Frameworks = Fireworks
Frameworks = Fireworks
In the coming weeks and months, you’re going to be hearing a lot more about frameworks. Better still, we’ll be looking at specific frameworks, how to use them, and why.
Before we dig in, you might be asking “Why should I care?”
Because leveraging frameworks, methodologies, and processes is what will allow your business to gain traction and grow significantly. Even as a one-person business, if you want to scale revenue without having to scale people, this is a roadmap for getting there.
This conversation started from a discussion in the Unemployable Community about frameworks, and it got me thinking a lot more about them (again) and how powerful they are.
For today, I want to establish what a framework is along with a couple of examples to illustrate what we’re talking about. But I also want to define two other constructs that are related to frameworks, namely methodologies and processes.
I often think of this as a hierarchy where frameworks contain methodologies that contain processes. That’s a bit of an oversimplification but it might help you get going with the concepts.
Frameworks
Frameworks are by definition a little loose. They exist to provide structure and direction on a preferred way to do something without being too detailed or rigid. In essence, frameworks provide guidelines.
They’re powerful because they provide guidance while being flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions or to be customized for your company while utilizing well-established practices.
A few examples of frameworks include
The Fascinate Framework from Sally Hogshead, which she has also turned into products.
The traditional sales funnel is a framework we all know.
AIDA (Attention Interest Desire Action) is a well-known copywriting framework.
The Marketing Flywheel is also a good example of a framework and there are a lot of versions of this one.
Methodologies
A methodology goes a step deeper by establishing an approach to doing something with a defined set of rules, methods, tests, activities, deliverables, and processes that serve to solve a specific problem.
An example of a business methodology would be how, in a systematic manner, you test something (like code), validate the results, and determine how to improve and monitor that code on an ongoing basis.
Methodologies demonstrate a well-thought-out, defined, repeatable approach.
Using established methodologies provides a lot of support to the validity of how you do things and the results you get, which is important to your customers.
Processes
A process is a well-defined set of steps and decision points for executing a specific task. Well-planned and documented processes are essential to your ability to automate business tasks.
Processes are where a lot of the magic happens in business, as unsexy as that sounds.
Processes are also repeatable. And if it can be repeated, it can almost always be automated (more on that in a future newsletter).
An example of a process would be how you handle payments to vendors you work with and the steps and decisions involved in doing so. When working through processes and defining them it’s helpful to be detailed. Otherwise attempts to automate will end in a mess.
You may also daisy-chain processes or have processes and sub-processes as needed.
Putting it all together
Let’s see how this might look when we put it all together.
For this example, I’ll use the Personal Enterprise Pyramid since that will resonate with most of you. Note: If you want to learn more about the Personal Enterprise Pyramid head over to Unemployable.com and get the free email course.
The Personal Enterprise Pyramid framework is as follows:
At the first step of the framework, Freelance/Client Services, you will have methodologies that define how you approach:
marketing to acquire new leads
sales to convert leads to customers
onboarding different kinds of customers based on their specific needs
how you scope and assess the level of effort and cost associated with the project
how you test, validate, and deliver your work product
payment and delivery terms
post project follow-up
etc…
Each of those methodologies will not only define how you approach things but will also contain processes that are specific to the task at hand.
Marketing and post-project follow-up are good methodologies to use as an example.
Let’s say your primary approach to marketing, and hence, new customer acquisition is word of mouth or referrals of some kind. That is your methodology – referral marketing.
Note: Some methodologies will also look like what many would call a strategy. Don’t let the language confuse you. At this level of detail, we’re talking about a methodology.
Now you have to define your process(es) for the tasks associated with your referral marketing program.
There may be several tasks but let’s look at one example, how to follow up and ask for a referral. Tasks might include:
Assess if the project was successful and the client was happy.
When do you follow up with the client?
What is the follow-up format?
How do you mention/ask for them to refer you to their colleagues?
Etc…
For the record, the above is not a completely baked process. This newsletter is getting long enough as it is, but it should serve as a good example of the level of detail you will get down to with processes as opposed to the higher level approach of a methodology, and the very high-level guidelines of a framework.
The real power of combining these things is in developing processes in the context of a methodology and applying methodologies in the context of a framework. All of which should be thought about in the context of YOUR business. The exact same approach won’t work for every business. But every business, no matter how small, can benefit from applying these principles.
Did all of this make sense? Still got questions?
Reply to this email if you have any questions and let me know if you would be interested in a presentation on the topic and I’ll put something together for you.
Do you have examples of frameworks, methodologies, or processes you love?
Send em’ on and I’ll be glad to share them (and give you credit, of course, so include your full name, website, or Twitter account so I can link to you).
Other Stuff That Caught My Attention
How to Think Fast Before You Speak: Framework Thinking
This is a great example of frameworks in action by using a framework to “outline” your thoughts so you can think faster and respond more fluently.
Impromptu Speaking Frameworks
Still more application of frameworks applied to thinking/speaking.
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) on Shortcuts
Man did this hit home! When it comes to building an audience, business, or just about anything different people often ask the same questions. And even when you answer it they want more. Why? Because everyone is looking for the “shortcut.” In this episode of “Hot Ones” Bryan addresses that very topic when it comes to acting and the advice he gives.
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