{"id":7198,"date":"2021-02-04T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-04T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beebole.com\/blog\/?p=7198"},"modified":"2025-01-22T11:48:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T10:48:06","slug":"two-methods-to-rapidly-document-your-processes-and-survive-as-a-remote-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beebole.com\/blog\/two-methods-to-rapidly-document-your-processes-and-survive-as-a-remote-business","title":{"rendered":"Two methods to rapidly document your processes and survive as a remote business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is the second part of a two-part series on process documentation with Vinay Patankar, CEO of Process Street. In case you\u2019re just tuning in, we recommend you read part one Why Documenting Your Processes is Key to Surviving as  Remote Business<\/a> first.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you\u2019ve learned the ins and outs of why process documentation is important to any smooth-running business, today we\u2019re moving onto the next step. Before diving into the two easiest ways to document processes, I\u2019ll go over the five golden rules for writing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two easiest ways to document processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the last instalment, I told you that process documentation was simple, easy to do, and incredibly important for remote business survival. All that\u2019s left is to prove how easy it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we dive into the details, here are five best practices to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The five golden rules for how to write process documentation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rule #1: Include detail <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your process needs to produce the same outcome every time it\u2019s followed, regardless of who\u2019s following it. When describing each part of the process, be detailed so that anyone can pick it up and follow it. You can test this with your current fully distributed team\u2014make sure someone in Dublin can do it just as well as somebody in San Diego.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #2: Keep it simple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your documentation processes are clear, simple, and easy to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Keeping<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rule #3: Make it accessible<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a distributed company, it\u2019s crucial to keep your process documentation in one central place. Make sure that everyone in the business has access to it at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #4: Make it easy to update <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regularly review processes to look for improvements or pinpoint costly inefficiencies. Make sure it\u2019s easy to update them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #5: Start now<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t put off for tomorrow what you can do today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust get it done. Do it now. If you don\u2019t know where to begin, just grab a pen and paper, and start writing down a process. Just start with one.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to document priority processes rapidly for smaller teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. Pick a process <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sounds easy enough, but where to start? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPick the process you use the most as this is where you’ll get the most cumulative benefits, and start with that.\u201d  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repetitive tasks give you the opportunity to create efficiencies and improve quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 3 tips <\/p>\n\n\n\n