Skip to main content
Small Business Toolkit

Small Business Toolkit

$295.00
Availability:
Downloadable Resources, Instant Access
Adding to cart… The item has been added

The Executive Diagnostic and Governance Toolkit

Small Business Toolkit

Score your own small Business red, amber or green, find out which part is weakest, and walk into the next budget round able to defend what you want to fix.

$199 one-time
30-day money-back guarantee Verified against latest insights, updated access provided within 24h

Each order is checked and updated against the latest insights before delivery. That is why access takes up to 24 hours rather than being instant.

What you walk out with
A scored, ranked picture of your own function, and a defensible answer to what to fix first.
1 You stop guessing where you stand.
You finish with a score, not an opinion: every part of your function rated red, amber or green, with the weakest ranked first. Evidence: a Quick Scan for the shape of it, then seven domain assessments of 30 scored questions each, 210 in all, rolled into one scorecard, plus a maturity radar and a current-versus-target gap analysis.
2 You can defend the decision.
You walk into the budget round with the gap named, the owner named and done defined, instead of a case built on instinct. Evidence: project charter, scope statement, RACI, requirements traceability and work breakdown structure, pre-filled in your domain's language.
3 The work actually moves.
The month after the decision is already built, so nothing stalls waiting for someone to design a form. Evidence: more than 60 project templates across all five PMBOK process groups, plus runbooks, SOPs, a KPI framework, audit checklists and a risk matrix. 55 to 65 files in total.
4 You use it the day it lands.
No blank templates to interpret. Every workbook opens with what it is, who uses it, when, how, a 1 to 5 scoring guide, what good looks like, and a worked example you delete and type over.
The Quick Scan is one sitting. You will know your weakest area before the day is out.
Nothing in it is generic project management: the build rejects any file that could belong to another course. Updated after you enrol, so it reflects where the work stands now. The 144-chapter course is included behind it, for the parts you want to go deeper on.
You know something is off, but you can't prove where to start fixing it.

The situation this is built for

Every day, decisions are made without a clear view of how your core business functions actually perform. You're asked to justify investments, but you lack a defensible ranking of what needs attention first. When budget time comes, you're forced to defend gut feelings instead of grounded assessments. The pressure builds not from failure, but from invisibility.

Who this is for

A leader who owns core business operations in a small business—responsible for outcomes but lacking a consistent method to evaluate performance, prioritize improvements, and justify decisions.

Who this is not for

This is not for consultants, external auditors, or those looking for software tools. It is for the person directly accountable for function performance.

What you walk away with

  • A clear assessment of current function performance
  • A ranked list of improvement priorities
  • Confidence in budget defense with evidence
  • Visibility into operational dependencies
  • Structured decision-making for leadership

How this maps to your situation

  • Function performance is assumed, not measured
  • Improvement efforts are reactive, not strategic
  • Budget requests lack evidence-based justification
  • Leadership decisions are made without full context

Before vs. after

Before
Operating without a clear view of function performance, reacting to problems as they arise, and struggling to justify improvements.
After
Equipped with a repeatable method to assess, prioritize, and act on business function improvements with confidence and evidence.

What's included with your purchase

  • 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
  • Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Delivery and format

  • Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access

Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.

Time investment: Approximately 3 hours per module, designed to be completed at your pace over 8 to 12 weeks.

If nothing changes
Without a structured assessment approach, you risk continuing to invest in low-impact areas, missing critical failure points, and losing credibility when asked to defend decisions.

How this compares to the alternatives

Generic business courses offer broad concepts. This is a field-specific method for assessing and improving the functions you own—complete with templates and a custom playbook.

Also included: the full course, for when you want the reasoning behind a finding (12 modules, 144 chapters)

Depth reference. The diagnostic and the templates stand on their own; this is what to read when you want the reasoning behind a finding.

Module 1. Defining the Scope of Business Functions
Establish clear boundaries and components of each core function to enable accurate assessment.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying primary business functions by department
  2. Mapping interdependencies between sales and operations
  3. Documenting service delivery touchpoints with clients
  4. Clarifying ownership of process execution paths
  5. Classifying functions as revenue-facing or support
  6. Setting thresholds for functional performance metrics
  7. Creating a master list of business activities
  8. Differentiating between core and auxiliary tasks
  9. Establishing function-specific success indicators
  10. Linking function outputs to client outcomes
  11. Reviewing historical performance documentation
  12. Validating function scope with department leads
Module 2. Establishing Baseline Performance Metrics
Develop measurable benchmarks for each function to identify current performance levels.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Selecting quantifiable outputs for service delivery
  2. Calculating average transaction processing times
  3. Measuring client response time across channels
  4. Tracking error rates in order fulfillment
  5. Benchmarking inventory turnover by product line
  6. Assessing staffing efficiency per function
  7. Recording customer complaint frequency trends
  8. Evaluating first-contact resolution rates
  9. Monitoring contract renewal intervals
  10. Quantifying rework incidents by department
  11. Documenting equipment uptime for operations
  12. Analyzing cost per service unit delivered
Module 3. Identifying Critical Failure Points
Pinpoint where breakdowns most frequently disrupt operations and impact client satisfaction.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Logging recurring operational bottlenecks
  2. Tracing root causes of delayed deliveries
  3. Identifying handoff failures between departments
  4. Mapping customer escalation patterns
  5. Analyzing repeated client billing disputes
  6. Documenting system access denial incidents
  7. Reviewing employee-reported process gaps
  8. Tracking unresolved service requests
  9. Examining supplier delivery variances
  10. Assessing communication breakdowns in workflows
  11. Cataloging equipment failure response times
  12. Validating incident resolution accuracy
Module 4. Prioritizing Improvement Opportunities
Rank potential changes by impact, effort, and alignment with business goals.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Scoring improvements by client impact level
  2. Estimating implementation effort in workdays
  3. Aligning initiatives with annual objectives
  4. Evaluating cost of delay per initiative
  5. Ranking fixes by frequency of failure
  6. Assessing cross-functional ripple effects
  7. Prioritizing based on safety implications
  8. Weighting improvements by revenue exposure
  9. Grouping changes into implementation tiers
  10. Mapping quick wins versus long-term plays
  11. Validating priority order with stakeholders
  12. Creating a ranked backlog of actions
Module 5. Documenting Process Execution Paths
Create detailed maps of how work actually flows through each function.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Mapping client onboarding from start to finish
  2. Charting invoice approval workflows
  3. Diagramming inventory restocking triggers
  4. Tracing repair request lifecycles
  5. Recording employee onboarding handoffs
  6. Visualizing customer complaint routing
  7. Detailing subcontractor approval steps
  8. Documenting equipment maintenance scheduling
  9. Logging change request escalation paths
  10. Outlining credit application reviews
  11. Illustrating purchase order approvals
  12. Validating process maps with frontline staff
Module 6. Evaluating Resource Allocation Patterns
Analyze how people, time, and money are distributed across functions.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Reviewing payroll distribution by department
  2. Calculating hours spent on routine tasks
  3. Assessing contractor utilization rates
  4. Measuring overtime frequency by role
  5. Tracking software license usage gaps
  6. Analyzing travel and supply expenses
  7. Reviewing equipment underutilization trends
  8. Evaluating training investment per employee
  9. Mapping meeting time versus productive work
  10. Assessing cross-departmental resource sharing
  11. Documenting time spent on manual data entry
  12. Benchmarking staffing levels against output
Module 7. Assessing Client Interaction Quality
Measure how well client-facing functions deliver consistent, reliable service.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Analyzing client feedback by service type
  2. Reviewing service level agreement compliance
  3. Tracking resolution time for support tickets
  4. Measuring consistency in client communications
  5. Evaluating follow-up completion rates
  6. Assessing client retention by segment
  7. Reviewing refund request reasons
  8. Monitoring response accuracy to inquiries
  9. Documenting client satisfaction trends
  10. Evaluating clarity of service documentation
  11. Tracking repeat issue recurrence
  12. Validating service delivery against promises
Module 8. Auditing Compliance and Risk Exposure
Identify gaps in adherence to regulations, policies, and risk controls.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Reviewing data handling procedure compliance
  2. Auditing access logs for unauthorized entries
  3. Assessing contract obligation tracking
  4. Verifying insurance coverage adequacy
  5. Checking licensing renewals for staff
  6. Evaluating safety protocol adherence
  7. Reviewing client data retention practices
  8. Assessing subcontractor compliance checks
  9. Documenting regulatory filing deadlines
  10. Validating emergency response readiness
  11. Checking cybersecurity policy enforcement
  12. Mapping legal exposure by function
Module 9. Integrating Subcontractor Performance
Evaluate how external partners contribute to or hinder function success.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Assessing subcontractor delivery timelines
  2. Reviewing quality consistency of outsourced work
  3. Evaluating communication responsiveness
  4. Tracking change order frequency
  5. Measuring adherence to scope agreements
  6. Analyzing cost variance from estimates
  7. Documenting dispute resolution frequency
  8. Reviewing performance against SLAs
  9. Assessing integration with internal teams
  10. Evaluating reporting completeness
  11. Mapping dependency risks
  12. Validating subcontractor onboarding process
Module 10. Structuring Budget Defense Arguments
Build evidence-based cases for investment that withstand financial scrutiny.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Linking proposed changes to revenue impact
  2. Quantifying cost savings from process fixes
  3. Demonstrating risk reduction value
  4. Estimating client retention improvements
  5. Projecting time savings across teams
  6. Building comparative cost scenarios
  7. Documenting historical failure costs
  8. Aligning requests with strategic goals
  9. Creating visual summaries for leadership
  10. Anticipating counterarguments from finance
  11. Preparing implementation timelines
  12. Validating assumptions with real data
Module 11. Designing Implementation Roadmaps
Turn assessment findings into actionable, sequenced plans.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Defining milestones for process changes
  2. Assigning ownership for each action
  3. Setting measurable success criteria
  4. Creating dependency timelines
  5. Scheduling stakeholder check-ins
  6. Building rollback procedures
  7. Documenting training requirements
  8. Allocating resources per phase
  9. Establishing progress tracking methods
  10. Integrating feedback loops
  11. Planning pilot tests for changes
  12. Validating roadmap with operations leads
Module 12. Sustaining Assessment Practices
Embed regular evaluation into leadership routines to maintain clarity.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Scheduling quarterly function reviews
  2. Updating performance dashboards
  3. Refreshing baseline metrics annually
  4. Incorporating assessment into team meetings
  5. Tracking improvement completion rates
  6. Revising priority rankings regularly
  7. Updating process documentation
  8. Reviewing client feedback patterns
  9. Auditing compliance adherence
  10. Adjusting resource allocations
  11. Refining budget defense materials
  12. Sharing assessment insights with leadership

Frequently asked

Who is this course designed for?
It is for leaders directly responsible for small business operations who need to assess performance and prioritize improvements.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does this course include software tools or vendor recommendations?
No. It focuses on assessment methodology, not technology products or services.
Will I receive personalized support?
Yes. Your hand-built implementation playbook is tailored to your context and delivered with your course access.
Can I use this for multiple functions?
Yes. The framework applies to any core business function you are responsible for improving.
What formats do the templates come in?
The implementation playbook downloads as PDF and editable XLSX. The course reads in your learning environment and exports to PDF for offline use. The files are yours to keep.
Can I share this with my team?
The licence is per person. Team pricing opens from three seats: reply to the order confirmation with TEAM and we will set it up.
How quickly can I start?
The diagnostic is one sitting and the templates work straight out of the kit. Account access takes up to 24 hours rather than being instant, because every order is checked and updated against the latest sources before it is delivered.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed to be completed at your pace over 8 to 12 weeks..

Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.

30-day money-back guarantee·Know your weakest area today·210 scored questions·Course included· Account access within 24 hours
30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
Thousands of organisations have bought from The Art of Service since 2000.
!