A lot of self-employed small business owners are sole proprietors that work by themselves or with clients and don’t feel the need to make a checklist or template of what they do on a regular basis since they are the only ones doing the tasks. Though, if they get sick or busy, the tasks are not completed. Then, they feel overwhelmed and anxious, frustrated that they can’t finish their projects. I am here to convince you that making templates and checklists is critical to your small business. Below are the pros of using templates and checklists.
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The Benefits of Making Templates and Checklists for Your Small Business
Pros
- When you have a template or checklist of all the steps for a particular task, you can stop during the process and allow yourself to do other, more time-sensitive tasks.
- You can see where you can improve the steps, where the process is most effective, and where it is less efficient.
- You will see the big picture and how it fits into your business.
- You can give the checklist to a subcontractor to do the tasks that need to be completed.
- Reducing errors on your tasks.
- It will increase your productivity and speed up the steps.
- Checklists will act as a reminder of things you and your staff may not have done.
It takes a little more time to set up the checklist or template initially. I know what you are thinking; this is a Con, isn’t it? But, after the setup process, it will save you time every time you need to do the task.
Tips on making templates or checklists:
- Start by making a list of each step while doing a project. Write down each step, and use colored markers or pens to indicate the different areas of templates.
- Then, use the checklist or template the next time you do the project. Add and modify steps you may have missed or need to elaborate on and write them down.
- Type it up and revisit it when you do the task again. Spending the time now will help you see the patterns of the steps and may even help you determine a better and more efficient way of doing the project.
- Have a colleague or friend go through the process with your list to see if it works. Watch how they do the tasks. Is there anything that will need tweaking?
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I hope with these pros of using templates and checklists, I convinced you to take the time and make templates and checklists for your tasks. It will help you in the long run. If you don’t believe me, try it and see.
If you need help breaking down the process and creating checklists or templates, I have over 20 years of experience doing both and would help you break down the process into easy-to-understand steps. Click here for more information.
Visit Microsoft Business Startup Checklist for more ideas.
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