Articles tagged "Operations"

Contract Work Is Hard. These 6 Rules Make It Easier.

Switching from one job to the next is the nature of the beast for freelancers and contractors. And that means a unique set of challenges, like making quick assessments and moving projects forward on schedule despite juggling multiple clients.

Consistency: The not-so-secret ingredient in excellent customer service

I remember one morning driving to work and stopping at a corner cafe to grab a quick coffee. The closed sign was still up. I looked at the time and glanced down at their business hours on the door. They were supposed to be open at 8:00 a.m.—it was 8:10.

Can your business run without you?

When I imagined what it would be like to run my own business, never in a million years did I think it would involve feeling trapped. I left my well-paying 9-to-5 job only to be stuck in a 9-to-9 job that had zero benefits and little-to-no pay.

Don't Overlook Standard Operating Procedures: Use These Apps to Put Them in Place

If you do SOPs right—using clear, detailed instructions based on past experience—they can protect you from catastrophe. Literally.

How to automatically create certificates for online tests: A guide for instructors

With much of the world socially distancing, it's no surprise that online learning has rapidly taken off.

How to use local competitors to your advantage

Choosing to start a business in what seems like a crowded market can be daunting. How could your little startup possibly stand out against the businesses who've been around for several years?

Focus on Process Underlying Theme of UserConf 2014

Fifteen speakers took the stage last Friday at UserConf, the "conference about keeping your customers (happy)". Put on by UserVoice and CoSupport, this fourth UserConf edition in Chicago was just a good as past iterations in New York and San Francisco.

Do sweat the small stuff: Why planning the little things matters for your business

Think about all the times you've sat down with your accountant, a client, or a vendor. At least once, you missed something that was crystal clear in hindsight, right? We all do. That's why some amount of planning is vital, no matter how minor a task is.

How standard operating procedures can help you grow your business

I built a brick-and-mortar business from the ground up. And when I realized I couldn't do everything myself, I took a deep breath and decided to hire other people to help. It was a great decision—but I did it all wrong.

How small business owners can delegate without breaking the bank

Delegation may make you nervous, especially if you're used to doing things on your own, but you can't be a team of one forever.