Welcome to National SOP Month
October may not officially be National Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Month, but it absolutely should be—at least in the world of entrepreneurs. When I think about the key lessons that have shaped my business success, the importance of planning, hiring right, and prioritizing health stand out. So, let’s dive into these three essential lessons every entrepreneur should consider for a productive and profitable year ahead.
1. October Should Be SOP Month (and November Annual Planning Month)
Okay, I’m half-joking—but seriously, imagine if we had dedicated holidays like this for entrepreneurs. In my dream world, October would be National SOP Month, and November would be Annual Planning Month. Think about how much smoother your business could run if you dedicated time to audit your standard operating procedures, tighten up your processes, and plan for growth.
It’s no secret: planning is powerful. In fact, some of the most successful entrepreneurs are relentless planners. They invest time in building strategies, setting clear goals, and laying out a roadmap for their business. Planning doesn’t just make your business more efficient; it gives you clarity and confidence to tackle the year ahead.
Your first action step for 2025: Block out one hour this week to reflect on your goals. Start by asking yourself, If I had to redo this past week in 2025, what would I do differently? This simple reflection can spark ideas to improve your operations, team growth, or customer strategy.
2. Hiring Isn’t a Puzzle—Don’t Force the Wrong Piece
Here’s the thing about hiring: a square peg won’t fit in a round hole, and no amount of forcing will make it happen. If you’ve ever hired the wrong person, you know it can be costly—both in time and resources. That’s why it’s critical to find the right person for the right role. You need someone who can not only handle the responsibilities but thrive in them.
So how do you avoid a hiring mismatch? Get crystal clear on what you need for each position. This clarity is key. I don’t just wait for the perfect candidate to come along; I actively search on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. I look for the exact attributes that match the role I need to fill.
Here’s my pro tip for finding great hires on Indeed (for free): Define your role thoroughly and be very specific in your job description. You can also search and reach out to candidates directly. Need more details on how I do it? Just ask—I'd be happy to share my process.
3. You Are Your Business’s Greatest Asset
It might sound cliché, but as a former gym owner, I can’t stress this enough: your health is your business’s most important asset. There’s plenty of data to support this—entrepreneurs who prioritize their health, through exercise and proper nutrition, tend to have higher productivity and better profit margins.
If your health isn’t a priority, everything else in your business will eventually suffer. Taking care of yourself allows you to show up stronger, both mentally and physically, for your team and clients.
Today’s action step: Take a moment to focus on your well-being. Start by taking 5,000–10,000 steps today, drink 4 glasses of water, and prioritize a protein-packed meal. Small, consistent actions will build a foundation of energy and resilience to fuel your business growth.
Celebrating Wins and Personal Growth
It’s important to recognize progress—both your own and that of your team. This past week, I had the opportunity to speak at a high-level mastermind group on time freedom. It was an exciting (and a little nerve-wracking) experience, but it reminded me of the importance of stepping back from your business. Testing the strength of your systems and your own leadership skills is crucial for growth.
I’m also incredibly proud of one of my clients, JR, who is making amazing strides in leadership. She’s learning how to communicate more clearly and effectively with her staff—a skill that’s often overlooked but is essential for scaling a business.
Lifestyle Flex: Planning for Adventure
Speaking of stepping away, I’ve started planning my 2025 trips, events, and personal challenges. One big goal on my list? A guided fly-fishing trip out west. It’s not just about the trip itself—it’s about creating space to recharge and refocus. If you have any recommendations for great fly-fishing spots, feel free to send them my way!
Key Takeaways for the Week
As you move forward this week, remember these three lessons:
Plan like the greats. Take time to review your SOPs and map out your future strategies.
Hire with intention. Don’t settle for the wrong fit—be proactive and deliberate in your hiring process.
Take care of your health. Your well-being is directly tied to your business’s success, so invest in yourself.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth in every way—personally and professionally. What are you doing this week to set yourself up for success?
