Save the Date for our February Program

(register for this and all meetings via nfbpwc.org) (register for this and all meetings via nfbpwc.org)

  

Our Guest Speaker for February:

Nicole Callender Sedon is a Lead Human Resources Specialist with the Army Civilian Human Resources Agency. She is retired from the PA National Guard, having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and participated in disaster relief operations in over half a dozen states outside of PA. A graduate of Scranton High School, she holds multiple degrees to include a Masters in Business Administration from Misericordia University. Nicole is currently serving as the Military Affiliated Women Chair of NFBPWC.

Would you like to list your business on the NFBPWC Website?

Go to: https://nfbpwc.org/Business-Directory-Submission-Form

And email your logo to smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Don’t’ forget to find us at:

ESB Page - https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur-business-program

Blog Post - https://nfbpwc.org/NFBPWC-Blog

NFBPWC FB - https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC

NFBPWC Marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nfbpwcmarketplace/

Regular Systems Health Checks Can Save Your Business How are Your Vitals???

As entrepreneurs, our creative spark often ignites innovation and drives our ventures forward. But while we're busy creating, it’s easy to lose sight of the mechanisms that keep the business humming in the background. I recently learned this firsthand when a faulty automation caused me to lose sales and opportunities for engagement.  It was a stark reminder of the importance of performing regular systems health checks.

When Creativity Overshadows Operations. In the excitement of designing new products, services, or marketing strategies, essential operational details can be overlooked. Automations that once worked seamlessly might falter without your notice, leading to unprocessed sales, unanswered inquiries, or unmet deadlines. A well-oiled creative mind needs a well- oiled business machine to bring its visions to life effectively.

Why Regular Systems Health Checks Matter. Just as we perform maintenance on a car or update our software, our business processes require regular check-ins. Technology, customer needs, and market conditions change rapidly, and failing to adapt can result in missed opportunities. Conducting a systems health check ensures that your tools, automations, and workflows are functioning optimally.

Ask yourself:

• Areyouremailsequencesdelivering messages on time and to the right audience?

• Is your website functioning as intended, with all links and checkout processes intact?

• Areyouraccountingandinventory management systems synced correctly?

By making this review a routine, you not only identify and fix glitches but also create opportunities to streamline and improve.

Building a Checklist for Your Systems Health Check A systems review doesn’t have to be  overwhelming. Here are key areas to include in your evaluation:

Automations and Integrations: Test all automated processes, including email sequences, lead capture forms, and payment gateways.

1. Website Functionality: Check links, loading speeds, mobile responsiveness, and SEO optimization.

2. Customer Feedback Loops: Review how you collect and respond to customer feedback.

3. Financial Systems: Confirm that invoices, payments, and expense tracking are accurate and up to date.

4. Analytics and Metrics: Ensure tracking tools are collecting data correctly and providing actionable insights.

The Benefits of Regular Reviews. Beyond troubleshooting, these check-ins allow you to adapt and innovate. For example, discovering a trend in customer feedback could inspire a new product line, or realizing inefficiencies in your workflows might free up time to focus on growth strategies. Regular maintenance doesn’t just prevent breakdowns—it powers forward momentum.

Schedule It Like a CEO. The key to staying on top of your systems is consistency. Schedule your systems health check as a non-negotiable task—quarterly, semi-annually,

 or annually, depending on your business complexity. Block out dedicated time and approach it as you would a meeting with a top client: professionally and with focus.

A Balanced Business is a Thriving Business. As business owners, we wear many hats. Balancing creativity with operational excellence ensures our ideas can flourish. Think of your business as a garden; your creative pursuits are the seeds, but strong systems provide the fertile soil in which they grow.

Taking time to ensure your systems are functioning effectively isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a growth strategy. By making this practice a priority, you protect your business, amplify your impact, and set the stage for long-term success.

Conclusion. Business management and Entrepreneurship are about evolution. Each year

brings opportunities to refine your craft and your operations. By embracing regular systems health checks, you ensure that your creativity has a solid foundation to thrive.

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee (2022-2026)

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC) Co-Chair