I’ve found that one of the hardest parts about owning a business is the ability to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities and focus on the larger, long-term goals of the organization. In home staging, there are always boxes to be unpacked, furniture to touch up, and floors to be swept so it’s easy to get lost in the mundane tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture. Earlier this year, we worked with a local firm to assess the overall health of Olive + Opal through a business valuation. Our top takeaway from the valuation was the fact that we were too busy working IN the business to focus ON the business.

While arranging furniture and perfecting lighting might be the face of the business, the behind-the-scenes work of documenting procedures holds the key to unleashing your brand's full potential. Let's explore why documenting your procedures is an absolute game-changer, allowing your brand to shine, granting you well-deserved vacations, and fueling the growth of your team.

Crafting Consistency: Your Brand's Signature Shine

Every home staging business should have a unique brand aesthetic that sets them apart – a signature style that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. Documenting your procedures ensures that this distinctive charm shines through consistently, regardless of who's at the helm of a project. The expected O+O style is a contemporary twist on classic design, but whether your brand is a fusion of rustic and modern or minimalistic, your documented procedures become the compass that guides your team towards replicating your brand's magic. By having clear guidelines and steps laid out, you ensure that every staging project aligns with your brand's essence, giving clients that unmistakable "wow" factor they've come to expect.

Embracing Freedom: Hello, Well-Deserved Vacations

In dead of the cold long St. Louis winters, there is nothing I crave more than a trip to the beach. It’s difficult for a small business owner to imagine a weeklong island getaway without your business teetering on the edge of chaos. Documented procedures provide the stability you need to take that much-needed vacation without the worry. You've poured your heart and soul into creating a remarkable enterprise – now, let your documented processes be your trusty sidekick. With every detail outlined, from furniture placement to financial formulas, your team can confidently handle projects and backend operations in your absence. It's like having a secret code that ensures everything runs smoothly, allowing you to recharge and return with renewed creativity.

Fueling Growth: Guiding Your Team to Success

As your home staging business flourishes, so does the need to welcome new talents into your team. In the past 6 months alone, we’ve welcome two new in-house logistics team members to the O+O family. Documented procedures become an essential step for seamless onboarding and nurturing growth. Imagine handing a new team member a manual that walks them through each step, from the initial client consultation to the finishing touches. It's like providing a roadmap to success, enabling them to contribute their skills while understanding the core values of your business. By fostering a culture of learning and empowerment, you not only set your team up for success but also create an environment that fuels business growth.

Beyond the Aesthetics: Payroll and Marketing Made Efficient

While the aesthetic beauty of home staging is what captures attention, it's essential not to overlook the behind-the-scenes processes that keep your business humming. Documenting procedures for tasks like payroll and marketing may lack the glamour of arranging furniture, but their impact is profound. A documented payroll process ensures that your team is compensated accurately and on time, fostering trust and commitment. On the marketing front, documented procedures provide a roadmap for crafting and executing effective campaigns, allowing your brand's message to resonate consistently.

In the dynamic world of home staging, success isn't just about impeccable designs; it's about the robust processes that drive those designs. Documenting your procedures isn't just about paperwork – it's about unlocking the full potential of your brand, gaining the freedom to explore, nurturing a team that thrives, and streamlining critical behind-the-scenes functions. So, grab that pen, gather those notes, and start crafting your business's journey towards consistency, freedom, and boundless growth.