This post was inspired by a post by Tom Molyneux at successfulworkplace. As a consultant, I’ve found that starts ups and small businesses, tend to feel that processes are not needed and are something that only large companies use.
Further, they feel that processes are something that slows large companies down. Being small provides the advantage of being nimble and you cant do that if you have to follow process is the believe a lot of times.
I believe that process implementation done properly, actually is a huge benefit to a small business or startup. When your business is small is precisely the time to implement processes.
It keeps your business fluid and synchronized. When dealing with outsourcing and remote staff, the obstacles are minimized by consistent process.
Try to document one thing, you can create a Word document, that you have to do multiple times per day in your business. Then sign it, date it and share that document with your staff.
Kyle,
Thanks for the response to my original blog post at successfulworkplace. Absolutely agree.
One thing I see again and again, and I think you allude to it, is that not having processes documented actually really slows everything down – this applies to enterprises of 250,000+ as well as start-ups. The confusion of not knowing what to do or what’s expected of employees really slows down standard processes to simply get things done.
Getting processes documented, even if not 100% detailed, is a great start to helping everyone involved know what’s expected and understand hand-offs. For start-ups under 80, simple Word docs with simple sharing will often get the job done. As things evolve, some sort of structure around capturing improvement ideas and notifying people of changes becomes more and more important.
Really liked your post.