Business: Do You Have An SOP? (Standard Operating Procedure)

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Two woment working in ofice setting

An SOP (Standard/Standard Operating Procedure) is a basic guide that gives you information about how an organization or company runs or operates.  I was first introduced to them when I was in the military and word as an administrative support specialist.

The book/guide was a wonderful and useful tool that told you all sorts of information about the organization.  Everything from working hours down to the dress code in some instances.  It culminated much of the information in the guide from other sources and served as a general breakdown about what to do and how it should be done.

When I switched over to the private sector, I sometimes found that a written SOP was not in place.  Sometimes, some of the rules were passed down by word of mouth and at other times, it seemed like they were being made up on the spot or real time as a solution was being contrived.

Do you have an SOP for your organization?  If not—it might be helpful to develop one, even if you are a one man/person operation.  It may help save time and resources should your organization grow, or you bring in subcontractors or temporary workers to supplement your workforce.  They could quickly learn the basic operation of your organization and get familiar with expectations.

SOPs can be simple or complex.  In either case, a few inclusions should be considered.

  1. Brief Background about the Organization
  2. Principals of the Organization
  3. Organizational Chart
  4. Nearest Exit; Where to go in case of evacuations; and where to meet.
  5. Hours of Operation
  6. Emergency Contact Numbers
  7. How to handle customer calls and complaints

These are a few things to consider, but there are many other things that could be included.   However, just having these few items available for your staff could save time and assist in the flow and smoother operation of your business.  Would you like an eBook expounding on this topic or help putting an SOP together?  Let me know!

Carve Out A Few Minutes Each Day To Handle Difficult Projects

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Do you have a big or difficult project in your life or business that you’ve been putting off tackling because it’s just too big and would take up more time than you have to dedicate to it right now?  Putting it off is “a” solution but it may not be the “right” solution.

Consider chipping away at it a little bit at a time.  Carving out a few Read More

Do You Like to Share–Is Social Media in Your Business DNA?

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We know that in general, people like to share.  It predates the now social media platforms of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.  Writing letters, taking pictures, telephone conversations and home movies were then the platforms of the day.  Sharing is sharing.

What is interesting to note is that everybody doesn’t like to share in the same way or at the same level.   Some people like to talk about the success or failure of others they know—without saying a word about themselves.  While others can’t stop telling about themselves and Read More