Certainly, smooth Business running is the key to the success of businesses. However, there are times in businesses running when it becomes necessary for business owners to temporarily take off or stay away from the business to relax or for any other purpose. For example, going on a vacation, taking leave for some form of emergency etc. However retailers cannot afford to affect the smooth business running while being away from it. Therefore planning business operations smoothly and in time is essential for retailers because certainly retailers do not want to damage the smooth business running.
Ways to ensure Smooth Business Running while you are Away
In this article, we shall discuss the ways that shall help retailers ensure smooth business running while you are away.
Smooth Business running requires keeping a Manual
Having a store manual is essential so that the employees can turn to even if you are not around. That is to say, whatever information is essential for the business, retailers should have that information saved in the manual.
- General Store information and business Goals
For this purpose, firstly retailers can add in the general store information such as the business goals and principles. Consequently the more the employees will know about the business, the better the will understand what the business demands from them. As a result, they will perform adequately.
- Rules and Regulations
Secondly, state the business rules and regulations. That is to say, these rules can be based on what and how customers should behave with the customers, what the date is for pays, store policies etc. Further the manual should answer several basic questions that the employees might want to know about.
- Customer Experience Rules
Thirdly mention rules regarding the customer experience. How to take care of the customers? What should be the customer service standards and rules? How to deal with difficult customer experience? etc.
- Software Instructions
Certainly there are technological gadgets in the store. Therefore employees should know their usage. Therefore the guide books should also be a part of the Store Manual. That is to say, the POS System, inventory management system and other gadgets come with their manuals. These manuals should be used to help employees understand the working of these tools in a better and more effective way.
- Update the manual regularly
A helpful tip for retailers is that the store manual should not be such that you write it once. That is to say, the store manual should be updated regularly. Therefore retailers should keep revisiting the manual. Also keep asking employees what are their major concerns and questions regarding the business. So, based on their experiences and questions, add details in the manual.
- Digital version of Manual
Also you should try and see if you can create a digital version of the manual. As a result, it will be way easier for employees to look for their desired search instantly.
Empower the Manager for Smooth Business Running
Store managers are essential for the smooth running of store even in the presence of the owner. Further, the managers should be empowered so that they can manage the store well in your absence. That is to say, the owner should not be worried about the store’s functioning and performance because they know the store is safe hands. Moreover, retailers should choose the manager and supervisor whom they fully trust and who know the business well. Also see that they possess strong and effective leadership skills.
“Truly effective and inspiring leaders aren’t actually driven to lead people; they are driven to serve them.”
Take care of the staff for Smooth Business Running
Certainly, retailers should take care of the staff when they are around so that the staff takes care of your business well when you are not around. Therefore empower the staff members and show them that you trust them. This helps built a cordial and trustful relation between the employee and the owner instead of only having a professional relationship. So, invest in the staff members. Make them feel more accomplished and empowered. Moreover recognize their efforts and keep encouraging them whether you are physically present or not.
“An employee’s motivation is a direct result of the sum of interactions with his or her manager.”
–Bob Nelson
In addition, the role of each staff member should be clearly defined so they know their duties and responsibilities. Also it is very important that the employees should be accountable to their boss. That is to say, they should fulfill their roll and be should be aware that they are accountable. Consequently they will perform better and more effectively.