Virtually Anything Office – Your Road Map to Success!
As a VA, I tend to be well organized and like to have my work processes documented. I find having mapped processes has enabled me to respond more efficiently to client needs and requests. Initially it sounds like a lot of work to document everything you do in your business, however creating systems & flowcharts will ensures consistency in the way you do business and you’ll be more effective in your business.
If you’re not clear on what a system is, it’s merely having a documented process for all your prime business activities. In my business this would include a workflow of all the activities I do to run my business, such as, how to network and acquire new clients, the steps to follow up with and engage potential clients and how to complete projects for existing clients. Detailed workflows are created for production and distribution of my client information package, the steps I follow to sign on a new client and how I manage ongoing project details for existing clients.
Having mapped workflows enables me to find ways to improve how I run my business. I’m a huge believer in continuous improvement. This ensures I am better able to meet my clients’ needs and provide them with better services.
I use Visio to do my system and process mapping, and find it a very user friendly tool. You can design flow charts, organization charts, mind maps and dataflows quickly and professionally. Having a visual of a process has many uses from process improvement, to managing projects and tracking project timelines, to easily providing training to new employees. The simple key is to have everything you do documented. It gives you great insight into what works and what doesn’t in your business and you can quickly re-adjust when needed.
How about you? Do you use a process that you would like to share? I love getting feedback. Here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv. That’s a plug-in that allows you to leave a link back to your own site when you leave a comment.
Until next time,
Robin
