Happy Tuesday! And, before you do anything else, head on over to your social media and create a post asking for a review (link to your google profile for convenience) – it is Leave A Review Day!
As you can imagine, I am consistently reading information, news and trends in marketing. This week a few game changers ie: Big banks have been pulling away from payment processing systems like Stripe, Square etc. – what will this mean going forward? And, Google is testing the ability to allow clicks to your paid ads by viewers to request a quote from not only you, but your competitors as well – and this one – One click cancel subscription link for those selling subscription services… I’m sure you have tried to cancel something where it took some time to find the cancellation page… (I’m not sure how this will be enforced and it is U.S. legislation – but what starts in the states eventually comes to Canada as well)… Just a word of caution – never have all your eggs in one basket, you’ll find yourself scrambled trying to fix the situation.
I think I have mentioned before the inspirational quote I choose each week is based on a mood, feeling or something I am experiencing – this week’s is no different. (scroll down) For most of you reading this, it doesn’t affect you in any way – you’re not local, but for those who are – my son and I made the decision to close down our photography studio – Telltale Studios by Prowl - at the end of the month – I wonder what new adventure awaits?
This week I explore the Small Business Pain Point #4 – difficulty in scaling operations with a guide to mapping out your processes. This is the first step to automation and being able to scale with ease going forward.
Week 5 of Constant Contact’s "Ready, Set, Send" challenge, is once again full of information. I hope you have been working through the process – CTCT certainly has put a lot of work into this challenge.
And finally, our B2B Growth Accelerator course is fast approaching. Hopefully you have looked at it and are planning to attend. There are limited spaces available so book soon. I have to limit the attendance to accommodate the customization of the course for those participating – this way each participant receives the most value. It is 7 sessions over 7 weeks of intense processes and learning – the exact process we go through with our clients in the Foundational 6 Architecture.. The course starts November 7th – register today and be set to implement what you learn. The course is filled with forms, instructions and examples!
Enjoy! Have a great day, and if you have a question or comment - email me!
Debi Katsmar
Pain Point #4:
Difficulty in Scaling Operations
Many small businesses hit a ceiling when their processes can’t keep up with growth, especially in manufacturing or distribution, where inventory and logistics play a big role.
Step-by-Step: Mapping Your Business Operations for Growth
Scaling your business starts with knowing exactly how your operations work—every step, every task, every responsibility. Here’s a simple guide to help you map out your processes and get ready for streamlining, and eventually, automation:
1. Identify Your Core Processes
Start by listing out the main areas of your business that drive operations. This could include:
Inventory management
Order fulfillment
Customer service
Sales and marketing
Finance and accounting
Logistics
2. Break Down Each Process
For each area, write down each step involved in completing a task. For example, if it’s customer service:
How are inquiries received? (Email, phone, web form)
Who handles them first?
What steps are taken to resolve them?
How is the customer informed?
Is there a follow-up process?
3. Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Once you have your steps listed, identify who is responsible for each step. This will show you if certain employees are overloaded or if tasks are being duplicated. It will also make clear where hand-offs happen between team members, which is often where bottlenecks occur.
4. Break Down Each Process
For each area, write down each step involved in completing a task. For example, if it’s customer service:
How are inquiries received? (Email, phone, web form)
Who handles them first?
What steps are taken to resolve them?
How is the customer informed?
Is there a follow-up process?
5. Simplify and Streamline
Now that you’ve identified problem areas, it’s time to simplify:
Eliminate unnecessary steps.
Combine tasks that make sense together.
Delegate responsibilities more effectively.
Consider whether some tasks can be automated or handled by tools you already use.
6. Document and Communicate
Once you’ve streamlined your processes, document everything in a clear format, such as a checklist or a process flowchart. Make sure your team is aware of the new processes and understands their role within them.
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?
Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
YOUR WEEKLY INSPIRATION
If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new beginning.
TUESDAY MARKETING TIP
Keep Your Branding Consistent
Maintain a consistent brand image across all your marketing channels.
B2B Growth Accelerator: Business Optimization for Sustainable Growth
This comprehensive 7-session course offers a deep dive into the essential pillars that every B2B business needs for long-term success.
Optimizing Your Email Campaign Results: Tips for Maximizing Engagement After You Hit Send I'm Lindsay Higgins, a former Constant Contact employee and now founder of L2L Creative Group, a Boston-based agency specializing in Constant Contact account setup, ongoing 'do it for us' email marketing mana...
Your website is the hub of your marketing - is it a Silent Seller or Just Silent? It should be generating leads for you. If it isn't - Book a call or meeting - we would be happy to have a conversation!
And that's all she wrote folks! I hope you received valuable information in this issue, please feel free to share with a friend or colleague.
Check out our marketing resources, and some of the websites we've built for our clients. Call us any time - we're always happy to help.
Not sure what you need? Book a consultation with one of our team? We'll provide valuable information throughout the strategy session to guide you on the right path... Don't worry, we won't sell unless you ask! Book a consultation today!
