FCB #046: Document, Hire, Train & Delegate for Success!

Introduction

Are you struggling as an appraisal business owner?

Are you wearing multiple hats and finding yourself constantly overwhelmed?

Are you experiencing a revolving door as it relates to hiring and retaining staff?

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, I have an easy 4-step solution for you:

1. Document your recurring tasks and processes.
2. Hire administrative and professional assistants.
3. Train them on your documented tasks and processes.
4. Learn how to delegate effectively to your new hires.

The key to climbing your own corporate ladder is to replace yourself in the administrative and technical/tactical functions of your business.

You do this through the 4-step process of (1) documenting, (2) hiring, (3) training, and (4) effective delegation.

Let's get into it!

Document

The first step is to make a list of all the recurring tasks and processes you do every day, week and month.

Most of these are done at your computer.

To document these, use simple screen recording softwares like Loom and/or Descript.

Just hit "record" and talk out loud, describing what you are doing on your computer.

These softwares video tape what you're doing and make automatic transcriptions of your voice.

You can then cut and paste these transcriptions into Word or Google documents.

Create process narratives, standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, checklists, etc.

House these videos and process documents in your file management system, dedicated SOP software programs or, better yet, in a relational database platform like SmartSuite.

Hire

Now that you have your lower-echelon tasks and processes documented, you're ready to hire your replacements.

Start in the following order:

• Administrative Assistant
• Appraisal Assistant
• Bookkeeper
• Appraiser
• Reviewer
• Bidder

By now you have the beginning of a team.

It will grow over time.

At a certain point you will want to form a "Leadership Team."

Read "Traction" and "Get A Grip" by Gino Wickman.

You'll understand why once you read these two books.

Train

Most appraisal firms train via word-of-mouth and tribal knowledge.

New hires flank more experienced team members.

Unfortunately, the owner typically has to train new hires.

Either way, it's a very ineffective way of training new staff.

The new staff sense it and most won't stay long-term.

You want to develop a repeatable onboarding and training system.

Once you do, training becomes a snap.

Each new hire has their own specific role-based operating manual or guide.

Everything they need to learn their new position is in this guide.

Their role manual/guide does the heavy lifting for training them.

You're simply there to answer whatever questions come up.

These questions will also be documented in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of their training guide.

Training becomes much simpler and much more effective.

New hires learn their jobs quicker and are more successful.

They're happy campers and they stay with your firm long-term.

Delegate

Okay, now they are onboarded and trained effectively and efficiently.

Horray! Now you can delegate all those recurring tasks and processes.

The ones that bog you down every day, week and month.

You are now freed up to focus on higher, more important strategic work.

The type of work that can grow your business and make it more profitable.

Congratulations! You've moved yourself up your own corporate ladder.

You're no longer stuck in administrative and tactical tasks.

You're free now to learn how to be a more effective manager and leader.

Conclusion

Building a successful appraisal business isn't rocket science.

There are a few key things you need to get right as a business owner.

First and foremost is documenting, hiring, training, and delegating.

The sooner you start doing these four key items, the sooner you'll become more successful.

Create a business that serves your life, not one you become a servant to.

Run your business, don't let it run you!

1. Document
2. Hire
3. Train
4. Delegate

Four easy steps towards more time and financial freedom, personal enjoyment, and appraisal business success!

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If you are an appraisal business owner, I can help you two ways:

1. Go to www.CalvinCummings.com and subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
2. While there, Book a Free Consult call and see if our Appraiser2X Coaching Program is a good fit for you and your business.

If you keep doing what you've been doing, you'll continue to get what you've been getting.

If you want to make a change, you have to change how you think and what you do.

I've been there, done that, and I can help you make the needed changes.

Business coaching isn't the only way, but it is a very good way.

Reach out if you'd like to build a more successful appraisal business.

Best of Success!

Calvin Cummings | Appraiser2X Coach | MAI, Non-Practicing

Email: Calvin[at]Appraiser2X[dot]com | Web: www[dot]CalvinCummings[dot]com