Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/332591
52 • JULY 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS THE SKY'S THE LIMIT FEATURES: • Fits standard gooseneck stands • WCDMA technology • Easy programming • High-gain cell integrated antenna • No cell contract needed • Weatherproof stainless steel • Rings up to 3 administrators in sequence • Program up to 100 users to access the gate • Works with mobile and land lines • Answer visitors call no matter where you are • Gate is able to be latched/unlatched via cell phone • For use with all gate automation systems • No trenching for phone lines • 12/24 Volts AC/DC - 1.5 amp power supply • Easy remote programming via cell phone or computer 704.768.2230 Get This and Many Other Innovative Products from East Coast Gate Operators, Inc. ECGO-G Cell Phone Entry System VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE myECGO.com New Model Interested in becoming an ECGO distributor... Please call us! You control who has access to your property. "Everyone knows a keypad code: 1234" HIGHER SECURITY – NO KEYPAD NEEDED. You might read the headline on this story and ask "just what is that book?" Here's a hint: If your business has one, it is most likely an excellent company. The most successful busi- nesses, small and large, have such a book, written to help provide guidance and direction to the total "team" of employees and employer alike. It's generic name is a "policies and proce- dures manual." I am always surprised when I dis- cover just how many of the businesses with which I work on a day-to-day basis do not have a policies and proce- dures manual in place. Worse yet, in the discussions with management that follow, when I begin to point out just how and why such a book is important to a successful busi- ness, I am more than surprised (actu- ally appalled) to hear the reasons for not having one. One of the usual reasons goes, THE HUMAN LINK "Well, I have a pretty good idea of what I expect (from the business)," or perhaps, "I just tackle each situation as it occurs." The worst is probably "What do I need that for? I'm still in business aren't I?" When I start to ask a series of "what if" questions concerning expec- tations and possible situations, the startled reply is often something like "Gee, I hadn't thought about that!" The expectations and the situa- tions of business are what make me believe that it is critical for all busi- nesses, regardless of size, to write a "book." The book is a document in the format of a working manual with gen- eral statements which will guide the employees (each and every one) dur- ing company working hours, as well as helping the management (owners as well as top echelon managers) and staff to stay focused on the "mission" of the business. The actual purpose of the policies and procedures manual is a simple one, but vital to the life of a good busi- ness. It must establish the general pa- rameters of the goals and the policies which will guide the business in a greater focus of purpose and direction, while assisting employees in develop- ing better team work and ways to stay committed to the goals and aspirations of the business as outlined in the mis- sion statement developed for the com- pany. While "flying by the seat of one's pants" might work sometimes, having a flight manual and a flight plan is a safer and smarter way to fly and land planes, small and large! The book we are talking about is a business "safer and smarter way" and the size of the business doesn't matter! My next few columns will deal with some of the more pressing items which should be included in your manual. However, this first column will initially seek to establish the mindset that is needed to start, and to then deal with a "jumping off" point or mission statement in preparation for future dis- cussions in upcoming columns. The most important admission that must be made and acknowledged is that many of us truly hate details, es- pecially those at which we are either not very good, or for which we fail to The most important book your business will ever write – part 1 of 3-part series