So, you're faced with the need to document policies and procedures. Maybe you're looking for ways to improve your day-to-day processes or scale your business. Or maybe, you have a need to create instructions as a form of training for a client. Sounds easy, right? Yes and No.

Have you ever had to put furniture together and given up because the documentation was confusing? It can be very frustrating, right? Whether the documentation is intended for you or others, you want it to be easy to follow so it improves the ability to carry out the task(s).

It's important to document processes in general but it is especially helpful for complex or infrequently performed tasks and also for cross-training purposes. There are many benefits that come from documenting processes like:

• BUSINESS CONTINUITY - If someone is out sick or quits unexpectedly
• EFFICIENCIES - documented processes often helps you carry out processes faster and documenting processes can often help you uncover what's unnecessary (businesses loose up 30% in revenue each year due to inefficiencies)
• TIME SAVINGS - You can easily refer someone to your documentation rather than meeting in person

Documentation can come in a lot of different forms. Policies and Procedures are the collection of various ways you may document your processes. Policies are high level whereas Procedures (sometimes called Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Flows, Job Aids or Quick References Guides) are most specific and often include instructions. At times these are referred to as Job aids or Quick Reference Guides. In addition, you may also have Worksheets and Templates. Let's start talk about how to document your processes.

STEPS

Here are the 5 steps you should take to document processes.

1. Clarify the purpose and the audience
2. Research
3. Outline
4. Draft and Revise
5. Proofread

Let's discuss each step.