I’ve worked with business owners over the last 18 years with a mission to organize the business and have them align with their personal and professional desires.
While each business is unique, the foundation of Operations is the same across industries. What makes the difference between businesses are the policies, procedures, and preferences they choose - or need - to implement.
Whether you’re just getting started with organizing your business, or getting ready to do an Operations Overhaul, these 7 elements are where you should start this process. Checking in with them periodically also ensures that how you run your business and what you offer are aligned with what you really want.
In this post we’ll visit these 7 elements:
I’ve also included some of the questions I use during the Needs Assessment portion of my Systems Starter and Operations Overhaul services. Grab your favorite note-taking tools and let’s dive in!
Let’s explore the core of your business - your vision.
Understanding where you want to go is crucial for developing an effective operations strategy. Your vision is the North Star guiding your business operations. It's not just a statement, but a vivid picture of where you want your company to be in the future.
Key aspects:
Remember: A clear vision provides direction, purpose, and focus for your entire organization.
Q1. What is the ultimate goal for your business in the next 3-5 years?
Q2. How do you envision your company's culture and values?
Q3. What impact do you want your business to have on your industry or community?
Q4. Describe your ideal customer or client. How does your vision serve them?
(next 6 months)
Short-term priorities keep your business operations focused and agile. These are the immediate goals that drive your day-to-day activities.
Consider:
Pro tip: Align your current priorities with your long-term vision for cohesive growth.
Q1. What are your top 3 business objectives for the next 6 months?
Q2. Are there any immediate operational challenges you're facing?
Q3. Do you have any upcoming product launches or service expansions?
Q4. What area of your business needs the most attention in the short term?
(7-18 months)
Looking ahead to medium-term priorities helps you prepare and adapt your operations for future growth and challenges.
Focus areas:
Remember: Balance flexibility with planning to stay prepared for future opportunities and obstacles.
Q1. What major milestones do you hope to achieve in the next 7-18 months?
Q2. Are you planning any significant changes to your business model?
Q3. Do you anticipate any major market shifts or opportunities in this timeframe?
Q4. What operational capabilities will you need to develop to meet these goals?
Staying compliant is crucial for smooth operations. We'll identify the rules and regulations that apply to your business.
Staying compliant is non-negotiable in business operations. It protects your company, employees, and customers.
Key aspects:
Pro tip: Build compliance into your operational processes to make it a seamless part of your business.
Q1. What industry-specific regulations affect your business?
Q2. Are there any upcoming regulatory changes you need to prepare for?
Q3. How do you currently manage compliance in your organization?
Q4. Are there any areas where you're unsure about your compliance status?
Your relationships with suppliers and vendors are key to efficient operations. Let's examine these critical partnerships.
Your suppliers and vendors are integral to smooth business operations. Clear requirements ensure mutually beneficial relationships.
Consider:
Remember: Strong supplier relationships can be a significant competitive advantage.
Q1. Who are your key suppliers or vendors?
Q2. What are the most important terms in your supplier/vendor agreements?
Q3. Are there any supply chain challenges you're currently facing?
Q4. How do you evaluate and manage supplier/vendor performance?
Let's take stock of what you already have. Identifying your current resources helps us leverage your strengths and address any gaps in your operations.
Taking stock of your existing resources is crucial for effective business operations. This inventory forms the foundation of your operational capabilities.
Key components:
Tip: Regularly assess and optimize your resources to maximize operational efficiency.
Q1. What tools or software are you currently using for business operations?
Q2. Describe your current team structure and key roles.
Q3. What financial resources are available for operational improvements?
Q4. Are there any untapped skills or resources within your organization?
Planning around key dates ensures your operations support critical business activities.
Key dates anchor your operational calendar, helping you plan, prepare, and perform effectively.
Examples include:
Tip: Use a shared calendar to keep your entire team aligned on crucial dates.
Q1. What are the most important recurring dates in your business calendar (e.g., busy seasons, annual events)?
Q2. Are there any upcoming deadlines for contracts, licenses, or certifications?
Q3. Do you have any planned dates for major business changes or launches?
Q4. Are there any industry events or external factors that significantly impact your business timeline?
Getting in touch with these 7 elements is the first step into optimizing an intentional and aligned business.
Your next step is to transform them into a cohesive, actionable strategy with a plan of action.
As a Business Operations + Systems Strategist, my job and mission is to turn your vision into a concrete, implementable strategy that drives your business forward. If you'd like some experienced guidance, let's talk about it. Schedule an info session here https://aunteerik.com/tspinfo
Hi, I'm Rik! ๐๐ฝ
Committed to optimizing operations and driving growth through strategic problem-solving and adaptable leadership.