The business operating system

ABoS™: the operating system that every business needs.

The six steps of ABoS are the fastest route to a commercially profitable business that works, without you.

David Fonteyn Business & executive coach 9 min read

Each step builds on the previous one. The end goal: freedom of time and of money.

The six steps of ABoS are the fastest way to build a real business. In other words: the business works, even in your absence.

A commercially profitable business that works, without you.

True entrepreneurial freedom is the goal: freedom of time and of finances. At the same time you build a valuable asset, a sellable business. For many self-employed people this stays a dream, but after 32 years and hundreds of thousands of clients we know: it really can be done. And it works through these six steps.

Step 1 · Mastery

We build a commercial business

From chaos to control. Your business no longer drives your life, it is the other way around. Many entrepreneurs work reactively, put out fires and are stuck in pay-the-invoices mode, or do everything themselves because they trust no one else. Within Mastery you work with your coach on four domains.

Destination Mastery Clarity by installing goals and a solid planning system, for the short and the long term.

Time Mastery Raises your productivity with systems for self and team management. Small improvements, big difference.

Delivery Mastery Consistency in your service, so customers come back and your word-of-mouth gets going.

Financial Mastery Looking at the right numbers. Not only historical, but also forward-looking, so you decide with confidence.

Mastery lays the foundation for further growth, with confidence and control.

Step 2 · Marketing

We build a commercially profitable business

Here it is all about fuelling cash flow and growth. At ABoS we define marketing as: buying lifelong customers in a profitable way. Every euro you invest has to bring back more than it costs. The 5-Ways formula is your guide, with a measuring and testing system that makes marketing an investment instead of a cost.

87 cards Leads Strategies and systems to attract and measure the right leads.

85 cards Conversion rate A strong sales system that turns leads into customers.

68 cards Number of transactions Focus on returning customers, often the biggest source of profit.

58 cards Average sale value Increasing the revenue per sale.

67 cards Margin An optimal gross profit per sale.

On top of that you use the Ladder of Loyalty, which turns people from "suspect" into "superfan". Superfans buy more, refer others and promote your brand spontaneously.

Step 3 · Systems

We build a business that works

SYSTEMS stands for Save Your Self Time, Energy and Money. The essence: you build systems, systems run your business, your team follows those systems. That is how you get predictable, scalable growth.

First you focus on direction: vision, mission, values and business goals. That is the foundation. Then comes the structure and size of your team to realise that vision. Finally you systematise your processes with manuals and checklists, so you can step out of daily operations.

Step 4 · Team

We build a business that works, without you

Together Everyone Achieves More. You build up your people, they build your business. You need a team that delivers results, even when you are not there. The six keys to a top team:

Strong leadership : build your team your way, with your leadership style.
A common goal : everyone believes in the goal and benefits from it.
Team culture : rules of the game make clear what you expect from each other.
An action plan : everyone knows who does what by when.
Daring to take risks : teams have to be allowed to make mistakes to learn.
100% commitment : everyone counts and takes part.

ABoS adds communication and management systems on top, so your team becomes a well-oiled machine that runs on its own.

Step 5 · Scale

From incremental to exponential growth

Now you expand your business to new locations or markets, based on your proven model. Five core areas work together for sustainable, planned growth.

Strategy

Business Development

People

Execution

Mission

537 strategy cards

Spread across the five core areas. Growth becomes structured, financed and carried by a strong team and a strong coach.

Step 6 · Freedom

A profitable business that works without you

That was the goal. Now you can choose: stay actively involved by choice, let the business run without you, or sell it as a valuable asset? The optionality is now built in.

Too many entrepreneurs are forced to stop because of illness, their own or the business's. ABoS helps you plan an exit, so the choice is yours.

Your growth as an entrepreneur

The Entrepreneurial Ladder

Your coach supports you throughout the journey in your personal and professional development. You once started as a Student, became an Employee, then Self-employed, Manager and now Owner. That growth comes not only from ABoS, but also from C.A.R.E.

C Community Learning from other entrepreneurs. Your network grows.

A Accountability Masterminds, your coach and peers keep you sharp.

R Results Focus on the numbers that truly create value.

E Education Your growth determines your business's growth: books, training, events and quarterly plans.

While ABoS takes care of your business's growth, C.A.R.E. takes care of your growth as an entrepreneur.

Where do you start?

Get in touch and we will look together at which approach fits you and your business best. Concrete, and with no obligation.

Book an introductory call