In the ever-evolving landscape of business, finding the right system to fuel growth, maintain focus, and drive success is like discovering a hidden treasure. For me, that treasure is the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). In this blog post, I’ll share why I run my Fractional CMO firm, Authentic, on EOS and how it has been a driving force behind our journey. My relationship with EOS began 15 years ago, and today, I can’t imagine running my business without it.
1. Authentic Success with EOS
🚀 I’m excited to share why I run my Fractional CMO firm on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). It’s been a momentum-driver for Authentic over the last several years, but my #EOS journey actually started about 15 years ago – when I was part of a team that was an early adopter of this business operating system. I saw the value-creating impact of EOS in that organization, so when I founded Authentic in 2017, the first thing I did was re-read the book “Traction” by Gino Wickman and built my first business plan, using the EOS Vision/Traction Organizer. We’re now nearly seven years into our business journey, and recognized as one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing privately held companies. Coincidence? I think not.
2. EOS: The Beacon of Clarity & Focus
🎯 EOS provides unparalleled clarity and focus. As a CEO, I need to see the big picture and the details simultaneously. EOS helps me achieve both, ensuring we’re all aligned toward our vision. As a Visionary and natural innovator, I would be prone to chase shiny objects if it weren’t for the rigor of EOS to keep me – and the rest of our team – focused and accountable.
3. The Power of Accountability with EOS
🤝 Accountability is crucial in any organization. EOS’s clear accountability chart has empowered the Authentic team to take ownership of their roles and drive results. As a fast-growing and ever-evolving business, we continue to fill and rearrange the seats on our bus, but regular updates to our accountability chart keep us all moving in the same direction.
4. EOS: Your GPS for Problem-Solving
💡 EOS provides a structured problem-solving framework that has helped us tackle challenges with confidence. It’s like having a roadmap for success! At Authentic, we have come to LOVE our EOS issues list! Issues aren’t always bad. They can also be untapped opportunities or areas for innovation. But even when the issue is painful – there is freedom in getting it out in the open, and working as a team to solve it together!
5. Quarterly Rocks: Your Path to Success
🔥 In EOS, we set quarterly rocks – specific, measurable goals that keep us on track. It’s like having mini-missions to accomplish our long-term vision. Healthy teams strive to achieve 80%+ of their rocks each quarter. Our Authentic team takes this very much to heart. But like all businesses, we’re a work in progress! Sometimes we’ve needed to right-size our rocks (because we chipped off more than we can carry in 90 days!). Other times, we’ve had to intentionally abandon a rock mid-quarter because of an unexpected development in the business or the market. Thankfully – EOS is all about progress, not perfection. As our Core Value of “Humility” reminds us: We don’t always get it right. But we always work to make it right!
6. EOS: The Heartbeat of Weekly Level 10 Meetings
⏰ Level 10 Meetings are the heartbeat of EOS. They keep us in sync, solve issues, and maintain the focus on what matters most. They’ve been a game-changer for Authentic’s productivity – and honestly, our weekly leadership L10 meeting is the highlight of my week. There is nothing better than getting in a room full of “right people” in the “right seats” to help solve issues, hold each other accountable, dream big – and then watch those dreams become reality, week-over-week, month-over-month, year-over-year!
7. EOS: Embracing Core Values
🌟 EOS emphasizes the importance of core values in an organization. It’s not just about what we do, but about who we are and how we behave. Our core values are the criteria by which we hire / fire, and a key consideration in the relationships we have with clients, partners, and vendors. Authentic has five core values: Authenticity, Humility, Wisdom, Passion, & Generosity. We back these values up through our “Authentic Actions” – a set of behaviors that we embrace through every level of our organization.
8. EOS Vision Traction Organizer (V/TO): Navigating Success
🌐 The V/TO is a visionary tool that has helped us define our long-term vision and the steps to get there. It’s like having a strategic roadmap for our journey. Prior to launching Authentic, I gained most of my entrepreneurial experience as an early member of a fast-growing firm – where we eventually implemented EOS and experienced powerful results. So when I set out to start my business, the first thing I did was sit down at my kitchen table and build my first business plan – version one of our V/TO.
Elevating Success with EOS
The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has been the guiding light of our journey at Authentic. From clarity and accountability to structured problem-solving and embracing core values, EOS has proven to be the cornerstone of our success. It’s not just a system; it’s a way of operating that has propelled us to new heights. As we continue to grow and evolve, EOS ensures we stay aligned with our vision and purpose. If you’re an entrepreneur or business leader seeking a proven path to success, consider embracing EOS—it might just be the treasure map you’ve been looking for.
- Empowering Success with EOS - December 27, 2023
- A Founder’s Five-Year Reflection - March 7, 2022
- An open letter in recognition of a deserving leader. Meg Van Sloun promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Authentic. - June 10, 2021
