End Goal: Build a Training Manual #
A training manual is literally a step by step guide for how you do everything in your business. It may be a tall order depending on what your industry is, and we at TurtleSmith need to be realistic as well. We do not expect you to actually go through everything, even though you definitely should, because this step will be long and tedious.
However, the reason behind this step is two-fold. First, you will be able to put together a comprehensive list of absolutely everything you will need to start your business. Second, you will be able to poke any holes in your process now, rather than trying to overcome something when you are already open and going.
To build a training manual, think of a completely new person with zero experience (We mean absolutely zero experience) walking through your business doors and completely taking over all operations. What information would they need? Step by step instructions for each task will give you a system foolproof to anyone.
Example: Shirt Co. sells custom shirts online. Shirt Co. buys shirts from an overseas manufacturer. Stores them at their warehouse in the states and then ships them out when customers order online.
Let’s take a look at one aspect of the operations – receiving inventory from the overseas manufacturer.
Step by Step Guide: #
- Orders are received in large boxes shipped by UPS.
- The box of shirts is placed near the sorting table to await being sorted.
- An employee of Shirt Co. opens the box and places the shirts on a sorting table.
- Each shirt is inspected for flaws and then sorted by size.
- Any shirts with flaws are placed in the return bin.
- The shirts that are acceptable are then placed by size on the storage rack to await sales.
- Any packaging material is placed in the trash can and boxes are broken down and placed in recycling.
What did this tell us? Well first, you know you need a place to receive these boxes. you need an area designated to sort the shirts. you need a sorting table. you need a rack to hold the T-shirts sorted by size. you need a bin for returns. you need trash cans to throw away material. you need a Recycling bin. This also reminds us that you need both trash and recycling services at the location. Additionally, this gives us a foolproof process for receiving orders. All boxes are received, inspected, sorted, and placed in a designated location ready for sale.
This is a very simplified version of only one task, but it reveals a lot about what is needed to accomplish the task. Doing this for all the tasks that your business will be working on will give you all the tools necessary to be a lean and efficient operation.
A note on this. Think about anytime you have tried to tackle a home improvement project. How many times did you have to go back to the store to grab something you forgot on your first trip? Or maybe had to go back three or four times. If you just would have planned ahead a little better you would have gotten everything in the first go. From a business perspective, especially when you need to secure funding, it is much easier to get what you need upfront rather than having to go back three or four times getting things you didn’t plan for.
Packaging and Labels: #
In this step, you also want to think about the customer experience when they receive our goods or services. What do you want your packaging or service to look like? What will you provide your customers and clients and how will it be perceived?
Handouts and Company Documents: #
Business Cards, Brochures, internal memos, engagements letters, customer contracts, etc. This step you need to think about all those documents and handouts that you want to have ready to go.
