Operations is My Super Power!

As an entrepreneur or manager, you wear many hats. From marketing to finance to human resources, there's no shortage of responsibilities to juggle. But in my experience, one area that often gets overlooked or undervalued is operations - and it just so happens to be my superpower. In honor of Administrative Professionals Day this past week, I thought it could be a great time to talk about these unsung heroes and remind you why they are so important to your organization. Operations and the ability to develop strong systems is the backbone of any successful business. It's the engine that drives efficiency, productivity, and profitability. And while it might not be the most glamorous or exciting aspect of running a business, it's absolutely crucial. Be like my boss- make sure your operations team knows and feels how much they are appreciated!

So, what exactly do I mean by "operations"? Operations refers to the day-to-day processes and systems that keep a business running smoothly and efficiently. In my real estate world, this includes everything from creating lead generation systems and follow up plans, over-seeing database growth, creating training tutorials, event planning and execution, having systems for continuous client engagement, brand recognition, and more. A good operations manager can help a business to minimize costs, increase their productivity, and improve customer satisfaction and retention.

But why is operations my superpower?

Well, for starters, I have a knack for finding ways to streamline processes and eliminate inefficiencies. I understand that the best way to get more efficient is to systematize what it is you're trying to do. The less you have to "think" about it, and can automate or create a step-by-step routine around it, then the more likely you and your team will be successful at implementing it. Whether it's following a lead generation routine in the mornings, creating a system around handling all your Buyer and Seller consultations, implementing a training system for on-boarding new team members, or even having a playbook for all of your annual client events. There's always ways to 'level up' and make your day-to-day operations more effective; in turn, giving you more time back to focus on the aspects of your day that you enjoy more!

It's not just about finding ways to systematize or increase productivity. I also have a keen eye for identifying gaps and potential problems before they become major issues. By monitoring the team's engagement, if/how the processes get used, and also monitoring our clients' responsiveness or feedback to our systems, then I'm able to proactively address any concerns, fix any gaps, and help keep things running smoothly as possible.

And perhaps most importantly, I understand the big picture. I know that operations isn't just about making individual processes more efficient or even making it more efficient for only one team member's needs - it's about ensuring that the entire business is working towards a common goal and is in alignment together. By collaborating operations with the overall business strategy, I'm able to help drive growth and profitability in a way that benefits the entire organization. By doing my job at a high level, I become or create the perfect leverage that the team needs to continue working in their 20% priorities and allowing for a better work/life balance as well.

If you're feeling stuck in the messy middle and trying to grow business to the next level, then don't overlook the power of a strong operations person. Generally your solution will be people, systems, or tools. Operations may not be as fun or flashy as marketing or sales, but it's the engine that keeps everything moving forward. And for me, it's a superpower I'm super proud of!