Introduction - let's get organized
Feeling scattered in today’s 1000 miles per hour culture is normal but doesn’t have to be. We’ve got 10 tips to help you organize your business.
Running a business can often feel like juggling a dozen balls at once. Between managing tasks, overseeing employees, handling finances, and staying on top of industry trends, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and scattered.
You’ve got to take kids to school, celebrate your anniversary, remember to call your friend on his birthday, try and get some exercise in and read that book you’ve been meaning to for the past 6 months. Never mind try to run your company, keep on top of company information, and ensure that everyone is up to date.
But fear not, because in this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies to help you regain control, increase productivity, and bring order to the chaos that may be plaguing your business.
The thing to remember is that what got you here, won’t get you there, so you’re going to need some tips to help you get organized. By implementing these organization techniques, you’ll be well on your way to a more streamlined and successful operation.
And as a result, a happier personal life too!
Why should I organize my business?
Who wants to feel stressed out? No one. Apart from the obvious and massive benefit of alievating stress, here are some key advantages of organizing your business;
Efficiency and team alignment: An organized business operates more efficiently because everyone is on the same page! Clear processes, streamlined workflows, and optimized resource allocation lead to reduced waste, faster task completion, and improved productivity.
Improved Time Management: Effective organization helps you prioritize tasks and allocate your time wisely. This leads to better time management, reduced procrastination, and the ability to focus on high-value activities.
Enhanced Productivity: When your business is well-organized, employees can work more productively. They have clear expectations, well-defined roles, and access to the tools and resources they need to perform at their best.
Better Decision-Making: Organized businesses have access to accurate data and information. This enables informed decision-making and strategic planning, leading to better outcomes and a competitive edge in the market.
Reduced Stress: Chaos and disorganization can lead to stress and overwhelm. An organized business reduces the mental burden on you and your team, creating a healthier work environment.
Cost Savings: Organized businesses can identify areas of inefficiency and waste, allowing them to cut unnecessary costs. This leads to improved profitability and financial stability.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Organized businesses can provide better customer service because they can respond quickly and efficiently to customer inquiries and needs. Satisfied customers are more likely to become loyal and recommend your services to others.
Improved Accountability: Clear roles and responsibilities ensure that team members know what is expected of them. This accountability fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to better results.
Scalability: Well-organized businesses are more adaptable and better positioned for growth. As your business expands, your organized systems and processes can be scaled to accommodate increased demand.
Competitive Advantage: In a competitive market, organized businesses can respond more effectively to changes and challenges. They can innovate and adapt quicker, which can give them an edge over less organized competitors.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Organization often ensures that your business is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This reduces the risk of legal issues and associated penalties.
And ALL important;
Work-Life Balance:
For business owners and managers, getting organized can lead to better work-life balance. When your business is running smoothly, you can take breaks and vacations without worrying about everything falling apart.
Principles for getting organized
We can’t take credit for the following principles as they’re from Marissa Bracke in her article titled “How to Organize Your Business & Systems: 5 Principles for Clarity & Success” but we just had to share;
- Principle 1: As clear as possible, to as many people as possible
- Principle 2: The more obvious, the better
- Principle 3: The 2-year rule (it should be as clear then as it is now)
- Principle 4: Practice simplicity without sacrificing clarity
- Principle 5: Everyone and no one are temporary
10 Tips to Organize Your Business 🗂️
Use a framework
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy but it’s even more difficult if you try to fly solo or rock it by the proverbial seat of your pants.
Follow those who’ve gone before you and gained Traction!
Using a framework such as the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS) will give you a comprehensive business management system designed to help you improve your overall performance and achieve your goals.
Set goals and priorities
Start by defining your business’s overarching goals and objectives. Then break these down into Rocks – 90 day goals designed to help you achieve your big business goals.
These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Once you have your long-term goals in place, break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Prioritize these tasks based on their importance and deadlines. This clarity will help you stay focused and avoid spreading yourself too thin.
Time management
Time management is crucial for business owners but isn’t simply about using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused 25-minute intervals) or the Eisenhower Matrix (categorizing tasks by urgency and importance).
Calendar blocking and productivity is super important but if you aren’t focusing on the right tasks in the first place, it won’t matter.
Before you implement a technique, make sure you focus on tasks that deliver growth both as a team and as an individual.
Get the right tools
Leverage tools and technology to streamline your business processes and unlock growth.
Invest in project management software, CRM systems, and other digital tools that align with your business objectives. These tools will help you stay organized, track progress, and manage tasks effectively.
Organize your workspace - align your team
How on earth do you organize your workspace in a digital environment?
Thankfully it’s pretty easy with tools like Whale, you can centralize all your processes, SOPs, playbooks, and company information. And you can use them to train your teams!
Being able to have permissions and version control means you won’t have to worry about password protected documents or making sure that everyone is using the most up to date information.
Hire top talent. AND empower them!
Building a high-performing team is crucial and hiring top talent will save you a bunch of time. And empowering them to take charge in their respective areas, even more so.
Recruit individuals who not only have the skills and expertise but also share your passion and vision. Once you have top talent on board, empower them to make decisions and take ownership of their responsibilities.
Trust and autonomy are powerful drivers of success.
Automate, automate, automate
Automate your training flows. Automate your email. Automate your notifications into Slack.
Embrace automation wherever possible to reduce manual tasks and minimize errors. Automate routine processes like data entry, email marketing, and payroll to save time and resources. This allows your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
PS You’ll definitely want to make Zapier your best friend! And yes, Whale integrates into Zapier.
Streamline Communication
Efficient communication is the lifeblood of a well-organized business. Implement communication tools such as Slack, and project management platforms such as Airtable to centralize discussions, reduce email overload, and ensure transparency among team members.
Invest in learning and development
Staying updated on industry trends and best practices is essential no matter what industry you operate in.
Invest in your own learning and development as well as that of your team. Ideally you’ll want to create a culture of continuous learning for continuous improvement in your business.
Knowledge is Power but Knowledge Shared is Exponential. It means that the more you and your team learn, the more you grow.
Systemize because process is everything
Obviously we’re biased but process underpins absolutely everything in a business! If there’s just one piece of advice you follow from this article, it’s systemize your business!
Creating standardized procedures and workflows that can be easily followed by your team will ensure customer success and business success too! Well-defined processes reduce errors, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistency in your operations.
Bottom Line
Feeling scattered in your business is a common challenge, but it’s one that can be overcome with the right strategies and mindset.
By setting clear goals, embracing technology, decluttering your workspace, and managing your time effectively, you can bring order to the chaos and position your business for success.
Remember that organization is an ongoing process, so stay committed to improving and adapting your systems as your business grows and evolves. With dedication and the right tools, you can turn your scattered business into a well-oiled machine.
