Greetings Flooring Dealers!
If your flooring store is going to be system rather than owner dependent, then it’s a foregone conclusion that you must delegate. Delegating is a big topic that cannot be fully explored here, and I dedicate a lot of my coaching resources to teaching store owners how to delegate effectively, but here are some tips to get you started.
First, realize that if it’s not written down, it’s not a system. If it’s in your head and not on paper, then it’s extremely difficult to delegate. McDonald’s has written systems for everything.
Second, make sure that each task you delegate is clearly defined. Writing it down helps you define the parameters of a task.
Third, have accountability. Using written checklists is key. This way everyone involved knows exactly what’s expected. Nothing is left to interpretation.
I’ve heard a lot of small business owners make the complaint that you “can’t find good help anymore.” This is utter B.S., and a dangerous excuse for effectively delegating and running your business on systems. Invariably when I take a closer look at these businesses, they have not done any of the three steps mentioned above. The problem is not with the employee, it’s that the owner has no system and is otherwise hopelessly disorganized. They then complain when they can’t get good results from their employees.
Also, when I’ve brought up McDonald’s as my example of a system-dependent business, I’ve had some dealers say, “Systems are great for McDonald’s, but selling and installing flooring is WAY more complicated selling hamburgers. I have to babysit every step.” My reply is always the same: the very complexity of the flooring business means that you have a GREATER need for systems, not less.
To Tons Of Customers!
Jim Augustus Armstrong is The “Coach”
Jim Augustus Armstrong is the President of Flooring Success Systems, a program that equips dealers to double their profits, cut their work hours in half and beat the boxes! Many dealers have totally transformed their businesses and their lives for the better after joining Flooring Success Systems.
See what real, live dealers are saying!