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"FIVE
EFFECTIVE KEYS TO EASE YOUR GROWING PAINS"
Australian
Businesswomen Network E-Newsletter
October 2002
Most of us are in business
to grow. However, growth is not always easy and can involve a large
dose of pain. As often happens with growing businesses, the way
things are done at conception is simply adapted and modified along
with the growth in sales. It is only when you take time to get expert
outside advice that you discover what is not immediately obvious.
Learning about the key
concerns and experiences of both employers and employees helps to
uncover the core operational frustrations of the business, which
in turn clearly identifies the opportunities and issues that need
to be addressed and/or reviewed.
Five key strategies to
ensure smooth Business Operations
1. Get it Right the
First Time
Establish the ability to delegate jobs. This can be done by documenting
duties and systems, as well as standardising communication and computing
systems to help unblock operational bottlenecks. To keep up with
the many changes that growth brings, as well as set the right scene
for future growth, you will often find that seeking outside assistance
will allow you to do it once, and do it right.
2. Improve competence
with increased Training and Development
The transition to a larger staff base often means additional coaching
needs and management development. By providing the business owners
with management and workplace training, there is an improved understanding
of, and ability to promote, the business operational systems put
in place to improve efficiencies. Training can also improve staff
delegation and communication on Business Efficiency™, set-up
of business systems and management of staff meetings.
3. HR specialists can
identify growth potential
Running a business without a formal Human Resources system is a
common conundrum for growing companies. At what point can you justify
putting a specialist in the role? It's important to retain flexibility
rather than add to costs by taking on another staff member to look
after this function. Outsourcing the Human Resources role to someone
who can set up systems and review the organisational structure will
allow you to identify growth areas and development in the staff
management arena.
4. Standardise Operating
Procedures for greater Efficiency
Writing letters from scratch every time is very time-consuming.
Developing and using a standardised system for letters, contracts,
proposals, reports and forms frees up resources and helps operations
run more smoothly. All documentation should be collected and a template
system set up to ensure staff have access to hard and soft copies
of new documents and instructions.
5. The Right Tools
for Growth
Continued education is a vital key to the successful management
of business growth, change and development. Attending seminars and
workshops on small business growth will provide you with practical
'how-to' information, case studies, theories and examples and the
opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, industry experts
and key players in your field.
Addressing all of
these issues before they present a problem will set you on the path
to successful business development and assist in easing those growing
pains that go hand-in-hand with an expanding company.
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