Processes and SOPs for Small Businesses
by: Amanda Pruden of Amanda Pruden Co.
When I say I love processes, I LOVE processes!
In my past corporate job, one of my many roles was as a Process Analyst. Whether it was an SOP (standard operating procedure aka the step-by-step instructions) or a process (a larger framework that includes the who, what, why, etc.), I’ve created, audited, and improved them.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be in a corporate setting to benefit from them - I’ve also done this work as a consultant for small businesses.
Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a team, having solid processes and clear SOPs in place can be the difference between thriving and just surviving.
So, whether you’re capturing these as recurring tasks in a work management tool like Asana or ClickUp, or you have them outlined in a Google Doc, here are the top 4 reasons you should implement them sooner rather than later in your business:
Reduces Mental Load
Sure, you know it like the back of your hand, but that knowledge is taking up mental space. Once you get it written down, whether it’s an email template or a step-by-step checklist, you’ve reduced your mental load.Consistency
Processes and templates provide consistency in how you engage with prospective and current clients, deliver your work product, and manage tasks within your business. Believe it or not, the goal in business is to create as much predictability and stability as possible, and rinse-and-repeat processes create just that.Saves You Time
Does your team ask the same question more than once or twice?
Do you ever find yourself Googling the same thing every time you do that quarterly task?
This slows you down. Instead, refer to your notes.
Prepares You to Outsource / Add Team
If you add team members without a process or a recently updated process, you are making it more painful for yourself and that new team member. Their work may not meet your standards, they may miss deadlines, and they may ask you a lot of questions (again, consistency and time-consuming). Instead of jumping to the conclusion that they’re not good at their job, first look to see if you have put the resources in place to set them up for success.
BONUS TIP:
Remember, processes are meant to be living documents that evolve as your business does. Missed a step? Add it. Found a better way to do something? Update it. Automated a task? Remove the manual steps. Keep improving your processes to keep your business running smoothly.
Give Amanda a follow @amandaprudenco on IG!
