Running a small business can be exhausting. Many of my clients have told me that they often feel like their to-do list never ends. And when you’re constantly busy, sometimes it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture. When this happens, it is easy to get so focused on solving problems that you never fix the condition that is causing the problem in the first place.
One example of this involves organization. Some businesses face very real negative consequences as a result of their disorganization, but they are so busy that they don’t realize it.
Is a lack of organization harming your business? Below are ten signs that this may be the case. If you recognize these symptoms in your business, it’s time to get organized!
1) Failing to return phone calls. Whether it is a client, a vendor, an employee, or someone else – letting phone calls or voicemails go unreturned can lead to serious problems. In the craziness of the day, it’s easy to forget about them.
2) Orders created and/or delivered late. Are you consistently missing deadlines? If so, chances are that your production process needs to be reorganized.
3) Regular employee scheduling mistakes. Sometimes you schedule too many employees. Sometimes, too few. Sometimes you get the hours wrong altogether.
4) Accounting discrepancies. When you do your books at the end of the month, does everything add up properly? Or are there discrepancies that you can’t figure out how to resolve?
5) Lost login information and/or passwords. We’ve all been there—there are so many passwords and usernames to remember these days that you can’t keep track without a good system.
6) Unpaid bills. Are bills and invoices slipping through the cracks? This is likely a sign of a bigger problem.
7) Tax deadlines missed. Businesses in the US and in Canada are subject to a number of tax filing and payments deadlines. Are you on top of the details?
8) Technology problems. Consistent problems with your computers, your printer, or your network are often a sign that you’re not taking the time to get organized and get the details right.
9) Inconsistent marketing efforts. Is your marketing a smooth system? Or does it stop and start like a 15-year old car?
10) An uneasy feeling that details are “slipping through the cracks.” Sometimes your intuition is your best guide. What does your gut tell you about your systems of organization?
If you recognize several of these symptoms in your business, it’s time to do something about it. Please contact me to learn more!