Knowing how to write a good SOP (standard operating procedure) is all that’s standing in the way between you … and freedom.
Why?
Because with your processes documented you’ll be able to:
- Onboard new hires into your business with ease
- Deliver exceptional customer service
- Reduce costs (increasing profitability)
- Improve the value of your business
- Save time
- Improve consistency across your operations
- Shift to a state of constant improvement
![How To Write A Good SOP](https://yourva.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screenshot-2023-01-18-at-2.57.04-PM-1024x320.png)
Download our free guide on how to systemise and automate your business, at the bottom of this article.
How to write a good SOP in three steps
Step 1: Document your SOP
Include written instructions, screenshots, video walk-throughs (see our article on how to document your procedures quickly using video) or link to related SOPs. As shown in the template we include:
- Name of procedure
- Policy statement
- Frequency of use
- Responsibility (author)
- Prerequisites
- Documents referred to in this procedure (link to documents)
- Process steps (overview of the process)
- Procedure (step by step guide to execution)
- Who is doing the procedure
- Who is responsible for the procedure
- Version control
Step 2: Test the SOP
There’s no point creating SOPs that no one but you can follow. We get someone unfamiliar with the task to test our SOPs before they’re finalised.
Step 3: Review the SOP
One of the key benefits in creating your SOPs is continual improvement. Audit the procedure frequently with particular attention on:
- Any manual steps that could be automated
- Any customer complaints relating to this SOP; what needs to be added or changed to solve a problem?
- Any areas of possible risk
- All links and references are valid and working
- Any ways to improve on the SOP to either add value for your client, save time for your team, or improve results for your business
![How we can help you with your SOPs](https://yourva.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screenshot-2023-01-18-at-3.27.28-PM-1024x320.png)
"Knowing the value of systems, repeatable workflows, and organised IP, but never quite knowing how to apply that to our innovative and creative work."
[A business owner's frustration listed in one of our discovery call questionnaires]
If updating or documenting your systems has been on your wish list way too long, here’s how a VA or VBM can help:
VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE
A virtual assistant will be able to assist you with:
- Documenting the tasks they are responsible for in SOPs
- Reviewing and testing your procedures
- Implementing automation of your manual processes
VIRTUAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
A virtual business manager will be able to assist you with:
- A complete review of your business systems
- Working with your team to assist with documentation
- Project manage the systemisation and automation of your operations
- Ensuring your systems are ‘followed by all’
More resources to help you write a good SOP
![How to Systemise Your Business [Free Download]](https://yourva.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Book-Cover-Template.png)
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE
A step by step guide on how to systemise your business operations. Includes:
- Free templates
- System review checklist
- 4-step automation framework