How Your Business Benefits From Having The Right Operations Support
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In the busy world of managing a service-based business, keeping operations running smoothly is imperative for your company's success. Operations is the strong foundation that holds up your business as it gets bigger and serves more clients.
For CEOs who own small businesses or are just starting out, the idea of "operations support" might sound like it's only for big companies. But in 2024, it's actually easier to get and more important than ever.
In this post, we’ll explain what operations support is. The types of operations support that’s available to you. How to know when your business is ready for operations support. And the average cost of operations support.
What is a Business Operations Support Specialist?
People who specialize in operations are experts in order. They bring efficiency to the day-to-day workings of your business. Structure and simplify complicated back-end processes. And help to increase customer satisfaction by ensuring services are delivered well.
All of these things help your business scale and become more sustainable by:
Streamlining Your Day-to-Day Efficiency
Streamlining efficiency can enhance your productivity. Reduce costs. And allow resources to be allocated more effectively, which contributes to your ability to scale and be sustained.
An operations support specialist notices when things are not running smoothly, so they work to make processes easier. Use automation where possible. And ensure the daily routines in your business are productive.
Helping You Navigate Complex Changes
Navigating change effectively requires adaptability, resilience, and the ability to take advantage of new opportunities, all of which are important for your long-term growth.
Operations specialists are good at making changes with new processes, tools, team members, and methods of completing work.
Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
Having a culture of innovation fosters creativity, continuous improvement, and a forward-thinking approach that can enable your business to stay ahead of the curve.
By handling or managing most of the day-to-day work, operations support specialists free up the creative and strategic minds in your business to do what they do best—innovate. This space for big-picture thinking can result in the discovery of fresh ideas for your business.
The Types of Operations Support Roles Available
When it comes to hiring operations support, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Several roles fall under the umbrella of operations, each with unique responsibilities and levels of authority:
Director of Operations (DOO)
This strategic leader is responsible for high-level operations planning and management, often reporting directly to the CEO.
Operations Consultant
Bringing an outside perspective, an operations consultant provides expertise for short-term projects, often focusing on strategy and managing change.
Operations Manager
Typically responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business, an operations manager ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Operations Assistant
In an entry-level role, the operations assistant supports the operations team in various administrative and support functions.
How to know when your business is ready for operations support:
It’s important to recognize when your business needs operational support. Here are a few indicators that your operational needs have outgrown what you can handle alone:
Your Business is experiencing Day-to-Day chaos
If each day feels like putting out fires without any time to focus on growth, operations support can provide structure and organization.
You’re Ready to Grow or Scale Your Business
When you’re trying to grow your business, having strong operations is a necessity. Operations specialists can help you build a healthy foundation for expansion.
You Have Broken or Outdated Processes
As market trends and customer expectations evolve, your operational processes may no longer be the right fit. An operations specialist can help you adapt and implement solutions tailored to your current needs.
The Average Cost of Operations Support
Operations support can vary in form and cost. It's important to consider your budget and the level of support you need. Here’s a look at the average costs you might expect:
Per Hour or Per Month
For part-time or project-based support, an hourly or monthly rate is normal. The average cost can range from $30-$125 per hour, but this will depend on the complexity of the tasks and the experience of the specialist.
Fractional vs Full-Time
A fractional operations specialist may provide immediate support on a limited basis. The average cost for fractional support can range from $2,500-$6,000 per month depending on the scope of work and size of your business.
A full-time specialist will be embedded in your daily operations, making them the point person for all operational issues and improvements. The average cost for full-time support can range from $5,000-$15,000 per month depending on the scope of work and size of your business.
Quick Tip:
Any investment you make in operations support should be justified by the results. Look for a specialist who can show tangible improvements and a return on your investment.
TLDR? Here’s A Quick Summary Of This Blog
Operations Support Is a Business Necessity. The role of an operations support specialist is far from a back-office afterthought. It’s a pivotal investment in your business’s growth. If you’re navigating chaotic workdays, the right operations support can make all the difference by propelling your business toward efficiency.
If you need help with this, learn more about our fractional operations management service here.