What Can a Systems Audit Do To Transform Your Business?

By Erin Catron

I thrive at the intersection of real estate and relationships especially when it comes to our team.

I attended a conference a year ago that changed how I view my business. I believed I had everything under control, but what I discovered was both eye-opening and a bit unsettling. The experience wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but it was exactly what I needed to push my business forward.

At the conference, I was introduced to the concept of a systems audit. If you’ve never done one, I strongly encourage you to consider it. A systems audit involves thoroughly examining every aspect of your business to identify missing pieces and recognize areas where you’re excelling.

Grading your business to identify strengths and weaknesses. I began by listing critical components of my business: our core mission and vision, operating systems, and tech stack—including tools like Dotloop and Follow Up Boss. I then graded each element with an A, B, C, or F. What I found was both enlightening and alarming. Many areas fell into the C category, and some even received an F. This grading system quickly highlighted where my attention was needed most.

Focusing on areas for improvement. With this newfound clarity, I knew I had to focus on the areas where we were underperforming. For us, that meant improving our listing systems. We realized we were weak in this area and not giving it the attention it deserved. By diving in and enhancing our processes, we improved how we support our agents and attract new listing business.

Empowering the team. I didn’t stop there, though. I shared the systems audit process with my entire team. After all, everyone on the team is a business owner in their own right. Each team member graded their business areas, and we then came together to discuss our findings. It allowed us to identify weaknesses and strategize on improvements collectively.

Reflecting on this journey, I realize that conducting the systems audit was one of my most impactful steps. Confronting the areas where we were failing wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for growth. The process improved our business and brought our team closer together.

If you’re ready to elevate your business, I’d love to share the systems audit template that helped me so much. It’s a simple tool, but it can lead to profound insights. Contact me at +1 (918) 396-8247 or erin@erincatron.com, and let’s work together to unlock your business’s full potential.