Disclaimer: This was written with business owners in mind, I talk about ACT! later in this post…
In my quest to know if I had what it took to start and run my own business, one man told me he read a book that totally changed the way he ran his floor cleaning business. E-Myth by Michael Gerber…
After reading it years later, I fought some of the concepts he presented, but eventually realized I was operating as a ‘technician’. If you have read the book, you know what I mean. I began to thoroughly document all my key internal processes (which I later converted to videos, surprise surprise), and hired someone to do what I find mundane and inefficient.
I finally had the opportunity to meet Michael just last week, and he said many things which resonated so poiniently with me…let me share one here…
“You don’t need an Expert, you need an Expert System!” -Michael Gerber
Please read that again, outloud… Did you get that? You don’t need a specialized coach, expert, or consultant you need a specialized, expert system. I found this statement asounding….In fact, I want to shout this from the rooftops to all of my clients and prospective clients, You don’t need me, you need a system! I would be honored to assist you in acquiring and integrating the right system in your business.
The cool thing is he just came out with a book the day before this picture was taken…and it sounds like a great one, “Awakening the Entrepreneur Within: How Ordinary People Can Create Extraordinary Companies“ As I perused some of the pages, it was clear to me that this Sage has put together another gem, and the reviews thus far seem to reflect that sentiment. Did you know he has a ‘Dreaming Room’?
Part of creating a solid ACT database system or any contact management system is to first understand the role of the database in your business. What is it going to do for you, how is it going to serve your business? These aren’t always easy questions to answer, but the answers will help you get successful with the system much faster than not answering them at all.
Consider what Gerber says, you need a top notch system…we all do, you’re not alone. Software isn’t what we need, but an expert system. Software is a tool to help automate the expert system. Make sense? Tell me what do you think of what Gerber told me. Am I taking it too far, or simply a misguided zealot? Please leave your comments below.
Hi, my name is Travis Campbell, I operate this site. A key to success in any business is to effectively manage your relationships. ACT! is a software product helping millions when it comes to doing just that. This Website is designed to assist both those considering ACT! software for their business, as well as to provide insight to ACT! users who want to effectively use it in their day to day operations. So login, post, browse and enjoy.
Ah, glad to hear the newest Gerber book is out at last, Travis. (I’ve had it on my Wish List since learning of it.)
Thanks for this reminder about the key E-Myth philosophy.
Cheers,
Sheila
Well done!
The E-Myth is a classic. Its all about building a machine. You’re dead on when you talk about making contact management work the same way.
You have to understand how the process goes and then build your contact management system to fit it.
Shelia-
Thanks, I’m not a huge reader of business books, but I think this latest one is worth anyone’s time.
Craig-
I agree it is a classic, and this man is a sage when it comes to advising small businesses. I’m thinking of making it required reading for my clients…before implementation
It is nice to know that bookkeeping and etc., just gets done…and replacing my bookeeper (Keith, if you are reading, you aren’t going anywhere!
wouldn’t be as difficult without the operations videos for that position.
I’ve actually started working with customers on putting together ACT! Software SOP (standard operating procedure) videos together for new sales reps. Saves a ton of time for all involved…
Who else has read Gerber’s stuff? Any luck with it?
trav, I am becoming an Micheal Gerber disciple. His resources are really making a difference in my business. Thanks!
Isaac-
Glad you find his resources useful. He is quite the firecracker in person as well!
I could really relate to Micheal’s stories about money and “expert” accountants. I changed accountants to go with one that had been recommended by three different people and it was a two year mistake that could have cost twenty to thirty thousand dollars not to mention that they were some of the most expensive in town. I have to be involved in leading my business.
Can’t wait to hear him!
It is so important to bring the right people into your business, and to remain engaged in the health of the business. I’m looking forward to the call for sure.
Exciting stuff.
I read the e-myth, well, I almost read it, as with most business books, I skipped back and forth through it and missed out a few chunks. But I can say it’s a good book, usually books from the US don’t quite seem applicable for the UK, but that is one which is.
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