In business, I’m sure you have many tasks that need to complete. Sometimes the tasks are completed consistently, and other times not, due to certain factors. One of the most effective ways to improve consistency is to document standard operating procedures so everyone understands exactly what needs to be done and when. For example, following up on leads.
Some reasons leads are not followed up consistently can be due to:
• Not having the time
• Not sure what to say or offer – what to cover in a follow up call
• Being afraid of getting “No thanks.”
• Not having clear standards in place around when a follow up should happen (timeframe)
Setting standard processes around tasks can provide many benefits, especially when you document them clearly as a standard operating procedure for your business:
• Increase consistency
• Set expectations for yourself and others in your business
• Reduce procrastination and time wasting
• Delivering a product or service to the standard you expect
• Cross-training others in your business
What Should You Document As A Standard Operating Procedures
So what tasks should you create a standard process for? A standard process can be created for any task that is performed more than once. When you document standard operating procedures, you remove guesswork and improve accountability across your business.
Start by making a list of tasks completed daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly.
Examples of tasks performed in your business could include:
• Following up leads
• Running a weekly sales meeting
• Adding new leads to the database
• Creating a quote
• Invoicing a client
Start by writing down each step of the process in bullet-pointing form, then create the content for each step. Make sure to include timelines where relevant, so the question, “When do I do this?” is clearly answered. You can also add diagrams as visuals to clarify the steps, and checklists to strengthen your standard operating procedure framework.
Make it your intention to create at least one standard process for your business each week. When you consistently document standard operating procedures, you build stronger systems, improve productivity, and create more predictable outcomes.
EmpowerBeyond – Business Performance Solutions, focusing on people, process, products and services and improving productivity and cash flow.
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