The success of any business relies largely upon its processes. This means not just the annual budget and marketing plan, but the ongoing processes that ensure that machinery and equipment is reliable and functioning, staff are on time and able to perform their job, and customers’ needs are being met.
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Technology upgrades
If your business does not have an in-house IT person, organise an audit of all your technology, and see where you would benefit from an upgrade of equipment and software. Technology moves at a rapid pace and you could be losing customers to a competitor who is running a more efficient and user friendly system. Upgrading software and hardware can improve efficiency, communications, sales and customer retention dramatically.
Maintenance schedule
This is often established but overlooked for various reasons, such as staff absenteeism, weather, equipment breakdown (ironically) or time factors that put it further down the queue. However your maintenance schedule is essential to ensure efficient delivery of services and reliable function of machinery and equipment.
Battery testing should be included in the schedule and rigorously adhered to. Losing radio communication in remote regions, car breakdowns, power tools unable to function or IT equipment failure will all adversely affect production. Many hours of down time can be avoided with a simple battery check on a regular basis.
Sales Processes
Your sales team should be confident in the process that takes them through the various stages of the buyer’s journey. Ensure you have specific tactics, proven strategies and guidelines for salespeople to follow at any given stage. Evaluate sales regularly and tweak the processes where needed. Seek and act upon staff input – they are the ones in the field and they know the customers’ needs best.
Streamlined procurement system
A well-documented and implemented procurement process will boost your ability to pro-actively identify and evaluate opportunities for efficiency and cost saving strategies. It will also help to identify possible deficiencies that risk slowing production or areas that will require additional staffing or outside assistance.
Social Media and Digital Marketing
You may have a Facebook page, Twitter account and Instagram and blog but are they being updated regularly with posts that generate meaningful engagement? Make use of analytics and make sure your digital marketing is having an impact. Identify areas that can be boosted. It may be beneficial to seek expert advice, or to install software that increases traffic.
Clear line management
A streamlined management hierarchy and clearly defined job roles can increase efficiency and improve staff productivity. Clearly defined roles eliminate doubling up and confusion over who is in charge of what. Each team should know their specific line manager and each line manager should ensure their team is operating at maximum efficiency.
Taking some time to go over your day to day business processes will keep your company is running at optimal levels. Once processes are in place, keep them operating and make certain that each new team member is aware of how they work. Keeping the batteries charged is just the first step to a highly functioning business machine.
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