Whilst small is seen to be beautiful, partnerships because of their size are also assumed to be more flexible and nimble than the large corporations. An accusation often leveled at partnerships, because of the bureaucratic decision making process they implement, is they don't take decisions quickly, tend to work in silos, and, therefore, are less flexible and nimble than a similar-sized corporate.

Regardless of where you stand on this debate, here are ten top tips for any size of partnership to improve its efficiency:

1. Think simple

Simple ideas and methods generally save time and help a firm become more efficient.

2. Outsource non-critical processes

If someone can run a process better than you, for the same or cheaper cost for the appropriate level of quality, outsource it.

3. Help your customers and clients become more efficient

How can you educate your clients or customers so that your ability to service their needs is more efficient or effective?

4. Set yourself goals

If you set goals around improving your firm's efficiency then you are more likely to work towards creating a more efficient operating model.

5. Invest in automation

Whether you are a people hungry business like retail or a niche consultancy your largest monthly outgoing will be your wage bill. The greater the level of automation which reduces the amount of input by people, the more efficient your firm. Compare and contrast the car factory of Henry Ford's day to the modern production line in a mainstream car manufacturer.

6. Have a safety-conscious workforce

Accidents create down-time and extra costs. If you have ever had a claim brought against you for an accident at work, you will testify to this!

7. Look after, appreciate, and train your workforce

Happy, engaged, appreciated employees generally work harder and are more productive than unmotivated un-engaged employees. Think how much harder you work when you want to work somewhere rather than feeling as if you have to work somewhere. A skilled, motivated workforce is a must for good business efficiency.

8. Look at your product/service mix

If you can sell a higher-value product to your target market, you will normally improve your firm's efficiency. For example, if you currently sell homemade iced cupcakes, how much more could you sell a range of dairy or gluten free iced cupcakes for?

9. Attract the right kind of employee

As efficient as your firm may be, you are still reliant on having good quality employees to run your business processes. By attracting the right employee into the right role, you will build good business efficiency, one new hire at a time.

10. Stop managing by exception

Many professional services firms manage their staff and systems by exception. To be truly efficient there needs to be common processes and systems in place for all members of staff to access and apply routinely.