In this episode, we're joined by Adrian Dorsen, co-founder and CEO of Run Like Clockwork, a company dedicated to helping small business owners create systems that allow them to run their businesses efficiently without being the bottleneck. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the operational side of your business—whether it's creating systems, delegating, or feeling stuck in the day-to-day tasks—this conversation is for you!
Adrian shares her journey from the corporate world, where she managed operational efficiency in large manufacturing organizations, to consulting small business owners. Her experience in Lean Six Sigma and operational efficiency paved the way to partnering with Mike Michalowicz, author of Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself. Together, they developed a proven framework to help entrepreneurs get out of the daily grind and build businesses that can function without them.
“Like, if you're not going to be paying more for it, then I would expect you to have some sort of system that you're going to hand off. And everyone has a system for what they do. They've, most of the time, just never documented it or thought about it. They just have it in their head.”
Five Key Takeaways:
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Small businesses can benefit from corporate-level efficiency systems. Adrian’s experience shows that principles used in large manufacturing can be adapted to streamline small businesses.
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The 4D framework is key to operational success. Focusing on the right areas—delegation, documentation, development, and designing the future—enables owners to step back from the day-to-day.
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Systematizing your business is essential to scalability. Without systems, growth is limited, and the owner becomes a bottleneck, hindering the business's full potential.
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Taking a four-week unplugged vacation is a true test of business autonomy. If the business can thrive without the owner for this time, the systems are working as intended.
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Partnerships can elevate business impact. Adrian’s partnership with Mike Michalowicz demonstrates how the right collaboration can exponentially grow your business and bring new value.
Connect with Adrienne:
TimeTracker: runlikeclockwork.com/time
The Clockwork System (Course): https://theclockworksystem.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriennedorison/
Connect with me:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.growmyvisibility.com/
Instagram: @coachjasonmeland
Facebook: Jason Meland - In Demand Coach
LinkedIn: Jason Meland