“Transforming your business model, you may find that you don’t need as many automations as you thought.” - Janelle

 

Systems are the answer - or so the marketplace says. Having a fully-automated business with a system for everything is the current fad, and people are obsessed.

 

There’s nothing wrong with systems, of course. But their prevalence comes with two big problems. First of all, the idea of an automated business encourages entrepreneurs who don’t really like people to go into business. If you don’t like people, you should not be an entrepreneur in the first place. You will likely do better partnering with one. Also, if you’re sick of your business model, it’s probably not a systems issue. It may be time to take a close look at the model itself to see what needs to be fixed.

 

”Decide on a business model that you love, and a way to serve your clients that works for you and them, then you can start automating that process.” - Janelle

 

Systems won’t make you love a business you hate. In fact, rather than simplifying the work you do, an abundance of automation can overcomplicate things for you and the people you serve.

 

Take a look at the systems you have in place now and figure out what is really necessary, and then trim away the extra. The fact is, if you don’t love the business model you’re using, you can not serve your clients effectively.

 

“There’s no use in automating something that you hate.” - Janelle

 

The best place to start, when reworking your business model is to look at your client acquisition. Client acquisition models typically come in one of five structures.

 

1. Several small clients - This is great a great model for part-time freelancers or passion projects. However, it doesn’t have much capacity for high income.
2. Small retainer clients -  In this model, more time is spent with fewer clients who pay a set sum each month. This is a good model for tutors or virtual assistants.
3. Large retainer clients - This tends to be a good fit for masterminds and consultants.
4. Large short-term contract - In this model, a client is paying you a larger sum of money, for a set project. An example would be writing a funnel for your client. This is ideal for coaches!
5. Large long-term contract - This model is also great for coaches and consultant. The work is intensive and allows for consistent, involved work between you and your client, and provides you with long-term, recurring income.

 

Large short-term and long-term contracts are often the solution for overwhelmed, over-automated service providers. They allow the entrepreneur the security of a substantial fee, and lay the groundwork for developing trust and consistent, ongoing service.

 

As you consider the ways in which you might re-configure your business model, make sure your choice fits in with your industry, your own income goals, and the needs of your client. Unfortunately, taking on a lot of small clients is the default, and entrepreneurs get burned out trying to acquire clients and serve them all well.

 

The right business model for you is the one that allows you to serve your clients effectively, getting your client the results they need and helping you craft the schedule you want.

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

 

• Introduction - 1:15
• The Systems Lie - 1:30
• Real-world Example - 4:50
• The Perfect Business Model - 6:45
• Client Acquisition Options - 8:15
• Serving Effectively - 14:00
• Wrap-up and Takeaways - 15:45

How to get involved

• Follow @theparttimeceopodcast on Instagram for special podcast related updates!

• For more resources, information on my coaching services, and a whole community of Part-Time CEOs, find me on Facebook at Janelle Lara, my website, or email me at [email protected].

 

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