Online Business Procedures By The Numbers
The key to any well run business is in it's business procedures. From McDonalds to General Motors, these businesses have perfected the procedures that have made them into massive global companies. It's just as important for you to do the same for your online business. We will cover the process for creating the procedures below.
First off, you are going to need to know how to do the procedure you want repeated. You may have been doing it for months or it may be something entirely new to you. Either way, you must know it and know it well enough that you can explain it to someone else.
Second, write down the steps to the procedure. Only use command words: must, shall, is required to, will and should. Do not use words that give options: can, may, or optionally as these words will lead to confusion and ambiguity. It is imperative that you use a numbered list and keep the steps in their correct logical order.
Third, add a visual presentation of the procedure. If the procedure takes place on a computer use Camtasia Studio or CamStudio to record you going through the steps. Make sure you inform the person who will be listening of what you are doing at each step for clarity. If the procedure is not performed on a computer, then add pictures or illustrations to the written instructions.
The last step is to continuously improve the documentation and the procedure itself. Make sure you are getting feedback from those who are actually using the procedure in their day to day work. Once you have that feedback, incorporate those ideas into your system. The more times the documentation and procedure go through a review process the better they will be.
"Visit the StevenLohrenz blog and learn the art & science of converting your personal computer into an automated personal cash register" -Ernie Sandan. Here is the URL: StevenLohrenz.com
Published January 19th, 2008
Filed in Business, Ecommerce, Home Business, Marketing
