Maybe not the hippest topic around but still important to streamlining your business.
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a documented process applied to all recurring tasks (including revenue-generating).
SOP's should be created for marketing systems, sales systems, delivery systems, support systems, growth systems and training systems.
Here are the top 6 reasons to create SOP's for your business:
Efficiency. Why re-invent the wheel when you don't have to? Ever gone through a process only to have to figure it out again because you didn't write it down the first time? It's inefficient and uses unnecessary brainpower.
Delegation. When SOP's are clearly documented it's easy to delegate tasks to other people which can free up your time to focus on other things.
Improvements. Once you've documented a process it's easier to go through and make improvements.
Coverage. If employees are sick or fail to show up for work, time-sensitive tasks can be more readily picked up by others.
Consistency. With SOP's in place, a task can be performed consistently no matter who is doing it. Also resulting in fewer mistakes.
Training. SOP's make it easier for new employees. New jobs are stressful enough. Take away the anxiety of having to remember or write everything down because it's already there.
No process=inefficient use of time. And in business, time is $$$.
No process=more mistakes.
Get to a place where systems are in charge so you're not stuck relying on individuals.
Other Considerations
An SOP is a living document that should be regularly updated as processes evolve.
The person performing the process is the person who should be writing the SOP.
Businesses should implement an SOP for how to write SOP's!
While some people prefer to do video SOP's it's easier to update written ones.
SOP's should be stored in a location accessible to all employees.
SOP's make great business sense. In the long run, they save you time, money, and brainpower.
So what are you waiting for?
About me
Simmi Behal is the Founder and CEO, The Virtual Producer. I'm an Online Business Manager. I provide virtual business services to educators, coaches, content creators, and established entrepreneurs. I make sure the right stuff gets done at the right time in the right way by the right people so you can focus on your realm of genius. That includes creating SOP's to streamline your business.
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In addition to SOP's, want to find out more about what OBM's can do to help you with your business?