Solo business systems checklist.
What systems should a solo business have at each stage? Most owners overbuild early or underbuild late. Here's the year-by-year checklist that tells you what to build now vs. defer.
What systems should a solo business have at each stage? Most owners overbuild early or underbuild late. Here's the year-by-year checklist that tells you what to build now vs. defer.
Year 1: just three systems (calendar, email, simple billing). Year 2: add CRM and routing. Year 3: add covering arrangements and basic delegation. Year 4-5: full operational redundancy. Most owners try to build year-5 systems in year 1 and get stuck; build progressively instead.
What you DON'T need: CRM, project management software, custom website beyond a one-pager, fancy phone system, multiple software subscriptions. Most year-1 founders waste $300-1,000/month on unused tools.
Add:
Add:
Add:
Don't build: complex CRM, marketing automation, custom website, employee handbook, multiple software subscriptions.
Don't build: complex project management, full ERP, formal HR systems.
Don't build: complex enterprise software, M&A prep, board governance (unless required).
Solo founders waste enormous time and money building year-5 systems in year 1. The systems above match the actual demand of each stage. Build for the year you're in, not the year you imagine.
Once you have steady clients, routing reclaims hours. 14 days free.
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