SS18 – Set up Good Systems with Marina Darlow

Welcome to the Create & Thrive Podcast Summer Series, where I replay the highlights from the show in 2018.

If you’re a long-term listener, and you’re looking for fresh content – why not check out my NEW show – The Business of Making?

Also! In this ep I announce the return of my free mini-couse – Look Back Move Forward – which will be kicking off on January 1st!

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I’ve got an epic interview for you this week!

My guest – Marina Darlow – is a systems expert & productivity geek.

An engineer by training, she helps impact-driven entrepreneurs to get 10-20 more productive hours a week, stop leaking money, and prevent stress-fuel breakdowns.

In this episode we discuss why systems matter, how they can help you become more creative, and outline a number of examples specific to makers.

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Quotes & highlights from this episode:

* Business systems are there to support you so when unexpected things happen your business does not fall apart.

* “Good systems are what allows most people the space to create without other things infringing on it” {Marina}

* Systems create clear boundaries in your work processes and allow you to divert your energy to important tasks with a greater focus.

* Jess recommends the book Getting Things Done by David Allen.

* Establish how you work best and build systems to protect and support this creative time.

* Schedule your creative blocks for when you are most productive and have the most energy and consider this on a daily, weekly and monthly scale.

* Marina recommends the book Deep Work by Cal Newport.

* The energy required to switch between tasks can be significant. Schedule the time for this transition into your systems.

* Utilise the power of ritual to start and finish work and manage transitions. This can be something very small such as packing your tools away or getting a cup of tea.

* “Systems make you more resilient” {Marina}

* Utilise systems to manage your time through calendars and reminders.

* Establish systems around money to remove anxiety. Establish systems for payments, custom orders, invoicing and budgets. And make sure you check in on these regularly!

* “You can actually find joy, excitement and motivation in tracking your money” {Jess}

* Streamline your communications with systems to manage your materials, suppliers, marketing and team.

* Communication templates are an invaluable system that saves time, energy and money.

* “Have meetings with yourself and assess the elements of your business – if you never stop and do that you can never make progress on improving your systems and processes of business” {Jess}

* Jess recommends the book <a href="https://thestoryoftelling.