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It's time to tackle those business operations to-dos

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I’ve had to think long and hard about what to say this week. It still doesn’t feel right to try and sell you my project management services, and I really don’t think the world needs another hot take on “how to remote work”.

What I’ve decided to do is just remind you of some little small business maintenance jobs that you can definitely DIY if your to-do list is, like mine, getting pretty short.

We all know that when we’re all allowed back out into the big wide world of face-to-face business again we’re going to be super busy trying to fit our Q2 plans into Q3/4, on top of our usual later year plans. So now might just be the time to…

🖋 Collect testimonials and case studies from your clients and past projects

This is also a positive reason to say hello over a virtual cuppa and find out where they are at. Rather than frantically taking notes ask them if they mind you recording the call so you can give it your full attention. Transcribe and then delete. You’ll hear more that way, I promise.

🧹 Spring clean your CRM, or start exploring systems that might work for you

Even a micro-business can benefit from a “single source of truth” at the heart of your operations. Make sure that you’ve archived old contacts, updated status reports, and tweaked those templates. Sound a bit of a dull job? Do an hour each morning for a week, rather than setting aside a day you’ll dread.

🧬 Document the DNA of your brand

A lot of people say they've got a brand. A great deal of them have a logo. Put a day aside to document all the different elements of your brand. The visuals and your values. Your tone of voice, and how you feel about emojis in emails. Your exact colour codes and favourite fonts. Even a simple one-page document explaining your brand can help you be more consistent when using your own brand, and make it easier for the designers and developers you hire to follow suit.

🔐 Review your data protection policies and processes

The General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018 want you to demonstrate your accountability and wow them with your great governance. That means an annual review at a minimum. Make sure that what you say you do, you really are doing.

🤔 Think about how you are onboarding and offboarding your co-workers and your clients

A memorable welcome and a professional departure process can make you stand out from your competitors, and help you get what you need out of each relationship. We aren’t just talking about fancy swag bags for new starters - although that can be part of it. More how you communicate to them who you are, what you do, how you work and what is really important to you.

If you want a little help to kick start those tasks, or just a bit of accountability so you get them done, you book some time in my diary. I work with clients on everything from a one-off strategy session to being your personal, professional reminder service to make sure you get stuff done.