Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Business need a Playbook?
If you’re looking to free your mind from the overwhelming burden of managing your business and want to empower your teams with effective training, a Business Playbook (Powered by Trainual) is the solution you’ve been searching for! Say goodbye to scattered training content and struggling to delegate responsibilities. The platform caters to small and medium-sized businesses with 5-500 employees, making it a favourite among entrepreneurs, CEOs, HR and Operations leaders, office managers, and admins. By standardizing workflows, streamlining onboarding and training processes, and ensuring every employee has the necessary knowledge to excel, a centralized playbook keeps teams aligned and accountable, no matter where they work from. While not an enterprise tool, Trainual has proven successful for thousands of teams in specific use cases. Don’t hesitate to reach out and discover how Trainual can revolutionize your business and its unique needs.
Will my company’s data be secure?
Your company’s data is fully secured through a combination of advanced technologies and best practices. Only designated team members can access your confidential information, and user roles are assigned based on specific permissions to ensure tight control. If a team member leaves, removing their access is quick and seamless. Our cloud-based server and database comply with PCI Level 1 standards, providing robust protection, daily backups, and secure storage of all files. Your data is stored in a dedicated database schema for each workspace, making it impossible for data from different workspaces to be accessed or searched by others. Additionally, the database is only accessible from within secure, designated environments, with strict access controls in place. The system also tracks app usage solely for improving performance, with the option to opt-out if preferred. All these measures ensure that your data remains secure and private at all times.
What are your payment terms?
Our payment terms vary depending on the specific services or products you are investing in. For our services, we generally require an upfront commitment, which may include an initiation fee, followed by ongoing recurring payments depending on the nature of the engagement. For training programs, an upfront deposit is required, and the full payment must be completed prior to the commencement of the training. As for products, these are paid for in full at the time of purchase. We strive to make our payment process clear and straightforward, ensuring that it aligns with the value and outcomes you receive.
Also refer to our Terms and Conditions page for more information
Is Process Mapping Right for My Business
Business Process Mapping is an invaluable tool for any business looking to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability. Whether you’re a small business aiming to streamline operations or a larger organization seeking to standardize processes across departments, process mapping provides a clear visual representation of how your workflows operate. This clarity helps identify inefficiencies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement, making it easier to optimize your processes and align them with your business goals. If you’re looking to improve operational efficiency, enhance communication within your team, or prepare your business for growth, then Business Process Mapping is likely a great fit for your business. Our team at Expansive EDGE can help you assess your needs and guide you through the process to ensure you get the most out of this powerful tool.
How long does it take to develop training content?
Creating training content doesn’t have to be a lengthy or difficult process. If you already have training materials, you can easily import them directly into the system. If you’re starting from scratch, the built-in AI tools allow you to generate new content quickly by simply providing a few bullet points. Additionally, an extensive collection of templates is available to help you get started. While documenting your business playbook may take some time, we’ve streamlined the process to make it as easy and efficient as possible. Our team at Expansive EDGE is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
What is your process?
Our process, called ControlShift™, is designed to help businesses transition from Chaos to Control™ by systematically organizing, documenting, and optimizing their operations. Through our eight structured stages – Identify, Design, Capture, Codify, Activate, Amplify, Refine, and Oversight – we guide businesses toward a culture of continuous improvement, empowering teams and enhancing performance.
For a detailed breakdown of each stage, visit our ControlShift™ webpage.
Is it hard to train my team on a new software?
No, it’s absolutely not hard to train your team on new software. We involve your key stakeholders early in the development of the playbook, ensuring they gain confidence in the solution and become champions of the system for the rest of the team. By coaching them to embrace a continuous improvement culture and take full ownership of the project, we empower them to lead the way, making the transition smooth and effective for everyone involved. This approach not only simplifies training but also fosters a sense of ownership and engagement across your team.
What is a Business Playbook?
A business playbook is a comprehensive guide that encompasses all the essential processes, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) of your company. Referred to as a company playbook, this manual provides a detailed overview of how your business operates, delineating each role, responsibility, business strategy, and unique factor that sets you apart.
Check out our webpage that covers this in more detail: Business Playbooks
How will your solution tie in with our existing tech stack?
Our approach begins with a thorough audit of your existing tech stack to ensure compatibility and identify any potential gaps or opportunities for improvement. We design our solutions to not only integrate seamlessly with your current technology but also to be future-proof, allowing for scalability as your business grows. Our solutions typically offer integrations with popular cloud platforms and utilize open APIs, making it easier to connect with the tools and systems you already rely on. This ensures that our solutions enhance and complement your existing infrastructure, rather than disrupting it.
What Guarantees do you offer?
Increased Business Value
It is widely recognized that businesses with established systems are highly sought after by potential investors or buyers. We offer you a guarantee that by following our proven process and implementing the recommended tools, the value of your business will naturally soar as a direct result of the innovative systems we introduce.
At the start of the project, our team will provide qualifying businesses with a business valuation estimate to establish a benchmark, and another business valuation estimate will be conducted 6 months after the project’s completion. We assure you that your valuation will have increased due to the implementation of the systems we introduce.
Confidentiality
Rest assured that when our highly skilled and dedicated team handles your sensitive and proprietary business information, we go above and beyond to prioritize absolute confidentiality. We understand the immense value of your trust and therefore, we make a solemn vow to never disclose or share any of your valuable information without your explicit consent. Your privacy and security are of utmost importance to us, and we take every necessary measure to ensure that your sensitive data remains completely safeguarded. With our unwavering commitment to confidentiality, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that your information is in the most capable and trustworthy hands.
Improved Operational Efficiency
By working closely together with our experienced team and implementing a range of carefully crafted systems and strategies specifically designed for your unique business needs, we guarantee that your operations will undergo remarkable improvements. These enhancements will ultimately translate into increased efficiency and productivity, enabling your business to thrive and reach new heights of success. With our expert guidance and tailored solutions, you can confidently expect a significant boost in overall performance and a streamlined workflow that will ensure your business remains at the forefront of your industry.
Easy-to-use Systems and Approach
We understand that implementing and embracing new technology and systems can be overwhelming for businesses. Rest assured, our processes will remain straightforward, and the systems we offer will be user-friendly and easy to adopt. We are committed to ensuring that your team is well-trained and prepared for any challenges that come their way.
Metrics that Matter
We guarantee that the metrics and analytics we present will be meaningful and serve as a valuable guide for your decision-making. Our primary focus is to ensure that the impact on your team and culture is always positive, and that every effort and initiative we undertake will enhance the dynamics of your team. By fostering an efficient, coherent, and well-functioning team, you can expect to see an increase in your business valuation and bottom-line profit.
What is Business Process Mapping?
Business Process Mapping is like creating a detailed blueprint of how things get done in your organization. Imagine a clear, visual representation that captures every step, decision point, and outcome in your workflows. It’s not just about drawing boxes and arrows; it’s about understanding the flow of activities, identifying bottlenecks, and discovering opportunities for improvement.
By breaking down complex processes into an easy-to-follow roadmap, you can optimize efficiency, enhance communication, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This clarity is vital for aligning your team, improving customer service, and driving growth.
Leveraging tools like Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and Bizagi, we create comprehensive maps that illustrate your business processes from start to finish. These tools help us to visualize and analyze each step, providing insights that can lead to significant improvements.
At Expansive EDGE, we work closely with our clients to develop their end-to-end business process maps. This collaborative approach ensures that we capture the nuances of your operations, tailor solutions to your specific needs, and create a living document that evolves with your business.
Business Process Mapping contributes significantly to building and developing a business playbook. This playbook becomes a central knowledge hub, documenting vital company information, policies, processes, and standard operating procedures. It empowers your team with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, fostering consistency and quality in every aspect of your business.
In essence, Business Process Mapping is your gateway to streamlined operations and smarter decision-making. By transforming complex workflows into clear, actionable insights, we help you unlock new levels of productivity, efficiency, and growth.
What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a centralized software platform designed for managing, delivering, and tracking online learning and training programs. It streamlines course creation, user access control, progress tracking, and offers scalability. Customizable, mobile-friendly, and capable of integration with other systems, LMS is essential for employee training, compliance, and skill development.
Our preferred learning management solution for SMBs is Trainual.
Why should we hire your company – what makes you different from every other consultant trying to sell us something that solves all our problems?
Choosing the right consultant is critical, and what sets us apart is our commitment to delivering tailored, actionable solutions rather than generic, one-size-fits-all answers. At Expansive EDGE, we don’t just sell you a product or service; we partner with you to deeply understand your business, its unique challenges, and its goals. Our approach is hands-on and collaborative, focusing on long-term success rather than quick fixes. We specialize in creating customized business playbooks that centralize your critical processes, making your operations more efficient and scalable. What makes us different is our transparency, our dedication to continuous improvement, and our proven track record in helping businesses like yours not just survive but thrive. We don’t just promise results; we work with you to achieve them, ensuring that the solutions we implement are aligned with your specific needs and sustainable over the long term.
What solutions do you leverage?
We leverage a variety of solutions depending on what your business requirements are. We have developed relationships with industry leading technology partners to ensure that the solutions we recommend, are continuously being developed and improved as your business grows.
What software is used to build a Playbook and how is this different from my Google or One Drive?
The software we use to build a Playbook is designed specifically for creating, organizing, and managing your business processes in a centralized, structured, and user-friendly way. Unlike Google Drive or OneDrive, which are primarily file storage solutions, our Playbook software is purpose-built for business process documentation and management. It allows you to not only store documents but also to create interactive, easily navigable guides that team members can access based on their roles and permissions.
This software includes features such as version control, automated updates, and task assignments, ensuring that everyone always has access to the most current information. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with your existing tools, providing a more cohesive and streamlined experience. The result is a comprehensive, easy-to-use Playbook that goes beyond simple document storage, giving your team a dynamic resource for consistent and efficient operations.
Check out our Technology Partners for more information
How do I calculate the return on investment for implementing a Business Playbook?
To obtain a more representative and comprehensive ROI value for implementing a Business Playbook, it’s crucial to consider a range of metrics that reflect both the direct and indirect impacts on your business. Here are some key metrics to consider tracking:
- Definition: The cost associated with correcting errors or defects in products, services, or processes.
- Why It Matters: A well-implemented Business Playbook can reduce errors by standardizing processes, leading to lower rework costs. Tracking these costs before and after implementation provides a clear indicator of the playbook’s effectiveness.
- Metric: Compare the total rework costs before and after the implementation of the playbook.
2. Increased Productivity
- Definition: The rate at which your employees produce output, often measured in output per hour or per employee.
- Why It Matters: Streamlined processes and clear guidelines can significantly boost productivity. Metrics could include the number of tasks completed, the time taken to complete tasks, or revenue per employee.
- Metric: Measure the change in output per employee or task completion time before and after the playbook implementation.
- Definition: The rate at which employees leave your company and need to be replaced.
- Why It Matters: High turnover can be costly due to recruitment, training, and lost productivity. A Business Playbook can improve employee satisfaction and clarity in roles, leading to reduced turnover.
- Metric: Compare employee turnover rates before and after the playbook implementation and calculate the associated cost savings.
4. Training Time Reduction
- Definition: The time required to onboard and train new employees.
- Why It Matters: A well-structured playbook can drastically reduce the time it takes to get new hires up to speed, allowing them to contribute more quickly.
- Metric: Measure the reduction in training time and the associated cost savings (e.g., reduced time for trainers, faster time to productivity for new hires).
5. Error Rate Reduction
- Definition: The frequency of errors or defects in processes or outputs.
- Why It Matters: Errors can lead to customer dissatisfaction, increased costs, and damage to your brand. Reducing errors through standardized processes is a key benefit of a Business Playbook.
- Metric: Track the reduction in error rates and calculate the financial impact, including fewer customer complaints, returns, and rework.
6. Customer Satisfaction and Retention
- Definition: The degree to which customers are satisfied with your products or services and their likelihood of remaining loyal.
- Why It Matters: Consistent and high-quality customer experiences, driven by standardized processes, can improve satisfaction and retention rates.
- Metric: Measure changes in customer satisfaction scores (e.g., Net Promoter Score) and retention rates before and after implementation. Translate these changes into financial terms by calculating the lifetime value of retained customers.
7. Revenue Growth
- Definition: The increase in a company’s revenue over a specific period.
- Why It Matters: Efficient processes and reduced errors can lead to faster delivery times, higher customer satisfaction, and more sales, all contributing to revenue growth.
- Metric: Analyze the revenue growth rate before and after implementing the playbook, isolating the impact attributable to improved operations.
8. Operational Efficiency
- Definition: The ability of your business to deliver products or services using the least amount of resources.
- Why It Matters: A Business Playbook should streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize resource usage, all contributing to greater efficiency.
- Metric: Track operational metrics such as cost per unit, resource utilization rates, and production lead times.
9. Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
- Definition: The level of commitment and satisfaction employees feel towards their work and the organization.
- Why It Matters: Engaged employees are more productive, less likely to leave, and more likely to contribute positively to the company’s goals.
- Metric: Use employee engagement surveys and satisfaction scores to measure changes before and after the playbook implementation.
10. Current Business Valuation
- Definition: The market value of your business, often assessed through valuation multiples based on industry standards.
- Why It Matters: A more efficient, profitable, and scalable business is likely to increase in value. This is particularly important if you’re considering selling the business or attracting investors.
- Metric: Evaluate the change in your business’s valuation using industry multiples (e.g., EBITDA multiple) and assess how the playbook has contributed to this increase.
11. Process Cycle Time
- Definition: The time it takes to complete a specific process from start to finish.
- Why It Matters: Shorter cycle times can lead to quicker deliveries and improved customer satisfaction. The playbook should aim to reduce these times by eliminating inefficiencies.
- Metric: Measure the cycle time for key processes before and after implementation and quantify the financial impact of the reduction.
12. Compliance and Risk Management
- Definition: The degree to which your business adheres to laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Why It Matters: Non-compliance can lead to costly penalties, legal fees, and reputational damage. A playbook helps ensure consistent compliance.
- Metric: Track incidents of non-compliance or audit findings before and after playbook implementation and calculate the associated cost avoidance.
13. Market Share
- Definition: The portion of the market controlled by your company.
- Why It Matters: A Business Playbook can help you capture a larger market share by improving competitive positioning through more efficient and effective operations.
- Metric: Measure market share growth and tie it to the implementation of the playbook.
14. Return on Sales (ROS)
- Definition: The ratio of operating profit to net sales, indicating how efficiently the company is generating profit from revenue.
- Why It Matters: A higher ROS reflects improved efficiency and profitability, which can be driven by better-managed processes through a Business Playbook.
- Metric: Calculate ROS before and after implementation and analyze the improvement.
15. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
- Definition: The cost associated with acquiring a new customer, including marketing and sales expenses.
- Why It Matters: A streamlined customer acquisition process can lower CAC, increasing profitability. A playbook can standardize and optimize these processes.
- Metric: Compare CAC before and after implementing the playbook, and calculate the ROI based on cost reductions.
16. Lifetime Value of a Customer (LTV)
- Definition: The total revenue expected from a customer over the duration of their relationship with your company.
- Why It Matters: Increasing LTV, through better customer service and retention strategies driven by a playbook, directly impacts long-term profitability.
- Metric: Measure the change in LTV and correlate it with improvements introduced by the playbook.
17. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
- Definition: The direct costs associated with producing goods sold by a company.
- Why It Matters: A Business Playbook can help reduce COGS by standardizing procurement, production, and quality control processes.
- Metric: Track changes in COGS before and after the implementation and calculate the financial impact.
18. Gross Profit Margin
- Definition: The difference between revenue and COGS, expressed as a percentage of revenue.
- Why It Matters: Improving operational efficiency through a Business Playbook can increase the gross profit margin, reflecting better cost management.
- Metric: Measure changes in the gross profit margin post-implementation and attribute increases to playbook-driven efficiencies.
19. Employee Absenteeism Rate
- Definition: The percentage of workdays lost due to employee absence.
- Why It Matters: High absenteeism can be a sign of poor job satisfaction or unclear job roles, both of which a Business Playbook can address. Reducing absenteeism can improve productivity and reduce costs.
- Metric: Track absenteeism rates before and after implementing the playbook and analyze the financial implications of reduced absenteeism.
20. Leadership Time Reallocation
- Definition: The amount of time a business leader can redirect from operational tasks, such as employee training and problem-solving, to strategic activities like business growth, innovation, and long-term planning.
- Why It Matters: A well-implemented Business Playbook standardizes processes and knowledge, reducing the need for constant hands-on training by the business leader. This frees up their time to focus on higher-value activities that drive the business forward. The impact of this reallocation can be significant, as it allows the leader to work on the business rather than in the business.
- Metric:
- Baseline Measurement: Estimate the average number of hours per week a leader currently spends on training, retraining, and troubleshooting employee-related issues.
- Post-Implementation Measurement: After implementing the Business Playbook, track the reduction in time spent on these activities.
- Value of Time Reallocation: Calculate the financial value of the leader’s time reallocated to strategic activities by estimating the impact on business growth, innovation, or efficiency improvements.
Example: If a business leader saves 10 hours per month due to reduced employee training and support requirements, and they can reinvest that time into activities that increase business revenue by $200,000 per year, the Leadership Time Reallocation metric would highlight this significant ROI contribution.
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