This is a guest post by Trainual Certified Consultant Connie S. Falls (the “S” stands for Systems) and is part of a diversity and inclusion series on The Manual.

Hey Entrepreneurs! Have you heard the buzz around “systems”? Maybe you’ve heard the terms “operational systems,” “policies,” “processes,” “work flows,” and “standard operating procedures” being thrown around and wondered how they apply to your business. The good news is: you’re on the right track.

In fact, for many entrepreneurs, operational systems have unlocked the next level of business growth and success — kind of like a cheat code. But here’s the thing: systems aren’t new. Many businesses have reaped the benefits of systemization in business and general life FOR-EV-AH.

Systems are literally the glue that hold most global enterprises together. So, after all this time, why has it become such a trendy buzzword?

After 15 years of creating operational systems for creative entrepreneurs, I have some dope insight as to why many Black-owned businesses are just learning about it. And since it’s Black History Month, it's a great time to get into it.

What is systemization?‍

To understand systemization, you need to know what a system is. For our purposes, the best definition of a system is an organized set of doctrines, ideas, or principles intended to explain the arrangement or working of a systematic whole. In other words, it’s the way you run your business.

Systemization is the execution of that organization’s what, when, and how. So, the most basic level of systematic organization, or systemization, is process documentation.

So, what is process documentation?

Essentially, it means writing down the best way to complete a task and then following those instructions in the future so that the task is accomplished in the best way possible every time.

It’s crucial to document the processes used in your business. That way, they can be easily accessed, taught, implemented, and assessed. In small businesses, efficiency and clarity are the best policies. 

Small businesses don’t have time or money in excess, so creating dependable and time-saving systems will help increase efficiency, drive productivity, and maximize profitability.

How has process documentation evolved in the Black community?

Allow me to paint you a picture. 

It’s no secret that Black folks love eating and cooking good, flavorful food. So, it’s no surprise that we like to pass down recipes from generation to generation. While this practice is not unique to Black culture, I’ve found that for us, these recipes are far more often lost to time than in other cultures. 

That’s because no one was writing them down. Now, this could be due to several factors. Throughout history, Black folks have had many other survival-related issues on their mind, so they didn’t think about documenting things like recipes until it was already too late. 

Now, don’t misunderstand; there were pieces of information that the Black community recorded — things like family history, important personal experiences, and historical events. They would keep these personal journals and papers between the pages of Bibles when they could get their hands on them. But things like grandma’s slappin’ cornbread recipe weren’t as much of a priority at the time.

As Black entrepreneurs began to emerge, they typically weren’t taught to write down their processes. Sometimes, they couldn’t fully read and write, and there was a fear that if their techniques and ideas were recorded they could be stolen. So they kept that information in their heads. In fact, family businesses often died within the first or second-generation because the information and values that the business was built on weren’t passed on in ways that were replicable and easily implemented.

There have been standouts in our history, like Madame C.J. Walker. Madame Walker built a socially responsible business, helped develop African American industry, created economic opportunities for women, and integrated the means to change fortunes, lives, and laws into her business model. She also had a training program where documentation was taught. 

For a long time, these success stories were few and far between.

How are systems taking root in the Black community now?

I want to see people in my community thrive in business. We have so many great ideas that I believe can change the world, and systems will help us get there much faster.

We’re finally starting to understand that the generational wealth we’ve seen in the dominant culture is possible for us if we use the same tools for systemization and documentation in our businesses and households.

When you take the confusion out of operations, you leave more space and time for the brilliance and creativity that make your business worthwhile. That’s the power of using systems.

‍One last note

In the spirit of Black History Month, I’m excited to say that our future is bright. More and more Black business owners are beginning to document processes from the start and teach others the keys to long-lasting success and legacy.

Each time a productivity and business tool comes around that truly cares about making business easier for Everyone (yes, that’s “everyone” with a capital “E”), we get one step closer to the global success and benefits we need. 

So, share this information with someone who needs to get their business together from the foundation up using operational systems. Tell them #SystemsBae sent you!😉

And if you need some simple but proven principles to help you stop drifting and start systematizing your business, download my eBook, Scrambled eggs, for a step-by-step guide to charting a path that will unscramble your brain.

Love y’all!