Running a business without systems can feel like watering a garden with a bucket—messy, time-consuming, and easy to forget something important. Just like an irrigation setup delivers the right water to the right plants at the right time, smart business systems help each area of your business run smoothly and reliably. In this post, we share a simple 5-step guide to choosing the right systems (from payroll and job management to bookkeeping support), so you can reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and free up more time to focus on growth.
This holiday season, I’ve been installing an irrigation system in my garden to ensure each plant gets watered exactly when it needs it, saving me time and ensuring that they are watered as much as they need it. As I worked, I found myself reflecting on how this process closely mirrors the experience of running a business and setting up effective systems.
For instance, just as a drip line delivers water directly to the roots of thirsty tomatoes while sprinklers gently cover the lawn, business systems—like automated payroll with software like Employment Hero, job management using Fergus, or Bookkeeping support with OMS — provide targeted support to different areas of the operation.
All require thoughtful planning: you need to understand which plants (or departments) have unique needs and then tailor your approach, so nothing is overlooked or wasted.
Just as an irrigation system ensures each plant receives the right amount of water at the right time, effective business systems make sure that every part of the company gets the resources and attention it needs to thrive, and nothing is forgotten. With a reliable irrigation system, I can relax knowing my plants are cared for—even when I’m away. Similarly, strong business systems allow a company to run smoothly and efficiently, reducing stress and preventing costly mistakes.
Here’s 5 steps to planning what systems your business needs:
Here’s 5 steps to planning what systems your business needs:
1. Check Your Business “Soil”
Just like you wouldn’t water a cactus the same way as a thirsty tomato, start by figuring out what each part of your business actually needs. Every corner of the operation has its own “thirst level”—identify where the dry spots or puddles are!
2. Pick the Wilting Plants First
Some business areas are like the sad fern in the corner—desperate for attention. Focus on the spots that are essential for growth or where things are drooping the most to stop problems from spreading.
3. Choose the Right Hose (or Fancy Sprinkler)
Don’t just spray and pray! Research which systems (or gadgets) match the needs of each business area. One size doesn’t fit all—your succulents do NOT want a monsoon.
4. Turn It On and Watch for Puddles
After setting up your new systems, keep an eye out. Are things running smoothly, or did you just flood the garden path? Tweak as needed to keep everything blooming and not bogged down.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Hoses
Systems need check-ups too. Like cleaning out clogged drippers or untangling a hose, regularly review and fine-tune your business systems so everything keeps growing strong—even as the seasons (and your business) change.
When systems work well, both gardens and businesses flourish—growing healthier, saving resources, and freeing up time. But when systems fail or are neglected, you risk wilting plants or missed business opportunities, leading to unnecessary headaches and wasted effort.
That’s where our bookkeeping services can make a real difference: by keeping your financial records organised and up to date, we help ensure your business stays robust and responsive. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on nurturing growth and seizing new opportunities with confidence.
Shall We Shout You a Coffee? ☕
If you’d like support putting stronger systems in place—starting with your bookkeeping—we’d love to help. Office Management Solutions can keep your financial records organised, up to date, and easy to understand, so you can make decisions with confidence and focus on growing your business.
We’d love to shout you a coffee and hear what you need help with—book a coffee chat at www.omsolutions.co.nz/booking