Does your business lack organization around basic tasks?
Do your employees seem dependent on you, and could they benefit from being more autonomous?
Are you wondering what you can do to improve your growing business and its value?
If you answered yes to the previous questions, implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) may be what you need to solve your problems.
What Is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?
A Standard Operating Procedure is a set of instructions used to train and onboard your employees to complete a task. SOPs are the foundation of building a business that can thrive while giving you the freedom to work when and where you want.
In addition, SOPs allow you to:
Provide your customers with a consistent experience. Minimize your time spent problem solving.
Train new and existing employees.
Build a company that is worth more to a buyer.
Avoid or minimize an earn-out.
What to Document in Your Standard Operating Procedures
One of the most common misconceptions about SOPs is that their creation relies on a grand strategic plan and requires months of thoughtful planning.
In reality, employees of small businesses need practical advice for getting tasks accomplished rather than grandiose strategies. When it comes to documenting your SOPs, stick to tactical instructions for getting things done.
At a minimum, consider creating an SOP for the following items:
Your Way of Serving Customers (e.g. SOP for your front of the house, SOP for email communication, SOP foe using your company logo.)
Behind-the-Scenes Functions (e.g. SOP for entering a customer into your database, SOP for bulling your customers, sop for collecting cash, SOP for onboarding new employees.)
How to Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)?
If you want to learn more about how to create SOPs, download our free eBook on Standard Operating Procedures below.
