The Little Things: Small Moves with Big Profit Impact

The small tweaks bring about the biggest change

Justin Ferriman
Entrepreneurship Handbook

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Image: Author

One thing is sure in business: Doing all the little things right is how you get ahead — more customers, revenue, and profit result from consistently delivering on the tiny details. I’ve seen this first-hand. My small lifestyle business turned into a thriving, multimillion-dollar company.

Let’s dive deep into the often-overlooked strategies that can truly amplify your profit margins. Each strategy on its own might not seem like it will move the needle, but when you add them all up, you substantially impact your bottom line.

Strive for Efficiency

Have you ever done business with a company (or person) that wasn’t very efficient? Frustrating, right? The thing is, efficiency is the secret sauce that sets standout companies apart from the crowd. But what does being efficient mean? For me, it’s about simplifying complex tasks, streamlining processes, and ensuring the best use of resources:

1. Virtual Tools for a Smooth Workflow

Think of tools like Slack or Trello as your virtual office’s backbone. They’re not just fancy software for fun chats. They’re there to make your remote operations hum.

When integrated correctly, these tools cut down those lengthy email threads and help you get more done faster. Moreover, the analytics provided by these platforms can be game-changers. They offer insights into team performance, helping identify bottlenecks and areas that require attention.

With the right tools, you can automate routine tasks, giving your team more time to focus on what they do best.

2. Routine Training

Even with the best tools in hand, efficiency can be compromised if the team isn’t proficient in using them. Regular training sessions ensure that everyone is on the same page. It might seem like an added task, but it paves the way for smoother operations in the long run.

With regular updates and features being added to most software, keeping everyone in the loop ensures you’re harnessing the full potential of your tech stack.

3. Standardizing Communication

Have you ever felt the weight of countless emails, Slack messages, and missed Zoom meetings? We’ve all been there. To avoid this chaos, let’s break it down.

  • Emails for daily updates.
  • Slack for urgent issues.
  • Zoom for weekly meet-ups.

Simple, clear, and efficient. It might be helpful to set specific ‘communication hours’ too. Limiting times for meetings and discussions allows larger, uninterrupted chunks of the day for focused work.

This balances the need for collaboration and individual productivity.

4. Document Everything

This can’t be stressed enough. A well-maintained knowledge base, where processes and workflows are documented, can be a lifesaver. It speeds up onboarding, acts as a reference during uncertainties, and ensures that operations don’t halt in the absence of any team member. Remember, in the world of remote operations, clarity isn’t just desired; it’s essential.

Efficient operations aren’t just about working hard; they’re about working smart. It’s a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and evolving. As a remote company founder, making these small yet significant changes can yield transformative results in the long run.

Regularly Reevaluate Your Costs

Operating your business can sometimes feel like a money-saving mission. Surprise costs often spring up. To combat this, always keep a finger on the financial pulse.

The first (and easiest) is to review software subscriptions. Are there overlapping functions in the tools you’re paying for? If so, consolidate. It’s worthwhile to keep an eye out for promotional deals or offers. Often, software providers give discounts to loyal customers or when paid annually.

Next, assess your team’s needs periodically. Survey them about the tools they use daily and which ones sit untouched. You might find that some tools, though popular in the market, aren’t resonating with your team’s workflow. Perhaps there’s the software you started with that doesn’t serve its purpose now. Ditch it. Don’t just rely on assumptions, either. Use hard data from usage analytics to make informed decisions.

Being proactive in these areas not only cuts costs but also optimizes operations. Fewer, more impactful tools lead to less clutter and better focus. These periodic financial check-ins ensure you’re saving money and investing in what truly matters for growth.

Enhance the Virtual Customer Experiences

Digital communication has to come with a heart. The difference between a mechanical “Dear valued customer” and a genuine “Hello [Name]!” is bigger than you think. It’s in these subtle shifts that businesses can create a human connection.

When you recall past interactions or celebrate milestones alongside your customers, you’re not just communicating. You’re building a relationship. You are making your digital interactions feel less transactional and more relational. Even if automation is at play, sprinkling personal touches within messages can elevate the entire experience.

But customer experience is not just communication. It’s their digital environment as well. The environment you craft for your customers speaks volumes. Imagine a virtual space where the user interface is aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and fluid.

By continually refining this digital environment, based on feedback and careful observations, businesses can eliminate potential points of friction.

Why let a convoluted website or app design stand in the way when you can offer an experience as smooth as strolling through a well-organized physical store?

Supporting Your Customers

Speaking of hurdles, let’s delve into customer support. A swift, accessible, and effective help center can make a world of difference. Customers shouldn’t feel confused or stuck when they require assistance. Instead, imagine if they were met with a responsive chat service or helpline every time they reached out. Such immediate support doesn’t just solve problems — it builds trust.

What’s good for you is that the digital space is ripe with opportunities to engage and educate your customers consistently. It’s not about inundating them with content but offering value. Be it through insightful blogs, engaging webinars, or snappy infographics, there’s always a way to keep the conversation going. This continuous dialogue ensures customers are not just listeners but active participants in your brand’s evolving story.

Look, every online interaction is an opportunity to remind your customers that they are interacting with more than just a brand — they’re part of a community, a shared journey. Their feedback is gold.

Always try to capture the immediate reactions and emotions of those interacting with your products, services, or internal systems. Because in this digital era, where the human touch can sometimes feel diminished, immediate feedback bridges the gap, reminding us of the real people behind every click, purchase, or comment.

Your customers aren’t just numbers on a sales chart but individuals with unique needs and experiences. When they share their thoughts, it’s an open invitation to evolve together.

So, the next time feedback comes your way, embrace it. See it not as noise but as a melody guiding your next business steps. Adjust, innovate, and grow. The narrative of feedback isn’t about complaints; it’s about continuous improvement and building stronger relationships.

The road to monumental profit isn’t paved with grand gestures but with attentive, focused tweaks. For founders, it’s about constantly being on the lookout for these “little things.” Whether refining operations, listening to feedback, or seeking an accountability partner, every detail can count.

And remember: you don’t have to walk this path alone. Whether it’s coaching or simply bouncing ideas off a trusted colleague, leverage the wisdom of the folks around you.

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Coaching Founders 🎯 https://brightgrowth.com - Not just talk, sold my startup with 32% YoY growth & 76% profit margins.