Learn best practices to increase your profitability and operational control so that you’re driving the business instead of the business driving you.

Operations

Many small businesses are started by owners who have a particular expertise in making a product or providing a service.  As the company becomes more successful, the owner faces the challenge of training other people in how to create the same product or service, with the same level of quality.  As the staff grows, systematizing these procedures becomes even more important, and the focus usually shifts to improving efficiency and quality while reducing costs.  And finally, if the owner ever wants to sell the business, having consistent, replicable procedures in place becomes a key element in establishing the business value.

No matter where your business falls in this continuum of operational procedures, the SCWBC can help you take the next step.  Whether you are a retail store, a service business, or a manufacturer, we can help you assess and improve your business operations.  We also offer help with ISO-9000, ISO-14000, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, inventory and supply chain control, and many other operational programs for manufacturers.

Human Resources

Human resource practices at your company include how you hire, evaluate, terminate, train, and develop your workforce.  High turnover rates increase training, administration, and overhead costs and affect overall productivity, but there are steps you can take to reduce turnover.  The SCWBC can help you understand how to implement human resource practices that meet legal requirements, support your company mission and vision, and provide a stable workforce that meets your needs.

Management

Management practices are often overlooked in a small business, especially if the owner started alone or with one other person.  However, as soon as a second person becomes involved in the business, the owner has to know how activities and responsibilities are divided, who has what authority and with what limitations, and who makes the final decisions in each area.  A second person will have different ideas about how to run the business or even the business mission, so it is essential to articulate the business vision, business strategy, goals, roles and responsibilities, organization chart, quality requirements, operational procedures, and all of the myriad decisions that define a business and how it differs from every other business in that industry. 

Documenting the business mission and strategy also serves as a management tool for assessing the progress of the business, identifying problem areas, and making decisions about future directions.  Your business coach can help you make and document all of these important decisions and learn how to use these tools to manage your business.

Business Assessments

Be sure and check out the Business Assessment service offered by the SCWBC.  It’s a great way to see how your business stacks up against other businesses and to prioritize issues that will lead to the greatest benefits when resolved.

Request a Consultation

Request a consultation with a business coach to discuss your particular operations issues.