Establishing your business position using the SWOT analysis programme is only one management method, there are many others and this site is not designed to address these, however, the next stage is to produce a company manual. Every good management technique is about communications and this is no exception. We have adopted a dual approach as follows: Company Manual The extent to which you want to illustrate your working practises to your staff is entirely up to you; as a starting point we have provided an example contents page below to help as a template. The more effort that goes into the preparation of documents such as this, the less work you will have to do for your company's future. The new paradigm that your staff are being asked to “buy” into is that of a stress-free, focused organisation. All too often, especially with small businesses, expansion comes at a high price. The only planning most of us believe is necessary is simply to secure sales or finance, however, if the infrastructure is organised in the early stages, it is possible to integrate the company manual into any new business plan or expansion plan with ease. The internationally acclaimed speaker and motivational coach Tony Robbins refers to breaking down a large task into smaller segments as “chunking”. The preparation of manuals can be delegated to other members of staff; ultimately they become powerful tools for everyone to use and become extremely helpful to expansion or development.  For more information regarding company manuals, click here |
The next area, which is of equal importance, is to standardise the way in which your staff and all departments utilise your internal systems. The purpose of this document is to establish and maintain continuity. For example, having letters that leave your office in differing formats illustrates to your customers that there is a lack of structure to your business. Even simple things such as handwritten envelopes can project an impression to your existing or prospective customers that there is potential sloppiness! Again in order to maintain continuity throughout your business, if time is spent creating templates for every aspect of work carried out it will save a great deal of time and effort in the long run. The objective is to create an environment which is as efficient and effective as it can be. For example many of the problems that exist within businesses relating to staff are normally because of poor initial training. It is a well-known fact that we in the UK spend less on training than any other European country. Rather than be another statistic, put in writing exactly what your expectations are of your staff and how you expect them to use the tools you are providing. It would make sense to ask each of your suppliers to provide you with a short document so that you can create your own company manual without reinventing the wheel. Again, having one source to refer to simplifies administration for all staff.  |
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Consultancy 
