BigDeal Podcast Episode Summary

Title: How to Build Systems So Good… Your Business Runs Itself
Host: Codie Sanchez
Release Date: June 30, 2025

In this insightful episode of the BigDeal podcast, entrepreneur and investor Codie Sanchez delves deep into the critical role of systems in ensuring a business operates efficiently and profitably. Drawing from her extensive experience in private equity and managing a diverse portfolio of businesses, Codie unveils actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs build robust systems that allow their businesses to run autonomously.

1. The Importance of Systems in Business

Codie opens the discussion by highlighting a common pitfall among entrepreneurs: “Most people get run by their businesses, they don't run their business” [00:00]. She emphasizes that effective systems can save entrepreneurs time, energy, money, and reduce stress, ultimately driving the business forward rather than merely maintaining its current state.

Key Insight:
Implementing the right systems ensures that the business generates revenue consistently, rather than just creating processes that feel productive.

2. Common Mistakes in Building Systems

Codie identifies two primary errors entrepreneurs make when establishing systems:

• Starting Too Small:
  “Number one, they focus on creating a process map for individual things they do inside of their business. They do what I call start small and then lose all.” [04:30]
  She compares this approach to building the Sistine Chapel by first choosing candles, neglecting the foundational structure.

• Over-Obsessing Over Perfection:
  “They obsess on perfect and super detail-oriented systems... the real problem, they make themselves do all the work as opposed to their team doing the work.” [07:15]
  Entrepreneurs often create overly complex systems that are difficult for teams to replicate, leading to inefficiencies.

Solution:
Codie advocates for starting with the big picture and creating simple, scalable systems that even virtual assistants can manage effectively.

3. Codie’s Scaling Operating System

Codie introduces her proprietary framework, the Clarity, Certainty, Roadmap, which comprises five essential components:

1. Vision:
   “You need a vision to see further. It's like your windshield.” [10:45]
   Establishing a clear long-term vision guides all business decisions and strategies.

2. Dashboard:
   “We need your dashboard to go faster. That's like speed limit, gas gauge, etc.” [12:10]
   Tracking key metrics ensures the business stays on course towards its goals.

3. Goals:
   “We need goals to go further. That's your GPS to see where you want to get to and at what time.” [13:30]
   Setting specific, measurable objectives facilitates progress and accountability.

4. Communication:
   “We need communication so that you can have a smoother ride.” [14:50]
   Effective communication channels prevent misunderstandings and keep the team aligned.

5. People:
   “We need people to flow the business together so you're not doing it by yourself.” [16:05]
   Building a reliable team ensures that all aspects of the business are managed efficiently.

Framework Integration:
When combined, these five components form Codie’s Scaling Operating System, a GPS for business growth that balances vision with actionable metrics and a strong team foundation.

4. Evaluating System Quality with PEIC

Codie presents the PEIC criteria to assess whether a system is effective:

• Proven Battle-Tested Frameworks:
  “You need proven battle-tested frameworks. So those are things that have existed for a long time.” [22:15]

• Explicit Processes:
  “We need explicit processes. That means like I like a cup of coffee...” [23:00]
  Detailed procedures ensure consistency and reliability in execution.

• Implementation:
  “How do you make sure that they know that’s how I like my coffee?” [24:30]
  Systems must include mechanisms for proper implementation and delegation.

• Continuous Improvement Plan:
  “What's your continuous improvement plan? How often do you check in on your systems to update them?” [25:45]
  Regular evaluations and updates keep systems relevant and efficient.

Application:
Codie stresses the importance of integrating these criteria into every aspect of the business, from vision and models to operations and finance.

5. Crafting a Vision Plan

A robust vision plan is foundational to Codie’s system. She outlines the components of an effective vision plan using her company, Contrarian Thinking, as an example:

• Company Motto:
  “I am a contrarian. I ask for no one's money. I expect no one's praise...” [30:10]
  Defining who you are attracts the right team members and sets the company culture.

• North Star Metrics:
  “Our two North Stars are revenue and followers.” [32:20]
  Balancing quantitative goals (revenue) with qualitative ones (audience growth) ensures sustainable business development.

• Long-Term Targets:
  “I want this business to be a multi-billion dollar media and investment firm...” [35:45]
  Setting ambitious but achievable long-term goals motivates the team and aligns efforts.

• Personal Vision:
  “I don't like remote businesses. I really like running a business in person.” [40:00]
  Personal visions prevent burnout by ensuring business operations align with personal values and preferences.

• Core Values:
  “Contrarian thinking we have 13 core values...” [42:30]
  Clearly defined values guide decision-making and maintain company integrity.

Example:
Codie shares her vision plan, detailing how Contrarian Thinking aims to create financially free entrepreneurs and become a trusted media and investment firm.

6. The Role of Avatars and Product Pillars

Understanding your target audience, or avatar, is crucial for business success. Codie illustrates this with a real-world example:

“We helped one of our members in a landscaping business... he ended up flipping his entire business. That avatar ended up getting him to his first eight figures in revenue.” [48:10]

Key Components:

• Avatars:
  Identify and focus on high-value customers who contribute significantly to revenue and business growth.

• Product Pillars:
  Clearly define what products or services you offer. For Contrarian Thinking, this includes community memberships, investment vehicles, and educational materials like books.

Impact:
A well-defined avatar ensures that marketing efforts are directed towards profitable and loyal customers, enhancing revenue and business stability.

7. Setting Up Team Communication and Goal Tracking

Codie emphasizes the importance of structured communication and consistent goal tracking:

• Weekly Check-Ins:
  “Those weekly check-ins take about two hours per week.” [52:45]
  Regular meetings keep the team aligned and address any issues promptly.

• Monthly Reviews:
  “We look at how are we doing on those quarterly goals.” [53:30]
  Evaluating progress monthly ensures that the business stays on track towards its quarterly objectives.

• Quarterly Sprints:
  “What’s happening next, next?” [54:10]
  Focused efforts during sprints drive significant progress within short timeframes.

• Annual Planning:
  “Eight to twelve hours to plan out what you’re going to do for the following year.” [55:00]
  Comprehensive annual plans set the stage for long-term success.

Scorecard-Based Leadership:
Implementing a scorecard system with status indicators (red, yellow, green) allows leaders to monitor individual and team performance effectively. “I want to see every single person's project status, whether they're on track or not.” [57:20]

8. Conclusion and Next Steps

Codie wraps up the episode by reiterating the transformative power of effective systems:

“If you implement systems in your business, the only regret you will have is waiting as long as you did to do it.” [1:00:00]

She invites listeners to take advantage of Contrarian Thinking’s resources, including quarterly scaling workshops, books, and consulting services, to implement these systems in their own businesses.

Final Thought:
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, one robust system can revolutionize your business, leading to increased profitability and reduced operational burdens.

Notable Quotes:

• “Most people get run by their businesses, they don't run their business.” – Codie Sanchez [00:00]
• “Forget about the fucking candles and focus on the fact that if you have your big deals done, if you have the big core goals and metrics set in your business and you hit those, all the little pebbles don't really matter.” – Codie Sanchez [1:00:00]
• “You need a vision to see further. It's like your windshield.” – Codie Sanchez [10:45]

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses that operate smoothly and profitably through effective systematization. Codie Sanchez’s pragmatic approach, backed by years of experience in private equity and business management, offers invaluable insights for transforming any business into a well-oiled machine.