Cross Train Employees

This will help you get through periods when a key employee leaves abruptly or is off for an extended lenght of time. Especially if that person was doing a complicated job that takes a while to learn. Cross training employees to do a difficult task will provide someone to step in when that person leaves the company or is promoted quickly. Cross training can be done by the owner/manager or the person who is currently doing the job. If it's an important job that will affect the overall condition of the business, three or four people can be trained to do it.

Another way of cross training is to develop a task manual which has a step-by-step list of each important task. This manual can be updated as changes are made and new procedures added. The manual doesn't have to be too formal just an outline of the steps involved. The person who is doing each task can write the pages for the one they are responsible for doing. Using a ring binder will allow you to change pages easily. Once this manual is in place you will see how valuable and useful it is.
More on training employees in chapter 12 of my upcoming book "The Smart Guide for Business Startups"