Building a business that runs without you in just 90 days is possible with the right approach. Here’s the process:
- Document Processes (Days 1-30): Map out workflows, identify inefficiencies, and create clear instructions for tasks.
- Automate and Delegate (Days 31-60): Use tools like Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate to handle repetitive tasks. Assign responsibilities to team members based on their strengths.
- Refine and Scale (Days 61-90): Test automated systems, improve team performance, and focus on growth strategies like recurring revenue streams.
Key Benefits:
- More time for strategic planning.
- Scalable growth without burnout.
- Improved work-life balance.
By combining automation, delegation, and scalability, you can create a business that operates independently and grows sustainably.
Step 1: Setting the Groundwork (Days 1-30)
Review and Organize Key Processes
Start by analyzing how your business currently operates. Pinpoint the main processes that influence revenue and customer satisfaction – things like daily operations, customer support, financial tasks, and marketing efforts.
Visual tools like Lucidchart can help you map out these workflows for better understanding. Pay attention to tasks that take up a lot of time, happen often, or directly affect your bottom line and customer experience.
As you review, look for inefficiencies. For example, if your customer service team spends too much time manually entering data, note this as an area to improve in the next phases.
Define Clear Goals and a Plan
Set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – to guide your progress. These goals should address both immediate needs and long-term objectives, helping you move closer to a self-sustaining business.
Here’s a simple framework for the 90-day plan:
- Month 1: Document your most critical workflows.
- Month 2: Automate repetitive tasks.
- Month 3: Delegate 80% of routine responsibilities.
Create Detailed Workflow Documentation
Consistency is key to scaling your business. Break down processes into clear, easy-to-follow steps. Add visuals where it helps, list the tools needed, and define the outcomes you expect. To ensure the instructions are easy to follow, have someone outside the process test them.
Store these documents on accessible platforms like Google Workspace or Trainual so your team can easily find and use the latest versions. This keeps everyone on the same page and ensures smooth operations.
With your processes and goals in place, you’ll be ready to tackle automation and delegation in the next phase.
Step 2: Automating and Delegating (Days 31-60)
Automate Repetitive Tasks with the Right Tools
Now that your processes are documented, it’s time to bring in automation tools to handle repetitive tasks. Focus on tasks that are time-consuming but straightforward. Depending on your business needs, consider tools for workflow automation, customer service, or data management.
Start with areas like email responses, scheduling social media posts, or creating customer support tickets. For example, a mortgage company used AI to automate thousands of customer inquiries, cutting down on manual work and improving efficiency.
Hand Off Tasks to the Right Team Members
While automation takes care of repetitive work, you’ll need your team to handle tasks that require human expertise. Use your documented workflows to assign responsibilities to the most suitable people:
- Customer Support: Let virtual assistants manage initial communication.
- Finance: Assign bookkeeping and reconciliation to accounting professionals.
- Marketing: Have specialists oversee campaigns and strategy.
- Admin Tasks: Rely on executive assistants for daily operations.
Project management tools can help you keep track of who’s doing what, ensuring clear communication and smooth transitions.
Build Accountability into the Process
To keep everything on track, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your business goals. These might include metrics like customer satisfaction, response times, or operational efficiency. Set up a regular reporting system to review these numbers.
Weekly check-ins are a great way to address issues early and ensure progress. For instance, Buffer used AI chatbots to reduce response times by 50% and boost customer satisfaction by 25%, thanks to constant monitoring and iterative improvements.
"Automation is not just about efficiency; it’s about effectiveness. It’s about making sure that the right things are happening at the right time." – Jason Fried, Co-Founder of Basecamp
Ultimate Guide To Systemize Your Business
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Step 3: Scaling and Improving (Days 61-90)
Now that automation and delegation are in place, it’s time to fine-tune your systems and focus on growth.
Test and Adjust Automated Systems
Start by testing your automated systems. Track performance metrics and tweak workflows to remove any bottlenecks. Use data analytics to measure how long tasks take and identify error-prone areas that need adjustments.
For example, AnnieMac Home Mortgage successfully automated 3,000 inquiries by consistently refining their workflows. The trick is finding the right mix of automation and human oversight. Set up alert systems for tasks that might need manual attention so nothing slips through the cracks.
Once your systems are running efficiently, it’s time to focus on your team.
Improve Team Performance
Strengthen your team with a clear plan for improvement. Focus on these key areas:
| Performance Area | Strategy | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Hold regular team meetings | Align goals and priorities |
| Training | Offer skill development sessions | Build team expertise |
| Feedback | Provide frequent feedback | Foster a culture of growth |
| Collaboration | Form cross-functional teams | Share knowledge effectively |
Using project management tools can help keep everyone on the same page and ensure accountability across all tasks.
With a strong team in place, you’re set to take your business to the next level.
Focus on Growth Strategies
With your systems working smoothly and your team performing well, shift your energy to scaling. Consider creating recurring revenue streams, like subscription services or long-term client contracts, for steady income.
Streamline your sales process to shorten lead times and boost conversion rates. Advanced tools can help you manage the increased workload as your business grows, ensuring you maintain quality while handling larger volumes of data and tasks.
Tools and Resources to Help You Succeed
To make the most of your 90-day plan, the right tools and resources can simplify automation, streamline delegation, and support scaling efforts.
Predictable Profits Operating System
The Predictable Profits Operating System offers a structured approach to lead generation, sales improvement, and growth. Designed for businesses that rely heavily on their founders, this system helps turn manual tasks into automated workflows. It aligns perfectly with the 90-day plan by providing tested strategies and accountability to drive results.
Top Automation Tools for Businesses
Automation is becoming increasingly popular, with 61% of businesses automating at least one process and 85% planning to expand their efforts within two years. Here are some tools that can help streamline your operations:
- Zapier: Automates workflows with over 5,000 integrations.
- HubSpot: A comprehensive CRM platform.
- Trello: Simplifies task tracking with visual boards.
- Asana: Offers team collaboration and workflow templates.
For example, Zapier is particularly useful during Days 31-60 of your plan to automate processes, while HubSpot supports customer relationship management throughout all phases.
Outsourcing Platforms
When it comes to outsourcing, platforms like Upwork (for long-term projects), Fiverr (for short tasks), and Toptal (for high-quality talent) connect you with professionals worldwide. These platforms are especially helpful during Days 31-60, as you implement delegation strategies and build a remote team.
Key factors to consider when choosing a platform include:
- The complexity and timeline of your project
- Expertise required
- Budget limitations
- How well the platform integrates with your current systems
Conclusion: Reaching Independence and Growth
Building a business that runs on its own in just 90 days takes focus, structured planning, and a clear goal. Transitioning from an owner-reliant setup to a self-sufficient operation isn’t just about working less – it’s about creating a system that allows for growth and scalability.
Fine-Tune Your Systems
A business that runs smoothly depends on regular checks and updates. Look at key performance metrics, invest in your team’s skills, and keep your automation tools up to date. These steps ensure your operations stay efficient and competitive. For example, businesses with regular improvement processes report better results, with 61% noting increased efficiency and growth. By tweaking and improving your systems over time, you keep your business running like clockwork and ready for new opportunities.
Celebrate Your Wins
Acknowledging progress keeps everyone motivated. Track how much manual work has been reduced, how much more independent your team has become, and how workflows have improved. These milestones not only highlight the effectiveness of your systems but also inspire your team to keep pushing forward.
Building a self-sustaining business doesn’t end with the 90-day plan – it’s a continuous process. With dedication to ongoing improvements, you’ll not only achieve a business that runs itself but also lay the groundwork for long-term success and freedom.
FAQs
How to make a 90-day business plan?
Start by evaluating your current business setup. Look at operations, team performance, and key metrics to spot areas where automation and delegation could make a difference.
- Set Clear Vision and Goals
- Define specific, measurable objectives to move toward a self-sustaining business.
- Break these goals into smaller, actionable projects.
- Use the three-phase implementation plan from "How the 90-Day Plan Works" as a guide.
- Create Action Plans
- Outline detailed steps for each goal, complete with deadlines.
- Assign responsibilities to team members to ensure accountability.
- Regularly review progress to stay on track.
- Track Success Metrics
- Monitor reductions in manual tasks.
- Measure time savings and improved team productivity.
- Evaluate customer satisfaction to gauge overall success.
Keep your plan adaptable, making adjustments as needed based on results and feedback during the 90 days.
What tools can help automate my business?
To streamline operations, consider using automation tools tailored to your needs:
- Capacity: Handles customer service and knowledge management.
- SolveXia: Simplifies financial processes.
- Kissflow: Manages workflows and projects efficiently.
- Microsoft Power Automate: Integrates Microsoft tools and automates workflows.
- Zapier: Connects apps and automates tasks across platforms.
- UiPath: A powerful tool for robotic process automation (RPA).
Choose tools that match your business requirements, budget, and current tech setup. Introduce automation step by step, focusing on one process at a time for smoother implementation.
