist to audit your business systems. Each unchecked box represents untapped profit and wasted time.

The Business Systems Audit

Financial Systems (8 items)

□ Project profitability tracked within 48 hours of completion
□ Weekly financial dashboard (7 key numbers)
□ 13-week cash flow forecast
□ Monthly P&L review with actual vs. budget
□ True overhead calculation per project
□ Accounts receivable system (automatic reminders)
□ Expense categorization for tax efficiency
□ Annual financial review with accountant

Sales & Marketing Systems (7 items)

□ Lead qualification process (filter before quoting)
□ Proposal templates for common projects
□ Follow-up sequence for prospects
□ Referral request system (automatic after project)
□ Marketing budget (5-10% revenue, non-negotiable)
□ Track lead source and close rate by channel
□ 6-month pipeline visibility

Operations Systems (10 items)

□ Project kickoff checklist
□ Daily client update system
□ Quality control checklist
□ Material ordering process
□ Change order template and process
□ Project completion checklist
□ 30-day follow-up system
□ Equipment maintenance schedule
□ Safety protocols documented
□ Vendor management system

Team Systems (6 items)

□ Decision authority matrix (who decides what)
□ Weekly team meetings with standard agenda
□ New hire onboarding process (first 90 days)
□ Performance review system (quarterly minimum)
□ Training documentation for each role
□ Team communication channels (when to use what)

Your Score

25+: You're in the top 10% of businesses
15-24: Solid foundation, room for improvement
8-14: Functioning but vulnerable
Under 8: You're one crisis away from chaos

Ready to apply these strategies to your business?