Victorias Secret
Those disheartening statistics that tell us 80 percent of small business start-ups will fail in the first five years may also hold a secret to surviving and thriving. Those same statistics show that 95 percent of all franchises succeed. Why the disparity? One of the major differences is that franchisees are given and required to follow an operations manual. It tells them exactly what to do and how to do it. They have a tested, proven roadmap to follow. Everything is systematized and documented. No need to spend time reinventing the wheel or figuring out which wheel works best -- that’s all been done for them. The operations manual is a key ingredient in the formula for small business success.
Owners of small business start-ups are notorious for putting in long, hard hours. Starting a business can be very demanding, often requiring the owner to wear many different hats. As a result, the thought of taking time out to write an operations manual can seem relatively unimportant. If writing a manual is considered at all, it’s not regarded as being critical, so it often gets put off until ‘things slow down a little,’ which may or may not happen. After all, it’s not life threatening to the business. Or is it?
An operations manual gives you as a business owner many advantages. Having tried-and-true systems in place cuts out guesswork, reduces error and saves time. It enables you to provide a consistent experience for customers, vendors and employees. Following the steps in an operations manual when training will bring the new hire up to speed more quickly and can serve as a textbook for him or her to easily follow. With a good manual in place, you will be able to take a vacation and leave someone else to run the business.
An operations manual that has been tested, refined and is followed in the day-to-day running of the business can significantly increase the value of your business if and when you decide to sell it. Jim Johnston of Business Acquisitions Ltd. represents owners who are selling their businesses. "A business that has put operational practices on paper is much more attractive to a buyer," he explains. "When someone is looking to buy a business, he or she tries to picture taking over from the current business owner. If the organization is overly dependent on any one person's knowledge, especially the owner who is going away, it can be a scary proposition for a buyer."
If you intend to franchise your business in the future, documenting all your processes and procedures now will help you more easily and quickly create a profitable turnkey system. For 14 years, David MacDonald of Stratemarks Consulting has specialized in helping people to franchise their businesses. He tells us, “More than half the people I work with don’t have systems in place. It’s all in their head, and I have to spend a lot of time learning their instincts and putting it down into benchmarked systems. Whether they eventually franchise or not, the business will benefit from this. One of the reasons that franchising is so prevalent in this country is that anyone can step to the table and buy and follow a system that works.”
Write Everything Down
Start by designing an organization chart complete with job descriptions, even though you may be filling most of these roles yourself now. Create a system for everything you do, then write it down. Think about every step, consider what could go wrong -- if someone completing the task is likely to encounter difficulties, describe these and how to overcome them.
Make Sure it’s Crystal Clear
Write your manual so that anyone, even with no prior experience, can easily understand and follow the directions. The story is told of Napoleon Bonaparte when he was commanding his troops -- he asked that the least intelligent soldier be assigned as his aide. Before issuing an order, Napoleon would give it to the aide and ask if he understood it. If he didn’t, the order was rewritten more clearly.
Details Are Important
Bonnie Smith plans to franchise her bakery and catering business, The Quiche Factory, and is in the process of documenting everything everyone does in the business. “It has to be in such detail,” she explains. “You can’t just say, ‘put an apron on.’ You have to say, ‘go into the kitchen and take an apron from the second shelf in the first cupboard on the right and put it on.’ ”
About the Author:
Victoria K. Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly® LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, “In-Flight Refueling,” at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Secret to Surviving and Thriving: Put Systems in Place
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2008 Part 1: Glamour Goddess
 |
 VICTORIA'S SECRET PINK T-SHIRT US $12.99 
|
 Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things black pink bow push up balconet bra 32D US $7.26
|
 Victoria's Secret Hydrating Body Lotion Mix & Match X 5 US $30.00
|
 Womens Victorias Secret HipHugger Panties Size Medium NWT US $10.00
|
 VICTORIAS SECRET PINK UNIVERSITY GREEN WHITE STRIPED ZIP UP HOODIE SWEATSHIRT M US $7.95
|
 NEW VICTORIA'S SECRET - LOVE SPELL - BODY LOTION - 8.4 OZ - FAST SHIPPING US $2.99
|
 New Victorias Secret Zebra Animal Print Bikini Swimsuit Medium US $28.00
|
 VS VICTORIA'S SECRET 3 COUPONS FREE LACIE THONG $10 OFF BRA FREE CHOCOLATES VDAY US $4.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET MAGENTA CAMISOLE LACE TRIM SZ SMALL US $3.00
|
 Brand New Victoria Secrets Pure Seduction Set US $14.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET LACIE SNOW LEOPARD PRINT BABYDOLL SLIP MEDIUM NWT $42.00 US $25.99
|
 NWOT NO BOX WOMEN'S R2 ROXANE BOOTS SZ 8 VICTORIA'S SECRET US $9.99
|
 NEW VICTORIA'S SECRET - PURE SEDUCTION - BODY LOTION - 8.4 OZ - FAST SHIPPING US $2.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Terry Bathrobe Size M/L US $30.00
|
 Brand New Victoria's Secret Wristlet US $9.99
|
 NWT Victoria Secret Thongs Panties NEW Large LG NWT Satin Mesh Cute Sexy Low Ris US $4.99
|
 VICTORIA SECRET SUPERMODEL NO SHOW V STRING THONG VERY SEXY LAVENDER US $5.00
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET AQUA 100% SILK CAMISOLE SZ SMALL US $3.50
|
 Victoria's Secret Very Sexy gel push up multi-way strapless convertible bra 36B US $6.50
|
 Pink by Victorias Secret Zip Up Sweatshirt Size XS Logo Don't Miss this! EUC US $9.95
|
 Secret Embrace Victoria Secret Baige Push Up Seamless Bra 32 B US $8.27
|
 RARE!! Victorias Secret~2004~WHITE TAGS~Pink Dog Mini Dots Plush Toy Animal Doll US $9.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET LACIE HALTER BLACK WITH PINK TRIM BABYDOLL MEDIUM NWT $48.00 US $19.99
|
 NWT Victorias Secret Pink And Black Lacie Bra US $15.00
|
 NEW VICTORIA'S SECRET - PURE SEDUCTION - HAND & BODY LOTION - 6.7 OZ - FAST SHIP US $1.99
|
 Small victoria secrets lingerie pink! US $10.00
|
 Victoria Secret VERY SEXY Beige Strapless Gel Push up bra 36C US $8.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET LACIE HALTER HOT PINK WITH PINK TRIM BABYDOLL MED NWT $48.00 US $19.99
|
 Victoria's Secret PINK Lace Panties Lot of 2! Size M US $15.00
|
 Victoria's Secret PINK yoga crop ankle pants black leopard size M US $10.50
|
 NWT Victoria Secret Push Up without Padding Bra 38B US $19.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Panties, New!! Must See US $2.24
|
 Victoria Secret jacket size x-small. US $9.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET TOTALLY SEXY PEEK A BOO BOOTIE PANTY WITH SIDE TIES LARGE NWTS US $9.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET BUTERFLY PRINT SATIN & LACE SLIP MEDIUM NWT $ 48.00 US $10.50
|
 NWOT STUNNING BODY BY VICTORIA'S SECRET BLAZER..SIZE 10..RTL $129.00 US $19.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Love Pink sweat shorts vintage embroidered flower sweats dog US $6.99
|
 Victoria Secret Perfume Gift set Mini Body-Very Sexy-NOIR-Dream Angels-Love Rock US $26.00
|
 OOH LA LA BY VICTORIA'S SECRET EDP FOR WOMEN 1.7 oz US $29.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET LACIE HALTER NAVY BLUE BABYDOLL MEDIUM NWT $48.00 US $19.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Sexy 2Pc Red Lace Cami & Boyshort Sz XS Valentines Day US $4.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET GORGEOUS 2011 Fashion Show Swaronski Crystal Bra 34C NWT US $119.00
|
 VICTORIA SECRET SUPERMODEL NO SHOW V STRING THONG BUFF/NUDE US $10.00
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET 34D Nude PUSH UP Tagless SEAMLESS Padded VERY SEXY Comfy Bra US $19.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET SPARKLING "SEXY LITTLE BRIDE" BRIDAL TANK TOP BLOUSE NWTS MED US $14.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Sequin Tank Top US $25.00
|
 Victoria's Secret Pink t shirt US $25.00
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET SPARKLING "HITCHED" BRIDAL TANK TOP BLOUSE NWTS MEDIUM US $14.99
|
 Victorias Secret Supermodel Essentials Bling Tee Size Medium New! US $20.50
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET SPARKLING "SEXY LITTLE NEW YEAR" TANK TOP BLOUSE NWTS MED US $14.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Sweatshirt Hoodie Tunic Pink Red PINK Wms XS US $14.99
|
 WRAP SWEATER MODA INTERNATIONAL by VICTORIA'S SECRET LARGE US $8.99
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET SPARKLING JUST MARRIED TANK TOP *NWTS MEDIUM US $19.99
|
 seven (7) Victoria's Secret catalogs - hot, sexy US $6.99
|
 Victoria's Secret black 100% merino wool cardigan XS US $20.00
|
 Sexy Victoria's Secret Floral Mesh Sheer Body Stocking Crotchless White Medium US $7.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Aubergine tank with ruching and shelf bra S WORN ONCE! US $19.00
|
 VICTORIA'S SECRET RED VELOUR SWEATPANTS SZ XS US $45.00
|
 Victoria's Secret M Wool-blend Cowlneck Sweater Urban Blue Heather M $58 US $39.99
|
 Victoria Secret Lace BRA US $3.99
|
 NWT Victorias Secret Black Bikini Bottom With Cheetah Heads US $5.99
|
 Victoria Secret Go Pink Zipup Hoodie Neon Yellow Large Sweatshirt US $28.00
|
 Victoria Secret Short Romper, Never Worn US $5.51
|
 VICTORIA SECRET PINK CANVAS BAG, NEON PINK w/ BLACK POLKA DOTS, NWT US $24.50
|
 NEW VICTORIA'S SECRET - DREAM ANGEL - HEAVENLY - ANGEL MIST - 2.5 OZ - FAST SHIP US $5.50
|
 Victoria's Secret Pink Leopard Fur Lined Boots Med 7-8 US $49.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Cami Crop pant pajama lot set XS S US $8.99
|
 NEW VICTORIA SECRET V NECK BLACK LOVE PINK T SHIRT TOP SZ XS EXTRA SMALL US $15.30
|
 Satin Boxer Two Piece Pajama Set-Victoria's Secret-Pink-New US $24.99
|
 Victoria Secret Very Sexy gift set lotion body mist shower gel Valentines Day US $21.51
|
 Victoria's Secret Shimmery Green Sleepshirt S Sexy US $7.99
|
 NWT! Victoria's Secret swimsuit bikini set Sz S White w/stripes US $39.99
|
 Victoria's Secret 34A beige PINK bra US $5.00
|
 Victoria's Secret 34B beige VERY SEXY push up bra US $5.00
|
 Victoria's Secret 36B black bra US $7.00
|
 Victoria's Secret 34C floral print bra US $5.00
|
 NWT IN PACKAGE PINK VICTORIA'S SECRET DOG PINK/BLACK DOG 2012 US $.99
|
 NEW VICTORIA'S SECRET PURE SEDUCTION GIFT SET!! BODY SPRAY, LOTION & BODY WASH!! US $15.50
|
 Plush and Lush by Victorias Secret Zip Up Sweatshirt Size S Gold Short So Cute US $9.95
|
 Victoria's Secret Bra Tops Tanks size Large lot of two EUC!!! US $12.52
|
 Victoria's Secret Built In Bra Cami Tank Rhinestones L US $6.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Shimmery Beige Tangerine Floral Chemise Gown Babydoll L Sexy US $8.99
|
 Victorias Secret Womens Burgandy Sheer Lace Blouse with satin tie US $50.00
|
 NWT IN PACKAGE PINK VICTORIA'S SECRET DOG ORANGE/BLACK DOG 2012 US $.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Full Coverage Bra UW Lined 32B Blue US $11.99
|
 Victoria's Secret very sexy & body by victoria push up lot of four bras 34C US $20.06
|
 Victoria's Secret Hiphugger Panties Lot of 2 Sz Sm and M US $16.50
|
 Victoria's Secret Flyaway Babydoll Thong Set S NWOT US $17.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Gloss lot 5 Delicious Mixed Shades US $22.99
|
 Victoria Secret NEW Stretch Bikini Set Size XS FREE SHIPPING US $43.99
|
 LOT OF 2 USED VICTORIA'S SECRET SUPER MODEL SPARKLE SHIMMERING FRAGRANCE MIST US $8.00
|
 HEAVENLY SHINE BY VICTORIA'S SECRET EDP FOR WOMEN 2.5 oz US $31.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things NOIR LOVE ME Eau de Parfum 1.7 oz NIB US $29.99
|
 Victoria Secret Pink Pullover Hoodie Large Sweatshirt US $28.00
|
 Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Gloss lot Oranjeanious US $18.99
|
 Victoria's Secret Plum Semi Sheer Bottom Chemise Gown S Sexy US $6.99
|
 "Classics by Request" The London Symphony Orchestra Volume 1. Victoria Secret US $2.99
|
 Victoria Secret MEGA MAKEUP KET- BRAND NEW IN BOX $432.00 VALUE SAVE $$$$ US $39.99
|
And a selection of products from Amazon
 |
Victoria's Secret Pink, Pink Nylon Tote Bag Large
Sale Price: $7.90  |
 |
Victoria's Secret Lovely Love Pink Tote Purse Crossbody Bag NWT - Color Pink
Sale Price: $12.99 |
DescriptionPink - Love Pink Tote |
 |
Victoria's Secret Green Pink Nylon Tote Bag Large
Sale Price: $9.50 |
DescriptionVictoria's Secret Green Pink Nylon Tote Bag Large |
 |
Victoria's Secret Presents Mistero Dell' Amore (The Mystery of Love)
Sale Price: $19.99 |
Description7 Tracks: 1. Il Mistero Dell' Amore 2. Romanza 3. Sogno 4. Rapsodia 5. Le Tue Parole 6. Immenso 7. Mai Piu Cosi' Lontano |
 |
Heavenly - Music for Angels (Victorias Secret)
Sale Price: $5.82 |
DescriptionVictoria's Secret Heavenly Music For Angels (Audio CD) 2002 |
 |
Classics by Request, Vol. 5
Sale Price: $39.99 |
 |
Ronson Consumer Prod 99063 12-Ounce Ronsonol Lighter Fuel
List Price: |
DescriptionBliss Magnolia Body Scrub Petal-Soft Skin Polish 8.5 Fl.Oz. tube. This mildly-scented cleansing cream lathers up for a gentle but supreme sudsing, sloughing and softening. Formulated with exfoliating flower acids, conditioning shea butter and soothing meadowfoam oil... |
 |
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy HOT Eau de Parfum Spray 2.5 oz
List Price: |
DescriptionLaunched in 2007 this sexy, alluring scent will ignite passion with a provocative blend of ripe plum, exhilarating freesia and fresh peony. |
 |
VERY SEXY DARE by Victoria's Secret EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 1 OZ
Sale Price: $19.99 |
 |
Amoretti Sour Apple Martini, Appletini Cocktail Mix
Sale Price: $11.49 |
DescriptionAmoretti Sour Apple Martini, Appletini Cocktail Mix When you want to make the ultimate sour green apple martini or appletini, our cocktail mix is always in season. Pucker up and infuse your appletini recipes with vibrant and tart appeal naturally flavored from granny smith apples... |
