Working for one of the top Marketers online (David Ledoux) I've been lucky to learn many tips and tricks that can be used in cases of emergency. Like today when I still have the remnants of the flu. One of the first things I learned from David was planning. He plans for just about every or any situation possible. A number of years ago I got a weird request from David.."Chris, I want you to make a list of everything you do in a normal day" please include ...
- urls used
- passwords and user names
- possible situations and how you deal with them
- how to access the customers information, support email and shipping process for products sold.
- in short..everything you do on a normal day.
So at the start of the next morning I opened a new MS Word file and every time I did something I made note of it. By the end of the day I had a full list (very comprehensive) of everything that's done to all 3 websites to function fully, including keeping all customers happy.
The next day I ICQed David to let him know that the file was done. I then proceeded to ask him what was this for, especially since it did slow down my day having to log everything I do. He explained... now you have a clear action plan anyone can follow in the event you have to train someone to do your job or in the event of an emergency you can call in a temp or have someone from a different department come to cover for you.
Since then I've used that list 4 times... when we went on a family vacation to Disney In Orlando, when we went to the Bahamas, when my wife and I went to Varadero on vacation and most recently - yesterday. As mentioned in my previous blog entry I was taken down by the flu..so all I had to do was cal one of programmers and he was able to fill in for me with the help of that work list I created years ago.
Create an action list today, it will come in handy. But be sure to keep this under "lock and key" since if it's like the one I use, it contains vital passwords and access information for secure databases.
Regards
Chris
Chris De La Rosa is a work from home dad who manages Genuinejobs.com where users have free access to vacant work from home, telecommute, freelance and contract jobs You can also get help with your resume, cover letter and tips on a successful job interview. You can also read my daily entries at my blog, A work from home dad's story.
