Above The Business Episode 518: Build Once, Ship Twice
"He could build that system once, and he could ship it 2, 3, and 4 times. That is the value of not only systems and processes, but that's the value of stepping back for a second, getting above the business, thinking like an architect."
In this episode, Bradley breaks down a powerful concept: build once, ship twice. It's not just a catchy phrase—it's the difference between running around like a chicken with your head cut off and actually designing systems that work for you over and over again.
Through a real client conversation about marketing dollars and lead follow-up, Bradley reveals why most business owners are sitting on thousands of dollars worth of untapped opportunity. The problem? They're so focused on the next thing that they've completely forgotten about the leads they've already purchased.
If you're feeling the cash flow squeeze heading into 2026, this episode is your wake-up call. You'll learn how to leverage what you already have instead of constantly chasing what's next.
Action Steps
If this episode resonated with you, here's what to do:
- Take inventory. Go into your CRM right now and calculate how many leads you've purchased over the last 30 days, 90 days, or even the last year. You might be shocked at what you find.
- Choose your path. Are you going to keep telling your team to "work harder" without giving them a system? Or are you going to take a few hours to actually design the follow-up process?
- Think like an architect. Grab a pen and paper (think in ink), go to a coffee shop if you need to, and design the 12-month follow-up system you actually want in your business. What would you want that process to look like?
- Build it once. Create the system now so you can use it over and over again—not just for this batch of leads, but for every batch that comes through in the months and years ahead.
- Get above the business. As you head into 2026, start thinking in terms of systems. How can you make things simple? How can you make them systematic? And then, how can you scale them?
Plan for a Great 2026
A great year starts with a plan—and it starts when you put yourself in the right environment with other business owners trying to do the exact same thing.
Join us for the 2026 Annual Planning Workshop—a completely free event where you'll design your business blueprint for the year ahead.
Register here: blueprintOS.com/assets (scroll to the middle of the page)
This is our fourth year hosting the Annual Planning Workshop, and it's going to be our best one yet.
Referenced Episode
Looking for more on this concept? Check out the episode: Make It Simple, Make It a System, Then Scale (released several weeks prior to this episode).
Register for The 2026 Annual Planning Workshop: https://annual.blueprintos.com
As we approach the end of 2025, it's time to start thinking about annual planning for 2026. In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner shares his proven framework for creating an annual plan that actually works. Whether you had a killer year in 2025 or you're ready to completely flip the script, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to set yourself up for success in 2026.
When: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 AM Central Time
Duration: 3-4 hours
Cost: Completely FREE
Register Now: https://annual.blueprintos.com
Connect with Bradley:
1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.
Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.
Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!
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About the Above the Business Podcast
The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.
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