My 4 Step Framework: Step One is Audit

I believe in transparency, both in my personal and business life. 

That’s why I decided to create a new series that gives you a deeper look into my signature process that I use with our clients at Mastermind Business Services. In my opinion, regardless of your industry or position, everybody has a little special something that makes what and how they do what they do completely unique.  Over the next few months, I’m going to walk you through my proven framework that I use with each of our clients that come into MBS and what I’ve found to be the special sauce that makes MBS stand out amongst the rest. 

Let’s get to it, shall we?

This month, we are starting with the basics and jumping right into the first step in my process. 

A good old-fashioned audit. 

I know, I know, a cringe-worthy word at best, but let’s be serious, you probably had a feeling this was coming. Before we can get into the magic of transforming your operations from blah to completely badass, we need to start by first taking the time to complete an in-depth review of what is really happening right now. 

What does an audit mean?

Simply put, an audit means I take an unbiased look at your business. When I come into a client’s business I spend my first chunk of time reviewing.  I take a deep look at what is really happening in the business vs what my clients are telling me is happening vs what they want to happen. Because, a lot of times all these things don’t necessarily line up, and to be completely transparent with you…I’m guilty of these things being a little mismatched too. I mean, we’re all business owners here, just trying to do our best. 

So, how do I do this?

I start by taking a look at core tech tools that are being used.  This includes project management, customer relationship management, and lead management software. I want to ensure that I get the full 360-degree view of what is going on in your business, which means it’s important we get a lot deeper than just scratching the surface. 

Next, I start talking to team members. More specifically, I talk to the implementors on the team. Think of this as the people who are responsible for the deliverables. I get to know what is working and what isn’t from their views. 

Finally, I look at any processes that you have documented. Looking through what processes a business owner has chosen to document gives me a big idea of what is happening behind the scenes. I also take a look through any videos you have created for your processes and IF you actually have videos. Protip: creating a few Loom videos for your team can go a long way!

The approach I use is not a one size fits all approach. 

I work off this basic outline that I’ve mentioned above but every client is different and each time I go through an audit it is very unique and individualized to each client. That is where MBS shines and differs. We take the time to dive deep with our clients and get to know them and their business on a level that goes beyond standardized questions. 

In order for me to successfully complete this process, I have to really feel it and align with the process. I need to be in your head and truly feel your pain points and know who you are at the center of it all & then I need to understand the same for your business. 

I take my time with this process, there’s no time limit. I need to fully embrace myself in understanding each individual part of your business. I take a deep look into one area of your business and then stop. I’ll let this sit with me in the back of my mind while I’m doing something else and come back to it when I feel ready. 

What makes this process unique?

My ability to vision has always been something that I consider an asset in this space. Working in operations generally means everything is very rigid, but I find I walk a line between creativity and organization. I have this beautiful ability to vision. I can make a kickass plan but before that plan comes to life, I create a vision, this vision allows me to create some of the most creative but truly strategic plans that align with each client’s unique business goals. 

So, in short, this is step one of my framework but in theory, there is no rigid step-by-step formula I use. I work off this uncommon outline I’ve created (one that I’ve tested, tried, and has been proven to bring immense success to our clients) and I intertwine that with my personalized approach to creating something that takes our client’s business to the next level.