We have all done it. Been so busy researching and being caught up in the planning and startup phase of our businesses that it doesn’t cross our mind to plan for unexpected issues and for when things go wrong. Let’s face it, life happens and usually happens to the best of us, but unexpected issues only become a problem in the smooth management of any business when it is not planned or allowed for.
So as a responsible business owner, what can we do?
To begin planning for contingencies, it is important to write your very own Policy and Procedure Manual. Without considering it further, some people would say that having a Policy and Procedure Manual in a small business is unnecessary but I beg to differ. Having a Policy and Procedure Manual for any business type and structure has a number of advantages. These include:
* Assists in creating clear standards for organising information both internally and externally
* Becomes a training tool for casual employees or subcontractors
* Takes into consideration and allows for future growth within your business
* Details exactly how you require particular tasks to be completed and why
* Assists you in meeting legislative requirements (if any for your business structure type)
* Aids in branding your business
* Aids in presenting a professional outlook to your customers and suppliers
* Helps to prepare you for when problems do occur, because you have already thought about them and allowed for procedures to be followed if and when they occur
We won’t be able to stop contingencies from occuring. We can only control how we deal with them and the lasting effects on our business. Take the first step today!
Written by Kylie Short, owner of Tilda Virtual Services.
