Dear Waste Management Company Owner,
I've seen countless small businesses in our industry fall victim to the allure of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Now, don't get me wrong, SOPs are crucial for structured businesses. They provide a framework to manage people and processes, offering security and reassurance properly. 

But here's the thing: SOPs can be the silent killer of your business growth if implemented at the wrong time.

Jay Abraham, the master of business growth, has always emphasized the importance of flexibility in the early stages of a business. 

You need to be able to pivot, adapt, and seize opportunities as they arise. Rigidly following SOPs during this critical phase can stifle your creativity and hinder your ability to respond to market demands. It's like trying to run a marathon with your shoelaces tied together – you're not going to get very far.

I've witnessed countless waste management companies crash and burn after following the misguided advice of their consultants. 

They're told to implement SOPs right from the get-go, and before they know it, they're drowning in paperwork and missing out on lucrative opportunities. It's a tragedy that plays out time and time again.

So, when should you implement SOPs in your waste management business? 

The answer is simple: when you've achieved stability in your waste streams and customer base. This is where marketing, sales, and business development come into play. You need to focus on building a solid foundation first, and only then can you start thinking about introducing SOPs.

Think of it like constructing a house. You wouldn't start putting up walls and installing windows before you've laid a solid foundation, would you? 

The same principle applies to your business. Get your marketing and sales strategy in order, establish a loyal customer base, and implement SOPs to streamline your operations.

Don't let the allure of structure and order blind you to the realities of growing a successful waste management business. 

Embrace flexibility, take risks, and trust your instincts. 

Only when you've built a stable foundation should you start thinking about SOPs. Remember, as Dan Kennedy would say, "The greatest enemy of success is not failure, but comfort." 

Don't get too comfortable with SOPs too soon, or you might just find yourself on the scrap heap of failed businesses.

All the best

Sam

The Waste Management Whisperer