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Get Out of Your Store
Here are the 10 systems and processes I put into place to operate my store remotely.
Hello Wash Weekly Family,
One question I get asked by laundromat owners is: how much time do you spend at the store?
I can tell you that I spend far less time at the store now than I used to all because I put business systems and processes in place.
These systems and processes allow the business to run smoothly even when I’m not there — an owner’s ultimate dream!
Here are some of the key strategies I’ve implemented that freed me up from being at the store every day:
Build a good team.
Your team is the backbone of the business, and having the right people in place can make all the difference. But it’s not just about hiring good people. You also want to make sure they are in the right position.Train the team well.
Provide your team with thorough training on all aspects of the business, including how to operate all of the equipment, how to make simple repairs, how to handle client service issues, manage the POS, and so much more.
Document everything (write, pictures & videos).
To ensure that everyone is on the same page, document everything. This includes creating written procedures for all tasks, taking pictures of how things should be set up, and even recording videos and audio of certain processes. This way, there's no confusion about how things should be done.
Use technology.
Technology has made it easier than ever to run a business remotely. I use software to manage the operations remotely, so I can keep track of everything even when I'm not there.
Empower the team to make decisions and solve problems on their own.
Giving your team the autonomy to handle client service issues and other challenges that arise makes them feel more invested in the business and better equipped to handle any situation that arises.
Put a good manager in place.
Having the right person in place as a manager is crucial when it comes to running a business remotely. I make sure to hire someone who is trustworthy, experienced, and has strong leadership skills.
Install CCTV cameras.
CCTV cameras are an excellent tool for keeping an eye on the business when you're not there. I have cameras set up throughout the store so I can monitor what's going on and ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Use remote monitoring systems.
In addition to CCTV cameras, I also use remote monitoring systems. These allow me to check on the status of the store and view issues while trying to troubleshoot with the team.
Set clear expectations.
Make sure that everyone knows exactly what their responsibilities are and what is expected of them. Also, ensure you can measure your expectations.
Automate processes.
Automating certain processes, such as the scheduling of employee shifts or ordering of supplies, can save a lot of time and effort. I use software to automate these tasks, so I don't have to spend as much time managing the day-to-day operations of the business.
When I first took over the business from my dad in 2015, I was working at the store pretty much every day. I knew that if I wanted the business to grow, I couldn’t do everything.
I was nervous at first about leaving the laundromat in the hands of my team. I even felt guilty at times leaving them to keep working when I left for the day.
Over time, I learned that I would need to trust them to handle the day-to-day operations of the business.
I built a solid team, trained them well, and set clear expectations so I could step back and focus on other aspects of the business.
The more strategies and tools I implemented, the more I was able to run the store remotely.
I knew I had made it when I received a call from a team member about a problem. I thought she needed my help solving the problem. I was wrong. She handled the client service issue on her own and was excited to tell me about it.
It was at that moment that I realized how much I had empowered my team to make decisions and solve problems on their own.
When you get to that level, you know your business is in good hands.
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TL;DR:
Reducing your time in the store requires putting systems and processes in place.
I list out the 10 systems and processes I use to run the store remotely.
It’s a great feeling when your employees can solve issues without you.
Til next week.
Waleed 🏴☠️
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