In this episode of NS Builders Podcast, I share some valuable tips on why and how to put standard operating procedures in place to grow your business. Because defining—and continually refining—those processes are necessary to not only grow your business but let it soar.  

YOU CAN’T DO IT ALL… SO ASK FOR HELP 

When I started this business, I had no choice but to do it all—carpentry, sales, accounting. And it was overwhelming. At some point, I realized (well… actually more like I was smacked in the face with it) that I couldn’t do it all. And I didn’t have the processes in place to develop my business the way I envisioned. I needed help. 

For example, accounting—my version of “keeping the books” was basically kicking it over to my accountant at the end of the year and then finding out how much I owed. (This is a clear example of NOT having a standard operating procedure in place and how it will bite you). So, I hired Nicole, and she brought her accounting expertise to the table. I finally understood the importance of accurately invoicing and keeping better tabs on the finances. I also made a wise decision to go with Buildertrend, a project management software. It won’t substitute as a project manager, but once you’re trained on how to use all the aspects of the software, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Fast forward to today—we use Buildertrend for every project, and it allows us to work closely and share information with our accounting team.   

WORKING BACKWARD

Sometimes you have to work backward to move forward… let me explain because I’m sure that seems confusing. 

At NS Builders, we recently shifted our focus regarding the types and scale of projects we want to take on, the architects we want to work with, and much more. We have a clear vision of where we want to be and what we want to be doing every single day. We have a goal. The question is: How do we get there? 

Instead of keeping with our current operating procedures and processes and making that work to reach our goal, we’re going to work backward. We use questions like this: ‘In order for us to build that, what kind of schedule will we need? How would we bill for it? How would we communicate and document progress? And how often?’ As you work backward trying to answer these questions, remember to draw on past experiences. What worked? What didn’t? Try to discern where there’s room for improvement—or drastic changes needed—to take you from where you are today to your end goal.

And keep focused on implementing the operating procedures that will allow you to grow your business and move in the direction you want; don’t let the business run ahead of you or off course. 

HAVE EVERYONE IN THE ROOM

So here’s the big secret to making all this happen, putting the processes in motion and achieving your business goals: Collaboration. I’ve said it before and will probably say it a thousand times more. You need to have everyone in the room—from the carpenters to the millwork to the project managers to the accounting team—be on the same page. 

Of course, during these discussions, some voices will be louder than others (I’m probably the loudest in the room and have never been accused of holding back from voicing my opinion), but the point is that everyone gets a chance to listen and talk. As a team, we need to agree on fundamental aspects of running the business. Especially when we’re in the process of shifting our business model and going after different projects. We’ve got to have the details figured out before we jump into the deep end of the pool. And once you get your internal team all on the same page, your job isn’t done. You’ve got to get your subcontractors on board to comply with your standard operating procedures.  

So is it worth it? Definitely! You’ll be rewarded in the long run for the time you spend investing in learning new ways of doing things that save time and money, figuring out how to use new software to help you run your business smoothly, and meeting with your team to collaborate. Build a better business, build better homes.  

It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen. 

—Nick Schiffer