1) Outline the operations process for your business. Identify the inputs, operations (key steps or stages) and outputs (present a flow diagram). This is a day in the life of actually producing your product or creating and delivering your service -- walk us through the mechanics of doing so. 

Below, you will see my inputs come from the 10-Day Jump Start Opt-In, a 10 day video series automatically sent out via email with an option to purchase at the end of the 10 days. 

The SKFitLife App, Social Media Posts, and the Podcast are the other ways we reach potential clients and use our information-based sales. Of these inputs, the required operations are social media post creation/interaction and podcast creation/promotion. Everything else is automated. 

From the time someone enters into the email list/subscription pipeline, the questions are managed by myself and my virtual assistant. The registration process for the 12 Week E-Course and the Monthly Membership is managed by my virtual assistant, the one-on-one, personalized coaching is managed by me, and the downloads and supplements are all automated or handled by the parent company.

2) Where are you likely to have bottlenecks in your service delivery or manufacturing process and how will these be anticipated and addressed. 

My bottlenecks have occurred in the registration process. This was when I first launched, didn't have anything automated, and had 100+ people registering at the same time. I have since incorporated automation and hired a virtual assistant to help me as well as made the option to join at any time available versus once every 3 months. 

3) Describe the lead/lag times that characterize the fundamental operating cycle in your business.

Since I work in the virtual world, most items can happen in real time. I have struggled with relying on someone else for podcast editing so a few months ago I bought my own equipment, taught myself how to produce a show and solved that problem. My biggest hurdle is that I apparently I am a control freak in my business and no one can do it as good as I can... I realize this will always limit me but it is also what keeps me sane and happy in my business. 

4) Explain how any seasonal production loads will be handled without severe dislocation (e.g., by building inventory, using part-time help in peak periods).

As I mentioned, I have a virtual assistant. She is super flexible in the amount of time she can dedicate to me. I also have systems in place where I can hire additional help if/when needed. One day I will find someone to produce my show in a timely fashion so production will be the first to go.

5) What quality consistency issues exist and how will consistency of quality be ensured? What controls exist, for instance, to ensure every burger is cooked exactly the same?

The coaching piece of my business is the quality control issue... until I come up with a better solution, I am limiting my number of clients to 100 at any given time and looking towards growing my bottom line with sponsorship revenue from the podcasts.

https://soundcloud.com/skfitlife/stop-chasing-skinny-episode-30?in=skfitlife/sets/stop-chasing-skinny-podcast