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
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareAs small business managers, we juggle limited resources in a... Read More
If an organization lacks a mission statement, it is worthwhile... Read More
American small business is again in transition. Many employees, now... Read More
We visited Lexus USA, home of the Lexus North America... Read More
Business Process Automation or BPA for short. This was a... Read More
In the world today, many people are further in debt... Read More
Ongoing support for a franchise system is omnipotent. A major... Read More
Great question!Freeing your time is an indisputably key element in... Read More
As a practitioner and student of Small Business Marketing, I... Read More
Back when I owned an inventory-based business, one of my... Read More
Now that you have invested your time, energy and money... Read More
Here is an interesting case study of a company, which... Read More
What image do you and your people portray to your... Read More
As a solo entrepreneur or small business owner, one of... Read More
A consultant must remember that the business belongs to the... Read More
The bad things starts with the letter 'O'?.like Obstacles, Obstruction,... Read More
As an Investment Representative you've worked hard to build trust... Read More
If you run a pressure washer business you need complete... Read More
I recently met with a very successful magazine publisher who... Read More
Why should you describe your business to others in 5... Read More
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More
Ok, you have successfully accomplished your dream of being the... Read More
Before you read any further in this article, I'd like... Read More
Mobile carwashing is hard work, it is tough on the... Read More
Many ventures are faced with the challenging task of raising... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Articles abound advising the business community how to properly screen... Read More
The easiest way to lift profits is to cut the... Read More
Franchising has made the world look really small. The well... Read More
I agree that knowledge should be free, but the next... Read More
Am I the only one that does not have an... Read More
I love work, I can watch it all day.I am... Read More
Franchisors of home based and mobile businesses need to carefully... Read More
This morning, I went to take a short walk outside.... Read More
The start of a new year is a time for... Read More
I meet and talk to hundreds and hundreds of business... Read More
The efficiency of debt collection is the difference between a... Read More
What's your job profitability? I meet with business owners every... Read More
Last year, trillions of dollars transferred hands on the internet... Read More
What types of companies do you want to align yourself... Read More
Running a business on the net these days can be... Read More
A Small Business Opportunities Magazine is one of the new... Read More
It appears the mini-blimp indoor theme and concept is making... Read More
If you are a motorcycle detailer and need to expand... Read More
Summer is a time for the outdoors, for that well-deserved... Read More
Don't you find that there are so many decisions you... Read More
The choice to incorporate a small business in Florida has... Read More
Why are Chambers a good launching pad?Chambers provide you with... Read More
Why does a good business relationship rely on having some... Read More
Many auto detailers fall short in their sales presentations. I... Read More
All franchises must meet the legal definition of a franchise... Read More
Small Business |