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Why Every Small Business Needs a Manual

By Mary Gardam

manual-450x304Creating a manual for your business will help to ensure it runs efficiently and at a high standard, even in your absence.

A business manual is a document that records the processes, structure and standards of your business. Below are some key benefits to creating a manual for your business.

Business continuity

Often in small businesses the ‘business knowledge’ is kept inside the head of the owner or other key staff. However, have you thought about what would happen if you get ill? What would happen if a key staff member leaves? Maybe you’d like to go on an extended holiday? Documenting procedures in your business manual can help ensure that the business can carry on without you, with no adverse impact to the clients.

Induction

Manuals can be a fantastic resource to support the induction of new employee/contractors. It can also help guide those providing the induction to ensure that all key areas are covered. The manual can also give the new employee/contractor a feel for the business’ processes, culture, goals and vision.

“If you were given the choice between buying a smart TV with a manual or without a manual, which would you choose? “

Selling the business/franchising

If you were given the choice between buying a smart TV with a manual or without a manual, which would you choose? A manual provides knowledge and confidence for prospective buyers, especially in the event of something going wrong. While your business is very familiar to you, for others, business clarity depends on the information you provide. A business manual should provide a clear road map of your business operations. If you are looking to franchise, a business manual is just the beginning. Comprehensive documentation and systems are an important part of the franchising process.

Want more articles like this? Check out the processes section.

Outsourcing

A business manual or procedures document gives your processes more structure and stability. When outsourcing, the service provider is likely to be more confident and self-sufficient more quickly if they have a good understanding of your business. This will help you to get the maximum benefit from the outsourcing arrangement.

Potential clients

If you don’t have a recognised quality management system in place (such as ISO 9001) having a business manual can go a long way towards reassuring clients that your business is capable of providing a service or product to a consistent and appropriate standard. A business manual can help bolster your status as an organised and capable business. Some potential clients, especially government organisations, prefer to deal with businesses that have systems in place.

Auditors/inspectors

If your business is subject to regulations/standards you will probably be visited by auditors or inspectors. Rather than being interviewed about your business for hours on end, a business manual can be used as evidence of your compliance (in-principle) and provides an overview of your business to assist the inspector or auditor with the inspection process.

“But I want to protect my knowledge”

If you’re concerned about keeping knowledge about your business private, a lawyer can draw up confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements for you to use for dealings with suppliers, clients etc. Also if there is a concern about employees taking your knowledge and starting up in competition to you there are also “non-competition” clauses that can be incorporated into employment agreements to restrict competition for a certain period.

Manuals help to ensure that your business can operate uninterrupted, your clients are unaffected and you have the peace of mind that your hard work won’t be undone.

Source: Flying Solo

Testimonials

  • Regina Wang

    Business Tax – Beauty Salon 

    Ritchie has been managing my tax matters as a sole trader for 2 years+. Always very responsive to my questions and make effort to reply…

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  • Vanita Aloda

    Restaurant Owner

    Ritchie Cruz is my Accountant. We have a solid 10 year relationship.

    Ritchie as always provide me with honest and efficient service.

    Is a great communicator, always replies efficiently to…

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  • Daniel Robey

    I have and continue to recommend Cruz and Co to many businesses and individuals who are looking for a business advisor and accountant that goes over and above…

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  • Napoleon Guines

    Director, Travel Company Operations

    Ritchie Cruz and Co are accommodating and have excellent service.

    Cruz & Co have impressed me the most is due to their efficient service.  They are…

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  • Jonathan Fambart

    Business Tax – Travel Industry

    Cruz & Co was introduced to me this year and it was the best decision for my sole trader and personal taxation affairs. Ritchie the…

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  • Dr Krish Perananthan

    Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

    Ritchie was recommended to me by my father and I have also continued to recommend him to my friends. He is reliable, efficient and has a…

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  • Jonathan Yeoman

    Director, Technical Design Company

    This is a new business startup and Cruz&Co. have provided great help, guidance and reassurance from the beginning.

    Ritchie has provided us with excellent service and…

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  • Kellie Pincham

    Director
    Automotive Parts Retailing business

    Cruz & Co offer a great professional and friendly service. Ritchie gave me confidence running the business knowing that he was readily available for…

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  • Zac Fryer

    Director, Import and Distribution Company

    Ritchie Cruz provides and high level of accounting expertise and goes above and beyond in answering any queries we have.

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  • Jae Kwon Yoo

    Business Tax – Electrical Contractors

    Ritchie is awesome. He is very professional and responsive and he is always there to help you. He even replies during weekend. He needs some…

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Our Clients
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Tax Consultant and Compliance Services
    • Small Business and Sole Trader Accountant
    • Outsourced Accounting Solutions
    • Business Structure
    • Outsourced CFO
    • Working Visa Refunds
  • Resources
    • Tax Refund Process
    • Client Assistant Schedule forms
    • Downloadables
    • Helpful Links
    • Rental Property Cashflow calculator
    • SMSF Tax Refund Process
  • Contact Us
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