As a business develops, it adapts to change and growth. Solutions are arrived at by evolving existing processes. Change is primarily evolutionary rather than revolutionary. While this can be a blessing, it can also be a curse, because staff will often suffer from tunnel vision.

This is one discipline where your constraint is often not time or ability, but perspective. It can be a huge benefit to simply have an outsider’s view; if the business owner is highly involved in the operation, it’s often impossible to “see the forest for the trees”. If you find yourself working long hours in your business doing things that none of your staff know how to do, and barely keeping your head above water, how can you possibly step back and see the 30,000ft. view?

Consider the impact that a fractional VP (fVP), Operations could have on your business: reduced expenses, higher margins, better customer service, more consistent delivery of your product/service, less time spent training, and higher valuation for your business, should you ever decide to sell it. You’ll also free up time to work ON your business instead of IN it. You may even begin to enjoy your personal life again! Stress is a huge issue for CEOs, and health and personal relationships often bear the brunt of that stress. It’s time to make a change.

Your fVP, Operations will begin by observing your current processes in action. Potential areas for improvement will be identified and explored, paying careful attention to training and budgetary constraints. Staff will be highly involved, as the are usually the source of the best ideas for process improvement. New processes will be tested, and a plan will be created for implementation and training of new processes and policies.

Finally, existing and new processes will be documented in a policies and procedures manual. You may see reduced labour costs and waste, while also improving sales with increased customer satisfaction and repeat business. You’ll also reduce your stress and free up time to focus on other areas of your business.

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