In business, it’s usually feast or famine - it seems like there’s always either too little or too much work, but never just a comfortable amount. Too-much-work is a much better problem than too little, as long as you handle it well. You can turn too-much-business into healthy business growth when you implement these 5 small-business tips:
1. Prioritize and delegate
When you have lots to do, setting priorities is essential. Decide what needs to happen today and what can wait until tomorrow. Equally important is figuring out which tasks you can hire someone else to do for you. The bottom line is that you need to free up more time to oversee operations. New employees will need training and since everyone is busy, you will need to check that no one is dropping the ball.
2. Get software
One of the easiest ways to oversee your operation, keep everything organized and make sure no balls get dropped is to use business software like our Hindsite software. Software streamlines your routes, simplifies transactions, and organizes everything at your fingertips. Software will free up hours of time for you and your workers because you only have to enter information once and the software will transfer the information everywhere it needs to go, including to your invoices. No more piles of paperwork or hounding people for information. If you are serious about growing your business in an ordered and healthy way, software is the way to go.
3. Train better
To get the most out of every man hour (and woman hour), you need to give your workers laser specific instructions and training. Take the time for all 4 steps of training:
I. Explain what to do,
II. Show them what to do,
III. Have them explain what to do, and
IV. Have them do it while you watch and coach.
Remember to review your employees’ performance often. Don’t let things slide, but don’t exasperate your workers either. Start out by telling them what they are doing well and what you appreciate about them. Then give them one specific thing they can improve on. Make sure you tell them exactly what you want them to do and how to do it. Then don’t forget to follow up so you can show your appreciation for their hard work in changing. You may need to train your managers to do this for you. Make sure supervisors relate that your company values your employees and wants to invest in them.
4. Improve hiring process
If you want your business to run well, you need to hire better employees. Do a better job of finding great people who are a good fit for your business. Screen employees well and make sure they are reliable, responsible, have dependable transportation and get along well with others. Make sure they are coachable and willing to do things your way. Also, look for “bonus” employees who are great at their main duty, but have other useful skills like IT experience, foreign language fluency or writing and editing skills. The old adage about only being as strong as your weakest link often holds true in business. Remember to take time to hire the best and train them well.
5. Switch to emails
Phone calls can unnecessarily take up huge chunks of your day and your employees’ hours. Eliminate this problem by switching to emails. Many emails can be sent automatically, such as appointment and payment reminders. You will still need to make some phone calls, but limit them to conversations that will be more effective on the phone. Also, write out a quick structure for your phone calls, so you accomplish what you need to and don’t get off subject. Time is your scarcest commodity now, so don’t let anyone waste yours.
If you have more business than you can handle, it will be easy for you and your employees to forget about things and let people down. Don’t let your business boom lead to business doom. Take initiative and make necessary changes to harness all the new business into healthy growth for your company. Identify leaders in your company who can help you implement the ideas above. If you invest hard work, planning and intentionality now, someday soon you will look back on this busy time with a smile.
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