[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.23″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”table-contents” _builder_version=”4.23″ background_color=”#f3f2f6″ custom_padding=”25px||25px||true|false” sticky_position=”top” sticky_limit_bottom=”section” sticky_position_tablet=”top” sticky_position_phone=”none” sticky_position_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_radii=”on|24px|24px|24px|24px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ text_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” background__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||0px|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A problem many small business owners face is that they are the business. Nothing gets done without them, and the hours spent each week grow longer and longer. This leaves staff waiting on you, which then slows down your operations<\/a>. You simply don\u2019t have time to do it all.<\/p>\n This is where standard operating procedures (SOPs) help make your business independent of you. By having SOPs, your staff and operations run more reliably and with structure.<\/p>\n SOPs are the how-tos. They help bring people up to speed when performing tasks, whatever they may be. SOPs are used widely because they break down processes into step-by-step instructional guides.<\/p>\n SOPs come in different shapes and sizes depending on the task, but usually can be found in these formats:<\/p>\n SOPs aren\u2019t just beneficial for big companies with hundreds of employees; small businesses can use them too to improve their own operations \u2014 and should. The immediate benefits that SOPs provide to small business owners:<\/p>\n These benefits lead to a more independent business that is built on structure. If business owners can delegate day-to-day operations, they have time to pursue more opportunities or, even more importantly, take time off.<\/p>\n There are also indirect benefits to what SOPs can help small businesses:<\/p>\n When time is crucial and resources are limited, SOPs give small businesses breathing space and more opportunities to grow.<\/p>\n The principles of every good SOP are:<\/p>\n Even a basic checklist can be considered a SOP, but it\u2019s the thought behind a SOP that makes it effective.<\/p>\n A brick-and-mortar retail business, every so often, needs to process refunds. To minimise the number of people involved (what)<\/strong>, the business owner created an SOP to shorten the time it takes to process refunds (how)<\/strong> and simplify the process, so refunds don\u2019t interrupt ongoing service (why)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Scenario” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0a004a” background_color=”#eeecff” custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWhat are standard operating procedures?<\/h2>\n
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Why small businesses should use Standard Operating Procedures<\/h2>\n
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How to create SOPs<\/h2>\n
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Example of a standard operating procedure:<\/h3>\n
Processing a customer refund<\/span><\/h4>\n