What is a Business Process?

Let's dive into a question that might seem straightforward but is essential to your business: What is a business process?

Let’s first define what a process is so we start off on the same page. A process “is a set of actions or operations that achieves a desired result.” From Process! How Discipline and Consistency Will Set You and Your Business Free

In this instance, the same definition applies, but to the business world, of course. Think of a business process as a recipe. A recipe tells you the steps to make your favorite chocolate chip cookies and a business process outlines the steps to achieve a particular goal in your business. From customer service to payroll, every aspect of a business involves processes!

A business process is a series of steps performed
by a group of stakeholders to achieve a concrete goal.
These steps are often repeated many times, sometimes
by multiple users and ideally in the same order.

—James Clear, successful entrepreneur
and author of Atomic Habits.

In the world of sports, a process is like a well-practiced play. NBA star LeBron James said, "There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results." In our businesses, when we commit to a process, we set ourselves up for consistent actions and, thus, consistent outcomes.

Business processes can be informal or formal, but when a business grows beyond its founder documented processes liberate him or her. Documenting your processes means writing down the steps so everyone can follow along whether you are around or not. Imagine the freedom you could experience when your team can reference a video or checklist and not you or your leaders. 

Whether it's a complex manufacturing process that needs to be simplified, or a simple checklist for opening your store each morning, your business processes should be consistent, efficient, and repeatable. 

So, entrepreneurs, remember this: every goal in your business, from satisfying customers to making payroll, relies on a process. Knowing and documenting these processes is key to your success. So go on, bake your business "cookies" to perfection!

What are your business processes?

How can you document them?

Your next big win could be just
one well-documented process away.