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Business Processes

The Power of Standard operating Procedures

How Standard Operating Procedures Can Revolutionise Your Business

Marie Curie Didn’t Just Revolutionise Science – She Gave Us SOPs

Marie Curie is best known for her groundbreaking work in radioactivity, but what many don’t realise is that her meticulous methods in the laboratory set a standard for the way businesses can thrive today—through the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
 
Imagine being so precise that the world relies on your work not only to advance knowledge but to ensure that processes are foolproof, repeatable, and reliable. That’s what Curie did for science, and it’s exactly what SOPs can do for businesses today.
 
SOPs, much like the rigor in Curie’s experiments, are all about consistency. When there’s a clear, standard way to do things, mistakes shrink, efficiency soars, and confusion becomes a thing of the past. What if every time you hired a new employee, they knew exactly what to do, how to do it, and in what order?
 
It’s not magic; it’s just good business.

The Science of Order: Why SOPs Matter

Standard Operating Procedures may sound like the kind of thing only large corporations with floor-to-ceiling filing cabinets need, but even the smallest of businesses can benefit from them.
 
SOPs essentially take the guesswork out of daily operations. Whether it’s how to onboard a new customer, ship a product, or manage an email campaign, SOPs ensure every step is followed the same way, every time. They help with training, quality control, and—surprise, surprise—make your business scalable.
 
Data backs this up. A report by McKinsey showed that companies with clear operational procedures are 30% more likely to experience significant growth within five years than those without. Why? Because a well-oiled machine doesn’t break down under pressure. And neither will your business if you’ve built it on a foundation of strong, clear processes.
 
But where did this all start? And why should businesses, big or small, be adopting this approach today?

From Curie’s Lab to Your Business: The Parallels of Precision

Marie Curie wasn’t just a scientist—she was a stickler for process. Working with radium (which was, let’s say, more than a little hazardous), she had to be exact in every experiment, every measurement.
 
One misstep could mean, at best, a botched experiment; at worst, deadly exposure. Much like Curie in her laboratory, businesses must operate with the same precision if they want to succeed.
 
After all, can you imagine a bakery not having a standard recipe for its best-selling bread? A slip of the hand, a missed step, and suddenly that famous sourdough tastes like cardboard. That’s what happens when businesses don’t have SOPs.
 
Just as Curie revolutionised science by demanding clarity and consistency in her methods, businesses can use SOPs to revolutionise their operations. Whether it’s ensuring the correct safety protocols in a workshop or making sure your sales emails hit the mark every time, SOPs take chaos out of the equation.
 
It’s no coincidence that Henry Ford, another pioneer, also loved SOPs. His famous assembly line was, at its heart, a strict procedural operation that allowed him to produce cars at a previously unimaginable rate.
 
Every worker, every machine had its place and role. When SOPs are in place, there’s less room for human error, and quality becomes the standard, not the exception.

Here’s How SOPs Can Transform Your Business

Small to medium-sized businesses often think SOPs are for the ‘big guys.’ But this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, SOPs are one of the most powerful tools smaller businesses have at their disposal.
 
SOP’s allow you to be as efficient as the giants without the same overheads. Consider this: when you have a small team, each person often wears multiple hats, juggling various tasks.
 
SOPs ensure that no matter who’s handling which role today, they can do so consistently and effectively.
 
Moreover, SOPs offer a roadmap for scalability. Want to open a second location? Want to hire five new employees? Without clear procedures in place, expansion will feel like reinventing the wheel every time.
 
With SOPs, however, it’s simply a matter of handing over the playbook.
 
One success story involves a small marketing agency that saw rapid growth after formalising their processes. Before implementing SOPs, their campaign strategies varied depending on who was handling the project.
 
Client satisfaction was a gamble. Once they put procedures in place—from onboarding clients to creating content to tracking campaign performance—quality improved, and they had a blueprint for growth. Within two years, their revenue doubled, and they had the confidence to hire a larger team knowing each new member could quickly get up to speed.

The Real Impact on Small and Medium Businesses

For small and medium businesses (SMBs), SOPs can be a game-changer.
 
SMBs are more agile than their larger competitors, which means they can implement and adjust SOPs more swiftly. These procedures also create clarity and reduce the learning curve for new employees.
 
Imagine hiring someone who knows exactly what to do by simply following a guide.
 
More importantly, SOPs help you pivot when needed. A global pandemic? New customer demand? Changing market conditions? No problem.
 
When your core operations are solidified with SOPs, you can focus your energy on adapting to external changes, without worrying that your internal processes will collapse under the pressure.
 
The beauty of SOPs lies in their simplicity. They don’t have to be overly complex; they just have to work.
 
A small business can start by documenting basic tasks—how to send a newsletter, how to follow up on a sales lead—and expand from there.

What This Means for Your Marketing Strategy

The ripple effect of having SOPs in place extends into your marketing strategy as well. Marketing isn’t just about creativity; it’s about consistency and repetition. How do you handle new leads? What’s your follow-up email process? How do you measure the success of each campaign? If you don’t have a playbook for these tasks, your marketing will be as unpredictable as the weather.
 
But when you’ve created SOPs for your marketing efforts—whether it’s a social media post calendar or an automated email sequence—you ensure every action is consistent with your brand voice, objectives, and customer expectations. And that’s where the real magic happens. Marketing strategies thrive on consistency, just like any other business process. Having clear procedures in place guarantees that nothing slips through the cracks, and your audience gets the same high-quality experience every time.

SOP Your Way to Success

Imagine what your business could achieve if every part of it worked as smoothly as a well-rehearsed play.
 
Every employee knows their role, every task gets done the right way, every time. That’s the power of SOPs. They aren’t just for the Marie Curies and Henry Fords of the world—they’re for you, too.
 
So, as you look at your marketing strategy today, ask yourself: Do you have a clear process in place, or are you just winging it? Are your marketing efforts consistent, or are they all over the place?
 
The value of creating SOPs is immense—especially in marketing, where consistency builds trust, and trust drives sales.
 
Now is the time to take a page out of Curie’s book and create SOPs that can revolutionise your business.
 
The sooner you systematise, the sooner you’ll see results. And that, my friends, is the kind of repeatable success we can all get behind.
The Online Marketer
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Digitally First but Physically Enhanced

The Online Business Model has usurped the Physical Business Presence as the primary business presence. Physical businesses now support the online versions.

This transitioning has been fraught with difficulty but has been terribly exciting. Successful transients are alive with possibilities…

The Power of Standard Operating Procedures Read More »

Build business processes to predict success
Business Processes

The Ripple Effect of Innovation

Your Coffee Moment: The Small Gesture That Defines Your Brand

How Small Changes Can Transform Your Business

Julius Caesar once threw extravagant parades for his victories. But not all these parades were for conquering new territories; some were simply to celebrate winning over his allies. Caesar understood that public recognition could make or break his career, and that small gestures of acknowledgment were often more powerful than grand military conquests. While we may not be marching through Rome today, the principle remains the same—leaders, businesses, and even small gestures can dramatically shape public perception and loyalty.

This idea resonates just as strongly today, even in unexpected places, like a small tile business in South Africa, where a cup of coffee is the new parade.

The Cape Tiles Example: Small Gestures, Big Impact

In my blog post, “Innovation vs Relevance”, I discussed how Wesley, the owner of Cape Tiles, created value for his clients by offering them coffee while they waited. A simple gesture, right? But it became more than just a drink. It turned into part of the company’s identity—a symbol of their hospitality. However, as costs rose, Wesley considered cutting back on this seemingly insignificant offering.

After reading the article, Wesley doubled down on his belief in the power of small gestures. He responded by creating an Instagram reel, reinforcing the coffee and hospitality culture at Cape Tiles. You can see it here: Instagram reel. It’s a perfect example of how small touches—when acknowledged and celebrated—can transform into defining features of a business. This isn’t about the coffee itself, but what it represents: warmth, care, and personal attention

Why Leaders Crave Recognition—And Why It Matters for Businesses

Just as Julius Caesar paraded for political victories and Wesley filmed a reel about coffee, recognition plays a key role in leadership and business success. Human psychology is wired to seek validation, and it’s this validation that often fuels the drive for innovation. Leaders like Caesar, or more contemporary icons like Steve Jobs, knew that to maintain their influence, they needed to be seen and appreciated.

In the same way, businesses need recognition—not just through massive campaigns but through small, authentic interactions that resonate with customers. This could be as simple as a thoughtful follow-up email, an unexpected freebie, or an Instagram post thanking customers for their support. These gestures create a sense of belonging, making clients feel appreciated and connected to your brand.

The coffee at Cape Tiles wasn’t just a drink—it became a symbol of how the business valued its customers, turning a cost into an investment in relationship-building. Wesley could have seen the coffee as an unnecessary expense, but instead, he recognised it as a unique selling point that kept customers coming back. His response video beautifully encapsulates this idea, offering a modern take on Caesar’s parades: small gestures that lead to big returns.

The Parallel with Small and Medium Businesses: Creating Your Own Parades

The concept of adding value through recognition is easily applied to small and medium-sized businesses. Take, for instance, a local bookshop that sends handwritten thank-you notes to its customers or a boutique hotel that surprises guests with complimentary snacks in their rooms. These small but meaningful acts don’t break the bank but speak volumes about the company’s brand ethos.

For SMEs, these “parades” can be even more impactful because they differentiate you from larger corporations that often overlook the power of personal connections. If you’re a small business owner, ask yourself: what’s my coffee? What small but powerful gesture can I introduce that will make my customers feel valued and appreciated?

And don’t just think about the immediate cost. Just like Wesley’s coffee became part of Cape Tiles’ culture, your “coffee” could become part of your brand identity, making you memorable and building long-term loyalty.

 

What’s Your Coffee?

As I reflect on both Julius Caesar’s parades and Wesley’s coffee culture, the question for small businesses becomes clear: are you creating enough of these “parades”? Are you finding ways to publicly recognise and appreciate your customers in a meaningful way? It doesn’t need to be a grand, costly gesture. Sometimes, all it takes is a cup of coffee—or the equivalent for your industry.

Think about the simple things you can do to make your customers feel special. It might just be the small spark that transforms your business from ordinary to unforgettable. So, what’s your coffee, and how will you use it to enhance your marketing strategy?

The Online Marketer
Get Some More Exclusive Content

Digitally First but Physically Enhanced

The Online Business Model has usurped the Physical Business Presence as the primary business presence. Physical businesses now support the online versions.

This transitioning has been fraught with difficulty but has been terribly exciting. Successful transients are alive with possibilities…

The Ripple Effect of Innovation Read More »

Build business processes to predict success
Business Processes

Unleash Exponential Profit by Compounding These Growth Catalysts

The Secret to Compounding Small Improvements for Long-Term Profit Growth

Transform Your Business with Simple 10% Tweaks

Many businesses focus on short-term wins, such as securing one-off deals, but these are often unsustainable. A better approach is to focus on compounding small improvements across key areas of your business. If you could achieve just a 10% improvement in each of your seven primary performance factors, your profitability could increase by an incredible 94%!

In this post, we will explain how improving each Growth Catalyst by 10% can lead to such a dramatic profit increase. And to make this concept more tangible, we’ve included a simple calculator where you can test this proposition for your business.

1. The Concept: 10% Improvement Across 7 Growth Catalysts

The idea is simple: by focusing on small, incremental improvements across 7 key Growth Catalysts, you can achieve an astounding overall profit increase. This happens because improvements in one area reinforce improvements in others, compounding the effects and leading to exponential profit growth.

Here are the 7 Growth Catalysts you should focus on:

a. Foot Count or Web Traffic

This is the number of people who walk into your store or visit your website. Even a 10% improvement in traffic will immediately generate more opportunities for sales.


b. Opt-ins, Interest Shown, Demos Requested, or Fittings

Out of the people who visit, how many express interest by opting in for emails, signing up for demos, or engaging in a product fitting? A 10% improvement in this conversion step increases the pool of potential buyers.


c. Number of Conversions

Once a customer shows interest, the next step is converting them into a paying customer. By improving your conversion rate by 10%, you turn more leads into sales.


d. Number of Items Bought per Customer (Upsell or Onset)

Encouraging customers to buy more during each transaction—either through upselling or cross-selling—directly increases revenue. A 10% increase in the average number of items bought can significantly boost the overall transaction value.


e. Average Sale Price (Product Selection, Brand vs. Generic)

Even a slight shift in the average sale price—whether by promoting higher-end products or adjusting your pricing strategy—can have a large impact on profitability. A 10% increase in the average sale price will quickly boost profits.


f. Customer Lifetime Value (How Often Customers Buy, Total Purchases Over Time)

If you can encourage customers to return more often or spend more across their lifetime, you’re adding long-term value to your business. A 10% increase in how often customers return significantly adds to your compounding profits.


g. Markup (Higher-Margin Product Selection)

By improving your markup, either by negotiating better deals with suppliers or promoting higher-margin products, you’re making every sale more profitable. A 10% increase in markup has a direct impact on bottom-line profits.

2. The 10% Rule: How Small Improvements Compound

You might be wondering how improving these seven areas by just 10% can lead to a 94% increase in profitability. The magic lies in the compounding effect.

Improvements in each factor multiply each other, leading to exponential growth. For example, a 10% increase in foot traffic boosts not only the number of customers but also amplifies improvements in opt-ins, conversions, and average sale price.

Let’s break it down step by step:

Profit Increase=(1.10)7−1=94

This means that if you improve each factor by 10%, your overall profitability could increase by 94%—nearly double your current profits!

3. Key Areas for 10% Improvement

Below is a recap of the seven key factors, alongside specific strategies to help you achieve that 10% improvement:


a. Foot Count or Web Traffic

  • Enhance SEO: Implement small changes to improve search engine rankings.
  • Local marketing campaigns: Run short-term promotions or events to attract more foot traffic or web visitors.
  • Boost visibility on social media: Target campaigns that generate a 10% increase in website clicks.

b. Opt-ins, Interest Shown, Demos Requested, or Fittings

  • Optimize CTAs: Test and improve calls-to-action on your website, store signage, or social media to boost opt-ins.
  • Offer exclusive demos: Use limited-time demo offers or free consultations to encourage more sign-ups.
  • Engage in-person customers: Train sales staff to encourage more people to try products, increasing demos or fittings by 10%.

c. Number of Conversions

  • Sales training: Continuously refine sales scripts and objection handling, aiming for a 10% conversion boost.
  • A/B test landing pages: Experiment with different messaging, images, or layouts to improve online conversion rates.
  • Follow-up strategies: Increase the number of follow-up interactions with potential customers to close more sales.

d. Number of Items Bought per Customer (Upsell or Onset)

  • Implement bundles: Offer product bundles that naturally encourage customers to buy more.
  • Cross-sell recommendations: Use algorithms or sales techniques to recommend complementary products.
  • Train staff: Regularly train employees to identify and promote upsell opportunities.

e. Average Sale Price (Product Selection, Brand vs. Generic)

  • Promote higher-end products: Increase visibility of premium or high-margin products.
  • Price optimization: Experiment with raising prices on certain items by 10%, monitoring customer response.
  • Offer value-added services: Attach premium services or warranties to boost the average sale price.

f. Customer Lifetime Value (How Often Customers Buy, Total Purchases Over Time)

  • Loyalty programs: Gradually enhance your loyalty program to encourage repeat business.
  • Personalized marketing: Use targeted marketing campaigns to bring back customers more frequently.
  • Subscription models: Introduce subscription options where customers make regular purchases automatically.

g. Markup (Higher-Margin Product Selection)

  • Renegotiate supplier terms: Gradually negotiate better prices with suppliers.
  • Focus on premium products: Promote higher-margin products more prominently in your store or online.
  • Reduce operational costs: Improve operational efficiency to increase profit margins.

4. Case Studies: 10% Improvements in Action

a. Amazon

Amazon has continuously optimized every aspect of their business, from logistics to product recommendations. By focusing on small, incremental improvements across their supply chain, customer experience, and product selection, they have been able to increase both traffic and profitability year over year.

b. Starbucks

Starbucks achieved significant growth by focusing on incremental improvements across customer retention, pricing strategies, and product upsells. Small improvements in the average sale price of premium drinks and increased customer frequency through their loyalty program have made a massive impact on their bottom line.

5. Test the 10% Rule: Use Our Calculator

To help you see how these improvements can work for your business, we’ve included a Compound Improvement Calculator. Input your estimate figures for the number of key factors where you can expect growth, and the estimated average improvement % and the calculator will show you the potential impact of the improvement in overall profitability

Use the calculator to explore how different small improvements  can lead to a huge profit increase over time.

This will allow you to see firsthand how even modest gains can have a dramatic impact on your bottom line.

Compound Improvement Calculator




But there are other growth catalysts too

  1. Employee productivity
  2. Operational efficiency (reducing waste and streamlining processes)
  3. Inventory turnover rate
  4. Customer satisfaction scores
  5. Speed of service or delivery
  6. Upsell/cross-sell success rate
  7. Cost per acquisition
  8. Website loading speed (for online businesses)
  9. Email open and click-through rates (for marketing campaigns)
  10. Social media engagement rates
  11. Employee retention rate
  12. Supplier negotiation (improving terms or costs)

From Small Improvements to Big Profit Growth

While chasing one-off deals or temporary promotions may seem appealing, the real path to long-term, sustainable profit growth lies in compounding small improvements.

By focusing on the seven Growth Catalysts and striving for just a 10% improvement in each, you can increase your overall profitability by up to 94%.

Start by identifying one factor to improve today. Use our calculator to measure the potential impact, and watch how small, consistent changes will transform your business over time.

The Online Marketer
Get Some More Exclusive Content

Digitally First but Physically Enhanced

The Online Business Model has usurped the Physical Business Presence as the primary business presence. Physical businesses now support the online versions.

This transitioning has been fraught with difficulty but has been terribly exciting. Successful transients are alive with possibilities…

The Power of Compounding Small Improvements Read More »

Build business processes to predict success, Uncategorized
The sales process

The Evolution and Relevance of Business Cards for SMEs

A conversation starter, and a lasting reminder of your brand.

Business cards have long been a staple of professional networking, evolving from aristocratic visiting cards in 17th century Europe to essential tools for modern business interactions. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the business card is more than just a contact detail—it’s a first impression, a conversation starter, and a lasting reminder of your brand.

A Brief History of Business Cards

  • 17th Century Origins: Initially used by European aristocrats, visiting cards announced a person’s intention to visit and were often lavishly decorated.
  • 18th Century Trade Cards: In England, these cards doubled as advertisements and maps to guide customers to businesses.
  • 19th Century Modernization: With the Industrial Revolution, business cards became crucial for professional networking, especially in the United States and Europe.

Fun Facts About Business Cards

  • Victorian Etiquette: In the Victorian era, folded corners on cards had specific meanings, such as indicating a personal delivery.
  • Cultural Variations: In Japan, the exchange of business cards is a formal ritual known as “meishi koukan,” emphasizing respect and attention to detail.
  • Creative Materials: Modern business cards can be made from unique materials like metal, wood, and even chocolate.

Rethinking Business Cards in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, the traditional paper business card is complemented by innovative digital solutions. SMEs can leverage these advancements to enhance their networking and marketing efforts.

Introducing Automated Virtual Card (vCard) Delivery

At The Online Marketer, we’ve integrated a cutting-edge feature into our Mailjam package that revolutionises the way you exchange contact information. Here’s how it works:

  1. Effortless Exchange: When someone enters their details into your phone or scans a QR code  they instantly receive your full contact details in vCard (VCF) form.
  2. Smartphone Integration: This ensures that your contact information is seamlessly added to their smartphone, eliminating the risk of losing or forgetting paper business cards.
  3. Automated Follow-Up: Our system can also automate the delivery of specific information related to the networking event you attended, taking follow-up to the next level.

The Advantages of Digital Business Cards

  • Capture and Retain Contacts: Digital vCards ensure that your details are accurately captured and stored in your contacts’ smartphones.
  • Enhanced Follow-Up: Automated follow-ups provide personalised information, helping to solidify connections made during networking events.
  • Sustainable and Innovative: Going digital reduces paper waste and demonstrates your commitment to innovative business practices.

Embrace the Future of Networking

As an SME, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. By adopting digital business card solutions, you not only streamline the process of exchanging contact details but also enhance your follow-up strategy, ensuring that every networking opportunity is maximised.

Consider how your current use of business cards aligns with these modern advancements. Are you making the most of your networking efforts? With automated vCard delivery, you can transform the way you connect, making every interaction count.

Mailjam VCards

For more information on how our Mailjam package can support your business’s networking needs, contact us today and take the first step towards a more connected future.

Digitally First but Physically Enhanced

The Online Business Model has usurped the Physical Business Presence as the primary business presence. Physical businesses now support the online versions.

This transitioning has been fraught with difficulty but has been terribly exciting. Successful transients are alive with possibilities…

The evolution of business cards Read More »

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