For trades, ensuring processes are optimised to optimum efficiency is vital. Here at Vision Reach we have worked with a number of trade businesses over the years and have compiled some tips for how you can optimise your own processes, although of course we will always be happy to help!
Understand the type of business you are or will be
This might seem obvious but it is rare you have time to take a step back from the day to day running of a business and think about the business you are or the one you want to be. This planning step is vital for ensuring your processes are optimised for what you are going to be doing. When you look at your business, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you going to be doing one off jobs or taking on larger projects with multiple invoices?
- Are you going to be introducing new services?
- Could you offer a subscription service?
- Are you working with domestic or commercial clients or a combination of the two?
Taking the time to answer these questions (amongst others) will be of great benefit to your business in the long run.
Review your existing processes
Reviewing your existing processes and looking at what you and your team do day to day will allow you to maximise existing systems and shape the search for new ones. Review how much time your team spends on admin such as invoicing and scheduling as well as how much time is spent on communicating with onsite teams and customers. Review processes from every aspect of the business from sales through to sign off, invoicing and post completion. This is something the Vision Reach team are well versed in so if you would like some external support, please contact us.
Make the most of existing systems
It is likely that you aren’t using your existing systems and software to their full potential. Accountancy systems such as Xero, Quickbooks, FreeAgent and more have automations available. These automations include chasing outstanding invoices so your team can save time spent on the phone or sending emails.
Price shouldn’t be the number 1 priority
Selecting the cheapest software solution is often the easy option however spending slightly more on a solution should be seen as an investment. In the long run, investing in a more expensive solution is likely to benefit your business as cheaper options may work for some but are often not suited to project based businesses.
Don’t follow the crowd
Sometimes going with the same software that friends, customers or competitors are using can seem like the easy option. However, every business is different and your aims as a business owner and team are likely to be different. Just because someone else is using it doesn’t mean it is right for you and your team.
If you want to learn more about how you can improve the processes in your business, please contact us.