Business Processes Simplified Podcast

Automating Your SOPs: What Actually Works (Real Case Study) with Shannon & Ryan Smit

15 snips
Jan 15, 2026
Shannon Smit, founder of Smart Business Solutions, and her brother Ryan Smit, systems champion, reveal how they're revolutionizing accounting through automation. They share insights on efficiency gains, including saving over 1,000 hours on a single task. Learn how structured systems and AI tools can liberate teams for higher-value work. Shannon discusses the importance of training and change management, while Ryan emphasizes starting small and the skills needed to be a successful systems champion. Their journey is a game changer for any business owner!
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Path To Systems Champion

  • Ryan moved from aviation studies into the family accounting firm because he liked systems and logic.
  • He began as support, asked many questions, and organically became the systems champion.
ANECDOTE

Probing Revealed Missing Steps In Processes

  • Ryan walked colleagues through processes and repeatedly asked for missing steps and document locations.
  • That practical probing revealed gaps and led to better, testable procedures.
ADVICE

Hire Questioning, Goal-Focused People

  • Hire systems champions who constantly ask "what if" and test edge cases when documenting steps.
  • Seek direct communicators who map the end goal and prevent being led astray.
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