How to seamlessly onboard your business support manager: 5 essential tips

The relief! You’ve finally found the perfect manager for your business, and you’re so excited to finally have some support!

But now what?

If you’re feeling a little unsure about the next steps, you're not alone. In this blog, I'll share valuable insights and tips to help you prepare for a seamless Done-For-You management onboarding process.

By following these 5 essential tips, you can ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for a successful partnership with your new team member.

1. Establish clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are crucial for any business. They outline the specific activities required to complete tasks according to your standards. Documenting all your processes, including detailed steps, tools used, and responsible team members, is essential. SOPs help reduce miscommunication, boost efficiency, enhance results, save time, and provide valuable training guidelines for new team members.

Your SOPs don’t have to be fancy, even creating a simple Google Doc will suffice! If you want to get creative and have the time, you could also make a dashboard on Notion with a playbook!

Bonus Tip: Create a Loom recording for each SOP to visually guide through the task, making the process clearer and more effective.

2. Organize and share login credentials securely

Compile login credentials and account details for any apps your manager will need access to. Whenever possible, invite your manager as a team member on platforms that allow it, so they can create their login details and account. 

For other logins, use a secure system like Bitwarden or 1Password to manage and easily share your credentials with your manager. This approach ensures a smooth transition and maintains security.

3. Use communication apps for quick and effective collaboration

Creating an environment of open communication is essential for working with any team member. Ensure your new manager feels comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. This approach helps build trust and addresses potential issues promptly.

I highly recommend using a communication app like Slack. Many founders I support use the app for its efficiency and ease of use. Some of its features include real-time messaging, file sharing, and organizing conversations by channels, which enhances team collaboration.

By using a reliable communication app, you'll streamline interactions, improve response times, and foster a cohesive team dynamic.

4. Share your business goals and long-term vision

Review your short and long-term business goals as you may want to consider sharing them with your manager. This sets clear direction and encourages proactive planning which boosts productivity. 

Discussing your vision helps them anticipate future needs, preparing them for any challenges as they arise, and contributing to your business's growth and success.

5. Prepare an agenda for the kick-off call

The kick-off call typically happens in the first few days of starting the contract and sets the tone for your working relationship. Take some time to plan out your agenda of what you’d like to discuss.

Items to include:

• Discuss business goals: Relay your long-term goals to ensure alignment.

• Review SOPs and processes: Walk through the most important SOPs together.

• Access: Confirm that your manager has access to all necessary accounts, you may have to provide 2FA codes.

• Communication: Discuss preferred communication methods, such as using Slack for team interactions.

• Q&A: Allow time for your manager to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties.

Recently, I  started supporting a founder who had all of these steps in place, and it made the onboarding process so easy. Right on day one, I was able to start supporting her as she had developed SOPs and Loom tutorials in Notion, an easy way to ask questions in Slack, and a way to access all shared apps.

Ready to streamline your business operations and achieve greater efficiency? Start implementing these tips today to prepare for seamless onboarding with your new manager. Need personalized guidance or more insights? Reach out to me directly—I'm here to help you navigate this process smoothly. Let's set your business up for success together!