The Cranking Widgets Blog - Latest Comments in Managing a Business Through Proper Documentation

Re: Managing a Business Through Proper Documentation

Aaron M. — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:34:02 -0000

Hi Shay,

A great place to start is with the classic business management book called The E Myth by M. Gerber. Besides being a fantastic resource for your business, the core idea is that you build your business to be something that can run without you. So procedure manuals become essential in that type of situation. Great read.

Aaron M.

Re: Managing a Business Through Proper Documentation

Aaron M. — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:31:42 -0000

Glad you have found enrichment here, Alex. Be sure to subscribe (RSS) and check back often for new insights and perspectives!

Re: Managing a Business Through Proper Documentation

Peter G. James Sinclair — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:37:10 -0000

Hi Susan
Years ago my wife attended a course that required the writing of a business plan. I helped her with this and we ended up with a document the size of a small novel. We were awarded first prize for this document, out of over 300 entrants, but the document was, as a working document, absolutely useless.

So these days I simply write one page business plans every year – as promoted by John McGrath of McGrath Real Estate – and it contains the following headings - Strategy, Key Projects With Time Line, Key Outcomes For Business, Key Drivers Of Success & Measurable Mile Stones - and then all I have to do is fill in the missing spaces.

I refer to this document on a weekly basis. I carry it into management meetings with me to discuss with my team. It is a living, lively working document that I adhere to and change as required while implementing. By having this plan in place it stops me from just being busy, but rather someone who is living his life purposefully. Now that’s effective.

Re: Managing a Business Through Proper Documentation

Susan — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:33:17 -0000

Hi Aaron,

No question - a master procedure manual seems like a great idea. But how does it get done in a small business? Seems like an overwhelming task -- and maybe one of those documents, like a 60-page marketing plan, that just sits on a shelf.

Any suggestions on how to get it done?

Susan