What Trump taught me about business systems
Jan 30, 2025I'm The Real Jason Duncan here with your Beyond the Grind blog, where we help entrepreneurs build thriving businesses without sacrificing their freedom. 🚀
As I reflected on the concept of leadership transitions, something struck me: Even the world's most powerful organization runs on systems, not individuals. When one leader exits and another enters, the government continues functioning because of established processes and protocols.
The same principle applies to your business. But here's the difference: You don't have to leave for your business to run without you.
Let me paint a picture of what this looks like in action. Picture a manufacturing business doing $4.5M in revenue. The owner works 70+ hours a week and hasn't taken a real vacation in three years.
"I can't step away," he says. "Everything falls apart when I'm not here."
Sound familiar?
The Systems Breakthrough 🔄
During one of our bi-monthly training sessions, our XOS™ coaches help members realize something crucial: They aren't running a business – their business is running them.
The breakthrough comes through our three-step systemization process:
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Document Everything 🖍️
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Every recurring task
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Every decision-making process
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Every customer interaction flow
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Delegate Deliberately 👥
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Start with low-risk tasks
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Train using documented processes
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Monitor outcomes, not methods
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Design for Absence 🎯
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Create response protocols
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Build decision trees
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Establish clear authority lines
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The 90-Day Transformation 📈
When implemented methodically, these steps create remarkable transformations. In our twice-monthly hotseat sessions, members share their progress and get feedback from peers.
The typical results:
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Month 1: Documented core processes
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Month 2: Trained team leaders
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Month 3: Tested the systems
Then comes the moment of truth: that first two-week vacation in years.
And the business doesn't just survive – it thrives. Teams, empowered by clear systems and protocols, handle everything. They even solve major issues without needing to contact the owner.
Why Systems Work 🔑
Systems aren't just about documentation. They're about:
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Creating predictable outcomes
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Enabling team empowerment
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Building real business value
Think about it: Which business is worth more?
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One that depends entirely on you
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Or one that runs smoothly without you
Here's the thing about building systems: It's like the Grand Canyon. You’ve heard me say this before, but it bears repeating: The canyon wasn't carved by intense, sporadic water flow. It was shaped by the consistent, persistent flow of the river over time. The same principle applies to your business systems. It's not about intense bursts of effort – it's about consistent, deliberate progress.
Your Systems Journey 🗺️
Here's what I've learned from helping hundreds of entrepreneurs build systems:
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Start Small:
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Pick one recurring process
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Document it thoroughly
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Test it with your team
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Think Big:
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Envision your ideal role
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Design systems for that future
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Build step by step
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Stay Consistent:
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Review systems regularly
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Refine based on feedback
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Celebrate small wins
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The Support You Need 🤝
Building systems isn't a solo journey. That's why our members meet twice a month:
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One session for expert training with our XOS™ coaches
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One session for hotseat problem-solving with fellow members
Together, we help you build a business that works for you, not the other way around.
Here's to your success,
The Real Jason Duncan 🚀
P.S. In a future blog, we'll explore why strategic planning beats goal-setting every time. I'll show you how the most successful business owners think differently about planning their future. Stay tuned! ✨