#107 Which Systems Do You Need To Fix First?

Which Systems Do You Need To Fix First? If you are in a complete and utter mess, putting a system in place makes things manageable and doable. Marina Darlow, an expert in systems, joins The Next 100 Days Podcast for the second time and discusses how emotions and systems interweave. Marina has launched a new course and set up her own podcast. Better at Business. Listen to Marina here: https://betteratbusiness.podbean.com ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Marina works with visionaries who she often finds are somewhere on the ADHD spectrum! Most of her clients have diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD. They are all creative, active and visionary. Enough to start a business and make something of it. Yet, on the other hand, they are often the people who struggle with systems and linear processes. As Marina is expert in systems and linear processes, they are attracted to her. She loves them. They are the most fun, inspiring and unpredictable people you can think of. Mentoring Graham mentioned mentoring a young man who is very likely to be on the ADHD spectrum. As part of the volunteering, the authorities offered training in Mindfulness. Fascinating experience, provided by a lovely lady called Barbara - who sat the volunteers down. Sitting down the volunteers were walked through a technique. Close to hypnosis, completely calmed and centred. It was like that moment when you drop off to sleep. An unburdening exercise. Would a young person react to this training environment. Marina thinks mindfulness is catching up from elementary schools to prisoners (Graham scurrilously said he's a mixture of those!). She cautions to be clear about who you'd associate with in this space as there is a 'ton of woo' stuff. This was a technique to clear your mind. One where you focus on a specific or even nothing at all. These kinds of techniques, can be effective on multiple levels. Marina cautions that these techniques may have their audiences - corporate CEOs? Maybe, maybe not. Tree-huggers - probably. Graham is neither. Allow yourself to be open to the techniques. Don't be too scientific. They are worth pursuing. Systems and Emotions Marina puts systems in place for people. Which means, she tells them how to track their money, and she goes into the depths of their cash flow. She creates a systems plan with them and reviews their accomplishments over time. So then, she will look into their CRM and see if it is working. And finally, Marina discovers if their data is organised. You'd think it's a regimented, boring, linear job.  When confronted with our own mess, we react emotionally. Example Cash-flow. Marina will look at their income streams and expenses. Then clients realise they aren't making enough money. They also might be spending too much money. People don't react well to the fact that they are NOT solvent! Example Her client had two businesses and wanted more time to be devoted to painting. Marina helped her organise her time. To deliver her services so that she hit her financial goals. It only left 2 hours to paint! Marina's client went into a tail-spin. It was like a 3 year old's tantrum! "I'm not going to let go of my painting. I need it for my sanity." (Sound familiar?). Marina's task was to persuade her client that she needed to forgo things in her life. They discussed how the client could meet her financial goals in fewer hours per week. They raised her prices. It's THAT moment. When you realise how hard it is going to be. Monitoring Systems You need to check in with your systems on a regular basis. It's the only way to keep things in check. Checking allows you to catch things when they are small. Marina often finds that her clients have no systems. At least, they have no good systems. A good system puts everything in view. It gives you a true picture. When people see the true picture, tantrums happen. Steps Put the system in. Look at what that's revealed.