What’s 15 minutes worth to you?
“If you don’t have time to document your processes, you will always be stuck doing them.”
— Tim Ferriss?
Overcoming the “Growth Gridlock” is easier said than done. After our last newsletter, I had an amazing conversation with an HVAC company owner struggling to break through their current growth plateau.?
“My $8M commercial HVAC company is profitable, but we are not growing. I can’t work any harder if I tried. I think I might be the bottleneck in my business. My team is amazing, but they come to me for every decision…Making me feel like I can’t take a day off of work. I haven’t even taken a vacation in the past 3 years!”
While this business owner’s efforts are valiant, their plateau is largely due to the demand that every quote, major installation, and key client relationship requires their personal touch.?
Have you experienced the same level of ownership??
It’s a pivotal shift all successful businesses face at some point. But doing so requires your focus on the 3 sustainable growth milestones that matter:
Before re-routing around yourself as your biggest limitation, plug in the GPS and start the journey.
Before: Founder-Dependent Operation
You, like my friend, may be the crutch holding your operation back. Everything is dependent on you – from service delivery to business development and everything in between. It feels like starting a road trip without coffee, snacks, or GPS…And relying on a good ol’ printed Map Quest that does not recognize construction or traffic as you come across it.?
Been using tech your entire life? Imagine meeting friends for dinner at a place you're unfamiliar with 20 minutes away in traffic only to realize your navigation app crashed – again. What’s even worse? Not a single Uber in sight.
You manage every task manually, and your team is entirely dependent on you. Progress and growth are tied directly to your availability – which continues to dwindle as your business grows.?
After: Systems-Driven Operation
That before state is in your past once you implement SCALE.?
Your service delivery runs on project management software, skill matrix systems, automated parts ordering, and standardized pricing. Business development operates through CRM systems, proposal templates, and priority-based resource allocation. And training follows structured programs with clear certification paths so you can go from working 24/7 to taking that dream vacation to the safaris of Kenya or dancing in the streets of Brazil for Carnival. And it’s all thanks to your implementation of intelligent automation and scalable capabilities.?
Could Documenting Your Critical Processes Save Your Business Up To 10 Hours A Week?
Some people love processes and documentation. Most people don’t and that’s been fine for your business, until now. If creating documentation for everything in your business sounds complicated, there is a simple way to get it all going.
Time Investment: 2-3 Hours?
Return: 5-10 Hours Saved Weekly
The secret to mastering this system is knowing how to measure your progress and navigate your next business decision.
Don’t have 2 to 3 hours straight to set up detailed documentation? Get it done in about 10 days by splitting each step into time slices to guide you along the way.?
Day 1 (15 mins): Choose a critical process and document its start and endpoints.
Day 2 (30 mins): Spend 15 minutes listing the main steps, then 15 minutes noting the team members involved.
Day 3 (30 mins): List required tools (5-8 mins), common problems (15 mins), and time estimates for solving issues (7-10 mins).
Day 4 (30 mins): Share the process with the owner in a 30-minute meeting, walking through it for 20-25 minutes and leaving 5-10 minutes for questions.
Day 5 (30 mins): Agree on an implementation date, assist if critical, then spend 20 minutes reviewing what worked and 10 minutes updating documentation.
Make Your GPS Work For, Not Against You
Your potential growth is only as steady as the framework you’ve built your business around. A comprehensive strategy allows you to perform with efficient systems and navigate through each phase of your business with confidence.
Experiencing a growth plateau? Sometimes, your best bet is to look at another company’s problem and help them navigate through their situation. Now, back to my friend who owns a commercial HVAC company…What advice would you give??
Bonus Points:?
Identify one bottleneck in your business where a process refresh could make the biggest impact on your growth. Drop yours in the comments below and let's get to work!
Identify Warning Signs Of System Breakdown With A Proven Partner
Our GPS Framework helps hundreds of business owners identify their most critical priorities. Want to discover yours? Bring your company’s system warning signs to the surface, and have the tools to transition to the next phase of your business.?
At SCALE, we make the improbable possible – Strategically Cultivating Acceleration? Leveraging Expertise using our GPS Framework. Expect to break through barriers, scale your company, and maximize value so you can successfully exit or transition on your terms.