An infographic for small businesses contemplating whether they should develop a business manual for their business.

1. Every Small Business Needs a
Business Manual
Documenting the structure and
processes in your business
might just have more benefits
than you think…
What should you include in your
business manual?
Ultimately it is up to you but here are some ideas to get you started
About Us Marketing and Sales
Summary, history, contact details, hours of operation Website, brochures, printing, promotional, targets,
strategies
Business Management
Policies, vision, planning, goals, targets, reviews Logistics
Stock management, freight forwarding, warehousing
Personnel
Org chart, induction, training, culture, equity, conduct Finance
Book-keeping, tax accountant, insurance, payroll
Core Business
What you do and who for Records Management
Paper, electronic, back-ups, destruction, email, client
Regulatory information
WH&S, inspections and audits, relevant codes,
standards, and licences Undesirable Event Management
Legal How to manage customer complaints, disaster
management and other business issues
Contracts, agreements
Information Technology Glossary of Terms
Support, infrastructure, systems used Explain terms not generally understood
Purchasing Key documents
Expenses, general purchases, assets, suppliers, List them alongside the appropriate business area
outsourcing arrangements information and include when they should be used
Book designed by Pyetro Rapp from The Noun Project
Also include additional information as required to meet ISO9001 Quality Management Systems certification/ specific
accreditation requirements if applicable.
THE BENEFITS
Your business manual contains
some of the most useful words
you’ll write about your
business…
Business Overview Outsourcing
A good business manual will provide an Systems and documented process provide
overview of business operations and acts as appropriate structure to ensure you get the
a directory to help find further information. most from your outsourcing arrangements.
Business continuity Selling the business
Should disaster strike or you need a holiday, A good business manual will both inform and
the information in your manual will keep your instill confidence in the prospective buyer.
business operating with minimal disruption. SOLD!
Inductions Audits & Inspections
Your manual will help to get new employees/ Manuals and procedures provide auditors/
contractors off to a great start with a inspectors with essential information to help
comprehensive and consistent induction. guide and inform the audit process.
Training Client Confidence
Core business areas and key processes are Reassure potential clients that your business
identified making it easier to focus and is capable of delivering a product/service to
streamline training. a consistent and appropriate standard.
Take the time to write a business manual.
It’s a valuable investment in the success of your business.
For more information visit www.logiqa.com.au
LQ-IG-002- v1 © LogiQA 2013