In your business, have you made plans in case of accidents, illness, incapacity and/or death of key employees? Working “on the business” vs. “in the business” allows us to establish a game plan to sustain the impact should there be an impact within your business.
Part of a business’ growth is the deployment of separate departments which functions with specific focus and definitive path. They are structured according to certain business requirements and these departments will vary depending on the type of business being practiced. Knowing who does what within each department is a critical component of being able to “back them up”, when the time necessitates.
Departments each have functional activities. Communication about the particulars of how the tasks are handled places you in a better position to jump in, if needed!
HUMAN RESOURCE
The heart of an organization lies on its people. Without people, the day-to-day operation of a business would cease to function. The success of a business relies fully on the hands of the employees working in the company. Who handles recruiting? Who develops job descriptions and oversees salaries? Does anyone oversee training and development?
MARKETING/PROMOTION
Promotional activities and advertising are the best ways to communicate with your target customers for them to be able to know the company’s products and services. Is this handled internally or do you have external support for the development, measurement and promotion across all mediums? Who sets the strategy and monitors the competition?
PRODUCTS / SERVICES
Who handles the development, quality control and inventory of the products you offer? If you provide services, have you developed a “bench” for delivery?
SALES
In every business, sales department plays the biggest role in any organization’s success. The sales department is responsible for generating revenue. The sales department is tasked to ensure that the sale of products and services results to profit. The sales department coordinates with the marketing department in terms of brand-awareness, product-launching and more. Sales need to develop ways on how to sell the product to their target users/customers. How do you monitor prospects, targets and actual revenue?
CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT
It is important for a business to maintain and create relationship with their customers. How do you interact with your customer base and monitor follow-up after purchase, inquires, complaints? A good relationship with customers will create customer-loyalty. Providing access to information and people to allow someone to step in if needed allows for on-going customer care.
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. It is important to manage the business’ cash outflows and inflows. This department is responsible for accounting, auditing, planning, and organizing finances. They’re also responsible in producing the company’s financial statements. The company can’t operate without the ability to continue the flow of money. How do you maintain access to cash, should a key employee be out for a period of time?
DISTRIBUTION
The distribution department is responsible for receiving orders and delivering orders to the customer at the right place, at the right time. Having provisions in place to allow orders to be filled is critical.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Product Innovation is the key to every business’ future. Who is searching for new ways of producing their products by being updated with regards to the latest technological and economic trends? Do you have a team dedicated to this? How do you maintain a repository of these ideas/trends?
ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT
The administrative and management is the backbone of the business. The administrative and management’s function is to handle the business, planning, decision-making, and also financial review. Understanding who does what will allow the continuation of the smooth flow of information and operations.
OPERATIONS
The Operations department is held responsible for overseeing, designing and controlling the process of production and redesigning business operations if necessary. They work in tandem with all departments and depend on technology. Document your processes to prepare for potential impact.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
Do you have an internal IT team or is this outsourced? Knowing how your systems, software, data and processes flow impacts business results. Smooth flow and up-time depends on having access to information technology 24/7. Document systems and process for maximum efficiency.
PURCHASING
Suppliers provide materials to create what we make and sell. Those who procure our services are an asset to help us source materials from the right suppliers, in the correct quantities, at prices within ranges we set. Knowing who does what here allows us to continue making and selling product.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Do you have in-house legal counsel or is this function outsourced? Compliance and regulatory issues are a “must”. How are current issues logged for your review/action at any time?
We rely on others to keep our businesses going/growing. When we know how to step in if needed, business deliverables are possible. Your family, employees, clients and vendors depend on you.
Contingency planning at home and work benefits people in measurable and profound ways. The Living Planner can help you assess what is in place, at risk and available for you to plan for contingencies.
Many thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your lives. Contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees via Email or online @ The Living Planner #CareForPeopleCareForBusiness