Blogmas Day 2 - Small Business Owners - Put it in writing!

What should we as small business owners be putting in writing?
We should be putting everything in writing.
Everything like what?
Every action taken in your business should be put down in writing.
Everything that you do and that your employee's do should be put in writing.
There should be a written process for every action in your business.
​Why?

• For a quick reference:

You may be doing multiple jobs in your business making it  easy to forget when and how you to do a certain task. 
If the process is written down and kept in a easy to view place, think how much time it will save you.

•  To Make training employees easier:

It is so hard to remember all of the different scenarios that can occur for an employee.
How much to charge for this and that?
How do you input this into the cash register?
What do you do when this situation occurs?
If there is a quick reference pamphlet that employees can read over in advance and glance at as they work you are truly ahead of the game.
It will save you tons of time and it will empower employees.
As new things are added to the business and new situations occur, up date the pamphlet.
Use input from your employees.
This will empower them even more.

• When you need to be off for an emergency or just vacation.:

After you have written everything down your business could practically run itself with your employees or independent contractors help. 
All the "how to do this and when and where" will be available for them to look at.
Of course they will not do it at the same speed as you could but, at least they can do it.
Having everything written down and available will give you instant peace of mind.

Writing down everything is an on going process.
Things will change and you will have to change your materials.

Here is a little guide to get you started. 
Change it as needed to fit your business.

Process Outline for (Example: Ringing up a new customer)

1. Who will use this process? (Use the job title(s)).
2. What physical equipment should be at hand to begin the process?
3.List every step of the process.
*Do not make processes inside of this process. Make an additional process to explain.
For example: An additional process may need to be made to explain how to use the cash register.*
4. What are some things that can alter the process?

• List What to do when these alterations occur.

5. What is a successful end to this process?
6. Who should answer questions about this process during the work day? 
*Name the job title of the person answering questions since personnel my change.*

I hope the list helps you get started with your process list.
If you have any suggestions on how to improve the list please comment below.

Karen aka "The Delivery Diva"
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