Definitive Business Plan, Second Edition, The

Policies, rules and procedures

All of us follow certain set rules and procedures. You put on your shoes before you tie your laces (theoretically, anyway). You buy a ticket before travelling on the underground, subway, metro, whatever you call it. Many of these things we learn by rote with coaching from a patient parent. Other routines we pick up deliberately or unconsciously from experience.

It is just the same in business. In your office, the last one to leave at night probably carries out the following procedure.

1.	Checks that windows and secondary exit doors are secure.
2.	Checks that everything that should be locked away is locked away (confidential papers, cookies and biscuits).
3.	Checks that everything that should be switched on is ...