What would happen to your business if you were unable to do what you do for it? Answer: Handbook
So you want to start your business or grow it bigger? Or are you worried about taking a holiday and how your business would cope? Thinking you might need to outsource some work or hire an employee? Then what you really need to create is Your Business Handbook.
Often called an Operations Manual, Your Business Handbook is a step by step guide on how your business operates, right from the ground up. It gives you the power and knowledge by stating in no uncertain terms what you should do if something happens, as well as being a detailed record of all of the things you have done. Best of all, it is a handbook which you can give to somebody else and they can use it to run your business for you if needed. Now wouldn’t that be a wonderful asset to have!
Yes, your handbook is an asset and a priceless one at that. Giving you peace of mind as a business owner knowing that if something unforeseen happens or you decide to sell your business, passing it to somebody else’s hands is easier. So let’s take a dive into what needs to be in Your Business Handbook.
Recording the Making Process
Every business starts somewhere. While you may remember the really good or the extra horrid stuff that happened, it’s really tricky to recall all the ordinary everyday details. That’s why right from the very beginning you need to record everything you’ve done, right down to the nitty gritty. Now, I can hear you groaning and moaning about why should you do that and I’ll tell you exactly why……each step you take is a learning experience and something you may find extremely useful in the future. I know that it pretty much sucks to have epic fails and why should you want to remember them, even record them in writing for everyone to see? But if you don’t use it as a learning experience and reflect on them, how are you going to prevent somebody making those same mistakes again within your business?
Using Screen Capture
Ever wished that you could just turn on your computer and see something specific? Well, you can, in a way. It’s called screen capturing and you can do this by using One Note or an online program such as Screen Capturer or Jing to take an instant photo of what you have on your screen. Why would you want to do this? Ever found something so neat that you want to remember it forever and you can’t send it to a printer? There’s your answer. Screen Capture can also record the steps you take when doing things, such as editing your website or ordering products.
Passwords and Logins
Do you use the same password for everything? Or are you forever inventing new passwords and then forgetting them? Passwords are there for your protection and security, so you need to take them seriously. You might have a physical book you record them in or use an online provider such as LastPass, but whatever you do, record them! The advantage with something like LassPass is that it automatically records your passwords and stores them for you, then when you change it, it automatically updates your new password. You can also do this with a physical book or in your handbook too, but remember to cross out the old and write in the new when changing them.
When and How To Order Products
I love buying things, but I have a process. Your business should too. It’s no use taking a hit and miss approach or thinking you’ll remember or even notice to check when you are running low. You should be keeping an up to date inventory of your stock and check this frequently. Make sure you decide upon a set number to trigger off your ordering process for each produce. This number needs to reflect how quickly you can get your new product delivered, how often you sell that product and whether you anticipate the supplier having any issues in getting that product to you. You’ll also need to have detailed steps recorded about how you order that product, such as the supplier’s contact details, payment details and method of ordering.
How To Edit Your Website
Every business needs a website and even if you outsource to a developer to create it for you, your business and what needs to go on your website is not going to stay static. You might be thinking you are never going to do anything remotely connected to your website and outsource all your editing and huge kudos to you! You must have read my blog on Cultivating Momentum with Outsourcing. But say for some weird moment you can’t do that for whatever reason, you need to edit it yourself. Either write up or screen capture the steps you need to take to edit your website because having a plan is really essential.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions are put in place both for your safety and that of your clients or customers. They’ll want to know what they’re dealing with and vice versa for you. So documenting your T&Cs is essential to provide everyone with what needs to happen when something happens. Will you offer a refund? What happens if your product is faulty? Do you refund shipping charges if your client’s package never arrives? What happens if your client hates your service and refuses to pay? Having everything in black and white allows clear and level headed decisions to be made and again, gives you that all important peace-of-mind.
Let me know below on what date you are going to start creating Your Business Handbook and become accountable!