GeckoPrint

Systems will help you make the transition from someone who has brought themselves a job, to a successful business owner:

• There will only ever be one of you, with limited time, resources and energy. Systems allow you to leverage your efforts
• A business that relies on systems rather than on you as its owner, is a business that has a significantly higher re-sale value
• You should aim to put systems in place for every aspect of your business so you can improve efficiency and generate consistent outcomes.
• People are your best asset – and recruiting systems reduce emotional reposes and enable you to source the best people every time
• Once you have the right people, make sure they are crystal clear about their role, their responsibilities, expected workflow, and their contribution to the growth of the business – job descriptions are an excellent start, work flowcharts also help
• Systemise and document your procedures as much as possible – how do YOU service the customer, what is YOUR level of support? Staff cannot emulate your level if they don’t know what it is
• Ensure there is a system for regularly reviewing staff performance. Regular feedback ensures clarity in expectations, open communication, and identifies problems before they become major
• Good customer service does not happen by accident. Have standards set for how the customer is greeted, politeness, attentiveness, presentation, listening to customer concerns, etc. Your team must have the power to add value to the transaction.
• Sales people need to have systems in place that will produce consistent results. Start by writing down exactly what you do and say in customer meetings, your terminology, supporting material, and most importantly – how you close the sale!
• If need be, devise scripted responses that your team can use when encountering the most frequently asked questions about your product/service.
• Management Information Systems are as important to any small business as they are to multi-national. What you measure you can manage!
• Devise your budgets, sales targets and any other essential plans. Identify your Key Performance Indicators – then set a reporting format that allows you to track your progress weekly, monthly, and annually.
• Institute procedures for all financial management of the business. Ensure strict control of everything from your outstanding debtors, to your petty cash.
• Hold regular team meetings to review business and individual performances.

Systems allow you to control your business, to plan for your future, and to protect you from unforseen events.

This article was supplied by Power Marketing and Business Development Solutions. For more information contact Brett Power on 02 9501 3451 or email powermarketing@optusnet.com.au