5 Fixes to Improve Small Business Operations in 30 Days
- Jon Irwin
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 24

Small business owners wear a dozen hats, and most of the time, operations get pushed to the bottom of the list. But disorganized systems don't just slow you down; they cost time, trust, and team retention.
At Resilio Partners, we help founders, nonprofits, and remote teams clean up their backend systems and confidently move forward. The good news is, you don't need months of consulting or expensive software to see real improvement.
Fast Wins for Better Small Business Operations
1. Streamline Your Onboarding Process
Whether it's for a client, vendor, or new team member, onboarding is often the first impression of your business.
What to do:
Use Google Forms to collect intake information
Automatically send welcome packets using Google Docs and simple automation
Create a shared "start here" folder for each engagement
A straightforward, repeatable onboarding process reduces confusion and builds trust from day one.
2. Create SOPs (Even If They're Not Perfect)
Many small teams rely on memory or verbal handoffs. That's fine—until something slips through the cracks.
What to do:
Start by documenting your three most common tasks
Use a Google Doc or Loom video to outline the process
Store them in a shared folder your team can access anytime
Even rough SOPs save time, prevent mistakes, and allow you to delegate more confidently.
3. Automate One Task You Repeat Weekly
Admin work eats up time, especially when it's manual and repetitive.
What to do:
Set up Gmail templates for common client responses
Use Google Apps Script to automate simple email sequences
Link Google Sheets to Stripe or your CRM for basic tracking and alerts
Automating even one small task can free up hours each month.

4. Establish a Weekly Planning Rhythm
You don't need a complete project management system to stay aligned—just a bit of structure.
What to do:
Set aside 90 minutes each Monday for your planning
Use a simple "This Week" doc to track priorities
Share key updates with your team in writing or via a short check-in call
A weekly cadence reduces confusion and keeps everyone moving in the same direction.
5. Track One Metric That Matters
Instead of chasing vanity metrics, choose one that reflects the health of your operations.
What to do:
Identify a number that drives action: revenue per client, time spent per project, or conversion rate
Set a baseline and track it weekly
Use this data to adjust scope, pricing, or team structure as needed
What you measure improves—especially when it's tied to business outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Operations isn't about perfection. It's about removing friction so your business can grow more sustainably. These five fixes are simple, fast, and proven to help real teams work better.
If you're ready to implement these—or want someone to do it for you—I'm here to help.

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