Streamlining in business: Here’s a question for you, is your business like a private jet or a public bus?
I bet that one has you thinking! When it comes to streamlining in business, you want a private jet. That is, a fast plane that takes you from A to B directly and quickly with no stops.
If your business is more like public transport, there’s going to be a lot of stops, people getting on and off, and hold ups. PS – there’s nothing wrong with public transport, by the way, just not in a business sense!
In this blog, you’ll learn more about what streamlining in business is and why it’s important to give you back your precious time, make your business more profitable and save your sanity!
If you’re on this bus, it’s time to jump off and read this blog!
What is streamlining in business?
Streamlining is getting from one place to another without the need to stop – hence, my private jet or public transport metaphor! Essentially, it is the path of least resistance and in business is often about automation, systems and delegating.
Every task you perform can be done in a more streamlined fashion. From client work, to invoicing to taking payments for your work.
For example, according to MindTools, you can streamline how you invoice clients “by ensuring the steps in the process are consistent and repeatable, regardless of who is creating and distributing invoices”. This is where you can delegate the task to a contractor or team member, or use an automated platform to do the work for you (depending on what type of business you have).
How to successfully streamline aspects of your business
There are five areas you must understand when it comes to streamlining your business operations, including:
- Understanding why you need to streamline
- Setting goals
- Understanding the most impactful place to start when streamlining
- Developing an implementation plan
- Documenting your procedures
Let’s break those down more.
1. Understanding why you need to streamline: Why is streamlining important in business?
Understanding why you need to streamline will switch on so many lightbulb moments for growth and scalability in your business. A streamlined business:
- Has less errors and delays
- Is more organised and less stressful
- Can grow quickly with team members
- Has improved operational efficiency
- Maximises profits
2. Setting goals
What do you really want to achieve in your business and what do you think is holding you back? Two of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself as a small business owner, coach and visionary. Write down your business goals or set some new ones. Streamlining in business won’t work without them!
3. Understanding the most impactful place to start when streamlining
Before you get started, make a list of all areas of your business and the tasks you perform each day. If you’re having trouble, start by reading this blog below:
Business Systems – where do you even start?
Where are you spending most of your time? Is this working on your business or in your business? If you’re doing a lot of the day-to-day tasks, it’s time to streamline them so you can win back your time and start working on growth and scalability.
4. Developing an implementation plan
From understanding the most impactful place to start, you can actually get started. However, it’s important to remember you don’t need to do all of the work yourself. This is where an implementation team can help you execute your plan and the tasks associated, such as a Virtual Assistant (VA) or Online Business Manager (OBM). When developing goals and a plan related to those goals, make sure to have milestones and KPIs so you know when you are on track and when you’re not.
5. Documenting your procedures
Documenting your processes and maintaining that documentation is the key to success when it comes to streamlining in business because it means anyone on your team, including new team members, can do the work and it is easily outsourced.
Ready to start streamlining your business?
If you’re ready to scale your business to the next heights but not sure what to do next, take a look at my quiz on productivity.
This quiz will access your productivity level and provide you with some tips on what to improve so you can win back your time, profits and sanity. Check it out here.
