>Watch the Episode with Transcript<
Hi friends! Welcome back to the blog. I’m so excited to share some valuable insights into building out your tech stack, especially for service-based business owners, like myself. As a systems integrator for daydreamers, I aim to help you automate, streamline, and grow your business. So you can work less, make more money, and flourish beyond what you thought possible.
In this post, we’re diving into the essential tech tools that can transform your business. And we have insights from a recent conversation I had with Dolly DeLong, a systems and workflow educator, and Nashville-based family photographer. Let’s get started!
What is a Tech Stack?
If you’re new to the concept of a tech stack, it refers to a combination of technology tools used to run your business efficiently. As service-based business owners, it’s crucial to have the right tools in place.
Foundations of Building a Tech Stack
When it comes to building the right tech stack, starting with the foundational pieces is key. As Dolly and I discussed, it’s important to know who you serve, what services you offer, and how you make money. This foundational knowledge will not only help you streamline your business processes but also make you feel more settled and in control.
Choosing Project Management Tools
One of the first steps in building your tech stack is choosing the right project management tool. Here are some popular options:
- Google Drive: Free and simple for organizing documents.
- ClickUp: Highly customizable with many features.
- Asana: Great for team collaboration.
- Trello: Simple and user-friendly, perfect for visual organization.
Personally, I love Trello because it keeps things simple and organized. It’s important to start with a tool you’re comfortable with and upgrade as needed.
Implementing CRM Tools
A Client Relationship Management (CRM) tool is crucial for managing your interactions with current and potential clients. Here are some popular options:
- Dubsado: Comprehensive features for managing client workflows.
- HoneyBook: Great for creative business owners.
- 17hats: Offers a range of features to streamline your business.
These tools help consolidate your client data, automate workflows, and ensure you’re not losing valuable time or information.
Importance of Documenting Processes
Both Dolly and I strongly believe in the value of writing down your processes. It may seem tedious, but outlining who you serve, your services, and your operational costs can remove the mental burden of trying to remember everything. This foundational knowledge allows you to make informed decisions and maintain focus on your true business goals.
Overcoming Organizational Challenges
One common challenge business owners face is the lack of organization on the back end. Often, this stems from not having a clear system in place. Dolly recommends starting by listing out:
- Who you serve: Clearly define your target audience.
- Your services: Detail what you offer and how you deliver these services.
- Income and expenses: Track your revenue streams and overhead costs.
By getting these basics down, you lay the groundwork for a more organized and efficient business.
Attracting Clients with Long-Form Content
One of the best ways to attract your ideal clients is through long-form content. Dolly emphasizes the importance of knowing how your target audience consumes information:
- Blogging: Perfect for clients who prefer reading and are searching for solutions online.
- Podcasts: Great for those who prefer audio content and are often on the go.
- YouTube Videos: Ideal for visual learners who need step-by-step guidance.
Choosing the right platform to share your content ensures you’re reaching your audience in the way that’s most convenient for them.
SEO: The Key to Organic Growth
Dolly is a big fan of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and its role in helping clients find you organically. By creating SEO-rich blog posts and fully utilizing tools like Google Business, you can improve your visibility and attract potential clients searching for your services. Dolly will be running a series called “The Summer of SEO” on her podcast, focusing on essential SEO strategies for service-based business owners.
Using SOPs to Streamline Your Business
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) might sound intimidating, but they’re simply guides for how to handle different aspects of your business. Here’s how they can help:
- Client Onboarding: Create a step-by-step guide to ensure every new client has a consistent and positive experience.
- Email Marketing: Script out your email sequences to nurture leads and maintain client relationships.
- Client Offboarding: Define how you wrap up projects, gather feedback, and transition clients out of active service.
SOPs ensure you provide a consistent level of service and can easily train new team members as your business grows.
Final Thoughts on Building a Tech Stack for Service-Based Business Owners
Building out your tech stack doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to start with the basics and gradually add more tools as needed. By focusing on project management, CRM tools, your foundational business elements, and long-form content, you can create an efficient system that works for you.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a streamlined and efficient operation that allows you to focus on what you do best—serving your clients and growing your business.
Staying Grounded Amidst Shiny Object Syndrome
In our conversation, Dolly also touched upon the importance of staying focused and resisting the temptation of shiny object syndrome. It’s easy to get distracted by new tools or trends, especially when seeing other successful business owners utilizing them. However, it’s crucial to stick to the foundational tools and strategies that work for you and your business.
Continuous Improvement and Client Communication
Dolly shared a valuable tip about conducting regular assessments—either quarterly or every six months—to ensure you’re aligned with your business goals. These assessments help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your systems and workflows.
Effective client communication is another vital component. Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. It’s important to be honest with your clients about any hiccups and to have systems in place to mitigate potential issues. This not only builds trust but also showcases your commitment to providing excellent service.
Embrace Continuous Learning and Adaptation
As business owners, we need to embrace continuous learning and adaptation. Building a Tech Stack for Service-Based Business Owners is an ongoing process. Don’t be afraid to adjust and improve your systems as you go along.
I hope you found these insights valuable. Incorporating the right tools and strategies will not only help you streamline your operations but also provide a better client experience. Remember, the key is to start with the basics, stay focused, and continuously refine your processes.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to build a stronger, more efficient service-based business. If you’re looking for more tips and guidance, be sure to check out Dolly Delong’s podcast, “The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast.” You can also follow her for more educational content on Instagram at @dollydelongeducation and @dollydelongphoto.
Until next time, keep dreaming and building your ideal business!
Important Links:
Key Moments:
- 00:00 Welcome to the Dream Biz Podcast
- 00:55 Introducing Our Special Guest: Dolly DeLong
- 02:11 Challenges in Business Organization
- 04:01 The Importance of Project Management Tools
- 06:33 Client Relationship Management Tools
- 08:13 Foundational Business Knowledge
- 11:30 Creating Effective Systems and Workflows
- 18:19 Understanding Your Ideal Client
- 21:18 The Role of SEO in Business
- 29:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell
