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Structure in your business - How do you do it?
Setting up a good organisational structure, it is the beginning of an efficient business operation. Yet for many entrepreneurs, it often remains in the background... until it is too late. In this article, you will discover how you can create a streamlined organisation with a better business structure.
Busy, busy, busy. That's how it goes for entrepreneurs. Is time also your biggest obstacle? Or do things sometimes go haywire because of a communication error? Good organisation solves more than a chaotic work environment: you save time, intercept mistakes in time and create a worry-free workplace for your employees.
Structure your business tip 1: Start right away
To focus on what matters right now, start-ups like to put their organisation on the back burner. The moment you are well and truly gone, you then have no time left to take care of your internal operations. While your company is growing, make sure it is structured right away. This preparation will bring a lot of benefits when you need it most. A handy start is a shared planner. In it, you not only keep track of your own calendar, but also see your staff's availabilities and vice versa. Your employees know when they can disturb you or schedule appointments. It's a first step towards transparent communication.
Structure your business tip 2: Work in pieces
Already passed Step 1? Then you probably don't have much time to tackle your entire business structure at once. Fortunately, structuring can also be done step by step. Look at which parts of your work process are most in need of reorganisation and how you can take care of them: automate? Outsource? Or shorten the chain? Always define a concrete objective for each item. Don't say "I want orderly administration", but "by Friday I want to process all the invoices for that week". Then choose the solution that best achieves that goal, for example an invoicing programme that automatically reminds you of that task.
Structure your business tip 3: Give yourself time
The time-honoured expression 'time is money' does not mean never sitting still, but reminds you to use your time as efficiently as possible. Structuring requires time to scrutinise the workings of your business, devise solutions and implement changes. The time you spend doing this may seem like a waste in the short term, but you'll win it back twice over in the long run. Moreover, quality over quantity. Entrepreneurs often tend to add more and more, whereas improving what you already have is a more cost-effective solution. It ensures that you are not doing half a job, but delivering quality - even when you do decide to expand your business.
Structure your business tip 4: Trust your people
Smooth operations start with driven staff. If you put the right people in the right places, you will automatically create an efficient shop floor. Capitalise on your employees' strengths and listen to them. Maybe your administrative assistant is full of ideas to improve your communication with automated mailing... Give your people the chance to develop their skills, so you can use them in multiple areas.
Structure your business tip 5: Be prepared to change
A good organisational structure does not emerge automatically, especially if your business has been running for a while. You might not find the solution right away and might have to abandon familiar habits to explore alternative processes. Is a shared planner not for you? Then try a weekly meeting with your colleagues where you share agendas together. Be daring and make time to try different things. If you are willing to change, so are your employees.
Structure in your business: the ultimate test
Structuring your business is a long-term job, but achievable for any entrepreneur. Decide what the priorities are for your business and tackle them step by step. Every little bit helps and together build a cohesive whole. When have you succeeded in your set-up? When the business keeps running even without you, you have taken the most important step towards greater efficiency. After that, you can fine-tune.
Want more tips on how to structure your business?
Are you ready for a more efficient operation, but could use some help? ActionCOACH helps entrepreneurs and companies bring more structure to their processes. With individual coaching individual coaching and assistance programmes customised, you will turn your company into a streamlined organisation.
Kurt Vervloet
Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.
