Every business regardless of size needs a "Business Image Manual" to protect their band. Even the smallest companies with only a few employees is well served when there is a business image manual in place. For 15 years I ran a small business, which I eventually franchised and later expanded to 23-states and 4 countries. What I had learned after franchising is that; I should have written my image manual 10-years prior. At first my business was just me alone; like most small businesses, but then due to my hard work and customer service, I had to expand to meet demand. Each time I added people to the team, I seemed to be rehashing over and over again my theories on business image. Often I would have to harp on the issue with part time employees or even summer help. What I needed was a manual. However, being a head strong entrepreneur in those days, I like many entrepreneurs of small businesses said; "What do I need a bunch of manuals or even a business plan for that matter?" After all most of us know our businesses very well and we do not have to write it down. We just know thru intuition what will work and why and surprisingly we end up making few mistakes, but when we do they are usually quite large and costly lessons.
Not having a Business Image Manual can be such a problematic mistake, one, which trust me you do not want to make or need to for that matter. Franchising later taught me how important it was to have the image of my companies under a tight reign and as the company grew larger and larger, I was happy to have learned that lesson, I just wish I had not learned it the hard way. Now mind you I am not in the same industry as you are, in fact my business is not like other businesses at all. It may in fact be quite dissimilar to your business model, but this outline below will help you design your own "Business Image Manual." I recommend you start be re-writing this outline to most mirror your business or company and then write two-paragraphs for each item. It will come to just over ten pages and from there you can elaborate further. In the end you will end up with a 20-30 page Business Image Manual, which will provide you with years of enhanced brand recognition and enough customers to fulfill your business dreams for future years. IMAGE
I. ATTIRE
A. Company Shirts
B. Shorts
C. Hats
D. Grooming
E. Managers
F. Employees
G Independents
II. SPEECH
A. Sales Tapes
B. Positive, Confidence
C. Smile-Caring, Not Phony
D. No-No's (Politics, Religion, Racial)
III. TRUCK
A. Cleanliness
B. Rentals
C. Magnetics
D. Signage
E. Color Codes
F. Tires
IV. EQUIPMENT
A. Stainless Steel
B. Paint, Touch Ups
C. Lights
D. Vacuum Cleaner
E. Extractor
F. Noise
V. TRUCK BED
A. Diamond Plate
B. Boxes
C. Trash
D. Bed Area
VI. PAGER
A. Vibrate Mode
B. Wear It
C. Etc.
VII. MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Customer Contact
B. Mannerism
C. Crew
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs
Berwick Chicago charter limousine .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare1. Don't Spend Too Much Time PlanningWhen you are entering... Read More
You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More
We all know how glorious those first warm days of... Read More
In the Truck Washing Business every single type of vehicle... Read More
Most business owners know when they need an accountant, but... Read More
How do we keep track of our business deals?If you... Read More
If you own a small business, you should know that... Read More
Every business starts with an idea or a dream. To... Read More
Have you been searching for the perfect home-based business? I... Read More
If you have a busy private practice, chances are you... Read More
If you are thinking of turning your current into a... Read More
We hear a lot of talk about junk mail nowadays.... Read More
The Workers' Compensation situation in this country is unbelievable. Why,... Read More
"Order Now!" "Your Business Will Fail If You Don't Have... Read More
So you want to start a business but you don't... Read More
The Customer Analysis section of the business plan assesses the... Read More
What's your job profitability? Do you know?Many business owners are... Read More
How do you make sure you have the business solutions... Read More
Do you know what your genius work is? It's the... Read More
Let's face it, we all tend to get stuck in... Read More
Q: A friend told me that as a woman of... Read More
If you are in the professional car care business you... Read More
You've come up with the best idea since sliced bread,... Read More
What image do you and your people portray to your... Read More
An observation while returning home from a seminar: Getting away... Read More
Antioch Chicago limousine service ..Setting priorities in your business? Your first job is to... Read More
Increase your profit potential by identifying ? and avoiding ?... Read More
Think the best way to get more customers is to... Read More
You can make your trade show experience much easier by... Read More
The revenue history is a vital piece of your power... Read More
1. Everyone Makes A Difference ? Despite not letting him... Read More
We hear a lot of talk about junk mail nowadays.... Read More
We very much like what we see in Lubbock, TX... Read More
As a successful small business owner,you're accustomed to long hours;... Read More
Q: I will be retiring this year at age 60... Read More
Those who are in the pressure washer business should not... Read More
Mobile detailers will find themselves with lots of competition even... Read More
A tongue-in-cheek look at the skills required to operate a... Read More
No matter what kind of small business you have, you... Read More
American small business is again in transition. Many employees, now... Read More
You know what makes me really happy? Drinking a Starbucks... Read More
For really tough boat hull cleaning you will need to... Read More
It is essential that you fully understand how the fuel... Read More
When pressure washing heavy equipment each piece of equipment has... Read More
We love Wichita because it has great all round weather... Read More
The key to organizational focus and helping those who need... Read More
Just when the entire state was kissing Wichita goodbye, economically... Read More
If you run a pressure washer business you need complete... Read More
If you really want to earn more money with your... Read More
There are many factors to be considered when you are... Read More
Small Business |