You likely started a business because you felt like you could either do it better, wanted to earn more money or desired more freedom. Or maybe it was a lifestyle choice?
So, if that is the case, then how will you make it actually work to achieve your goals?
Do you need to be realistic?
OK, notice I didn’t say total freedom. I said more freedom. If you think you can operate a business and not be involved – let’s get real. It is very difficult. In fact, I am not sure it is possible.
It sounds like one of those fantasies dreamed up by people trying to sell you nothing by pretending it is something. They are spreading around the internet like a massive rash.
Some of the dodgy ones look incredibly like ponzi schemes. A house of cards all ready to collapse and destroy a lot of people’s lives. Anyway, let’s not go there.
The truth
The truth is your business needs you. However, you don’t need to spoon feed everyone in your business do you?
How do you stop spoon feeding your team?
By using a procedure manual, quality manual or systems manual. Whatever you want to call it – these things are the best tool ever.
Why?
Because they show your team ‘how we do things around here’ and avoid the need for you to repeat yourself over and over again.
Apart from this there are many other benefits for having good quality systems that get updated on a regular basis. This is important – ensuring they are updated.
What are the benefits?
If you operate a small business you might find it overwhelming. It isn’t easy. Dealing with all the issues daily can wear you down really fast. Then, add people into the picture and it becomes a major challenge.
If you are passionate about your business and want to deliver to a high standard, don’t be shocked, it is likely your team probably don’t care. Well maybe not as much as you do.
This is where a system comes into play. A system ensures your team deliver to the standards you the business owner expect. If they don’t, then it is time for a discussion about performance. Maybe they shouldn’t be in your business if they don’t see the value of providing a top quality product or service.
The biggest benefit of getting your system sorted is that you can breathe a sigh of relief – just a bit. You will certainly be able to delegate better in accordance with the ‘rules’ and lead your team to be more responsible for the tasks they complete.
Having rules, procedures and guidelines in place makes a huge difference.
Are you building your system daily?
If you operate a small or medium business, one of your most important tasks is to build your procedure manual – daily.
This means adding content every time someone in your business asks you a question.
Sound like a lot of work? Well – it won’t be a walk in the park but it is achievable. You can also use your team to help you get your system together and achieve progress daily.
Depending on the complexity of your business, you may have a very extensive manual or a simple manual.
What does our manual have?
Our manual is extremely detailed. It has so much stuff in it, it is amazing. And it is constantly growing. Our business is highly technical and therefore requires a lot of information and steps for our team to follow.
You would take a month to read it. We have built it by adding a answer every-time a question is asked.
When new team members arrive in our business, that have a massive resource to refer to. This is so helpful in saving time and allowing the business owner to delegate tasks efficiently. It also improves the quality of our output.
Having a step by step instruction to follow for our team allows them to perform their role more accurately.
What a fantastic tool this really is!
What a fantastic tool
If you are not convinced yet on how good a procedure manual is, then think about your business if you have 10 or 20 team members. It will be very difficult for the business to produce consistent results. I encourage you to grow your business through your procedure manual.
This is steady regular and controlled growth.
What about you?
Where does your manual stand today? Does it have a few pages or does it have hundreds of pages?
What have you found that works and what have you found that doesn’t get used?
It would be great to hear your comments.
