Many small business owners view standard operating procedures (SOPs) as unnecessary admin. Some worry it will make them too corporate or slow down creativity.
But when the pressure’s on, it’s the businesses with systems that bounce back stronger.
Oxygen8 Business Consultant Susan Cooney explains why SOPs aren’t about rules – they’re about resilience, consistency, and protecting the business you’ve built.
SOPs are clear, step-by-step instructions for handling regular or high-stress scenarios. These procedures:
They’re not about limiting flexibility. They’re about ensuring your business can run well even when you’re not in the room.
One of Susan’s clients – a pet groomer – experienced a heart-stopping moment when a dog collapsed unexpectedly during treatment.
But because the team had a clear SOP:
This real-life scenario proved how having a crisis prevention system already in place helped retain trust and protect the business’s reputation.
“We thought we were just fine. Oxygen8 showed us how far we could really go – with structure, confidence, and clarity.”
– Marine Detailing Company
Matt Fox and Harry King founded Marine Detailing Company with passion but no structure. Before working with Oxygen8, they were constantly on the tools, juggling admin, and unable to grow. After implementing standard operating procedures, setting clear roles, and restructuring how they worked, they scaled to a 10-person team with international staff, mobile service units, and a fully equipped workshop – doubling revenue year after year.
Susan Cooney helps business owners install the systems and structure needed to reduce chaos, build capability, and prevent operational risks. With expertise in SOP implementation, crisis readiness, and leadership development, she empowers clients to work smarter, not just harder.
If you’re running your business on gut instinct alone, you’re leaving too much to chance.
With proper SOPs, you’ll create:
Oxygen8 can help you identify gaps, document procedures, and protect your business from the mistakes that can cost you everything.
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