We all know how important processes are for your business. They help you keep track of projects, allow you to automate and, well, just make your life a lot easier….usually. What happens if your process ISN’T making your life easier? What if it just doesn’t seem to be working?
Here are 4 questions you can ask yourself to figure out why your current process isn’t working.
Is the process CLEAR?
It’s possible the reason you’re struggling with your business process because it’s not really as straightforward as you like to think. A big clue that your process isn’t as clear as it should be? It’s not documented anywhere. The point of a process is to make it easy for anyone to step in and see what is supposed to happen next. If you process exists solely in your head, it’s likely it’s not as detailed as it needs to be.
It’s the missing “details” you can gloss over in your mind that will get you in trouble and leave you feeling like your business process is letting you down. First step to solving this problem? You guessed it! WRITE IT DOWN! Writing down each step in your business process will make it clear where the missteps are happening and why items are getting forgotten about.
Does your business process feel complicated or cumbersome?
Just as you may be struggling to maintain a process that is too vague or high level, you’ll also feel frustrated by a process that is overly complicated.
Are you requiring unnecessary things to be documented?
Are you requiring status updates in multiple locations?
Have you incorporated too many programs/tools?
Do your checklists have checklists?
When first creating business processes it’s easy to get a little carried away. Wanting to document EVERYTHING or requiring lots of updates can make what should be a simple process feel like a total PIA. Remove redundancies and only require updates when it’s absolutely necessary.
Does it fit with how you work?
It can be realllly tempting to want to try all the shiny tools that are available to us. Between apps, zaps and Trello boards, it’s easy to get caught up on what the newest “thing” is or the “one” everyone is talking about. Truth is, it just may not be a good fit for you and how your brain works. If you’re a pen to paper person, a printed checklist, day planner and white board might be the way to go (ain’t no shame in your non-techy game!).
If you choose to go the electronic route it’s still worth noting how your brain works. A really visual person will probably be really happy with Trello. Checklists are your thing? Look into Asana. The point is, don’t try and “force” a particular program to work just because it’s all the rage. Do what comes most naturally to you and how you work.
Is it a mindset thing?
Are you struggling with implementing the same step of your process over and over again? It could be a mindset problem. Maybe you feel a little silly documenting something because you don’t have a lot of clients yet. Or maybe you “forget” to have those contracts signed because you’re apprehensive and fear it will scare off a potential client.
Take a hard look at WHY you’re failing to implement a step in your system. If you’re failing to do so because you find it uncomfortable, look for a way to alleviate that discomfort. Maybe a confidence boost from a trusted peer or journaling might help. In the meantime, try to find a way to automate the task or make it feel less uncomfortable until you build up your confidence.