Business Records
How accurately do your records reflect the truth?
Build systems that ensure a single immutable record of the truth
Masterfile
What are the essential records that document the compliance, structure, flow and soul of your organisation?
| Cost Centre | Ownership Roles | Business Records | Saas Toolkit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Compliance | CFO, Accountant, Financial Controller | Balance Sheets | |
| Financial Compliance | CFO, Accountant, Financial Controller | Income Statements | |
| Financial Compliance | CFO, Accountant, Financial Controller | Cash Flow Statements | |
| Financial Compliance | CFO, Accountant, Financial Controller | Tax Returns | |
| Legal | Legal Counsel, Contracts Manager, CEO | Partnership Agreements | |
| Legal | Legal Counsel, Contracts Manager, CEO | Lease Agreements | |
| Legal | Legal Counsel, Contracts Manager, CEO | Contracts with Suppliers and Customers | |
| Human Resources | HR Manager, Department Managers | Employment Contracts | |
| Human Resources | HR Manager, Department Managers | Performance Evaluations | |
| Human Resources | HR Manager, Department Managers | Payroll Records | |
| Human Resources | HR Manager, Department Managers | Training Logs | |
| Production Operations | Operations Manager, Plant Manager | Production Logs | |
| Production Operations | Operations Manager, Plant Manager | Inventory Records | |
| Production Operations | Operations Manager, Plant Manager | Maintenance Logs | |
| Production Operations | Operations Manager, Plant Manager | Quality Control Records | |
| Management | Secretary, Project Manager, CEO | Board Meeting Minutes | |
| Management | Secretary, Project Manager, CEO | Team Meetings | |
| Management | Secretary, Project Manager, CEO | Decision Logs | |
| Policy and Procedure | Compliance Manager, HR Manager, Operations Manager | Employee Handbook | |
| Policy and Procedure | Compliance Manager, HR Manager, Operations Manager | Operational Guidelines | |
| Policy and Procedure | Compliance Manager, HR Manager, Operations Manager | Safety Procedures | |
| Customer Records | Sales Manager, Customer Service Manager, Account Manager | Customer contracts | |
| Customer Records | Sales Manager, Customer Service Manager, Account Manager | Sales Records | |
| Customer Records | Sales Manager, Customer Service Manager, Account Manager | Correspondence | |
| Customer Records | Sales Manager, Customer Service Manager, Account Manager | Complaints | |
| Customer Records | Sales Manager, Customer Service Manager, Account Manager | Data Agreements (GDPR) | |
| Audit and Compliance Reports | Compliance Manager, Auditor, Risk Manager | Internal Audit Reports | |
| Audit and Compliance Reports | Compliance Manager, Auditor, Risk Manager | Regulatory Compliance Reports | |
| Audit and Compliance Reports | Compliance Manager, Auditor, Risk Manager | Safety Inspections | |
| Marketing Materials | Marketing Manager, CMO, Brand Manager | Market Research Data | |
| Marketing Materials | Marketing Manager, CMO, Brand Manager | Campaign Strategies | |
| Marketing Materials | Marketing Manager, CMO, Brand Manager | Customer Personas | |
| Marketing Materials | Marketing Manager, CMO, Brand Manager | Advertising Materials | |
| Intellectual Property | Legal Counsel, IP Manager, CEO | Patents | |
| Intellectual Property | Legal Counsel, IP Manager, CEO | Trademarks | |
| Intellectual Property | Legal Counsel, IP Manager, CEO | Copyright Registrations | |
| Intellectual Property | Legal Counsel, IP Manager, CEO | Licenses |
Context
Startup Checklist
Create and maintain these documents to ensure a solid foundation for running your startup operations effectively. Remember to regularly review and update these documents as your business evolves.
The business model provides the overarching strategy, while the playbook offers detailed guidelines for day-to-day operations, ensuring consistency and efficiency as you scale.
Business Model Canvas
This strategic management tool provides a visual overview of your business model, and helps you articulate how your startup will create, deliver, and capture value. Subject areas include:
- Key partners,
- Activities
- Resources
- Value Propositions
- Customer Relationships
- Channels
- Customer Segments
- Cost Structure
- Revenue Streams
Business Plan
A comprehensive document that outlines your business strategy, market analysis, financial projections, and overall vision. It typically includes:
- Executive Summary
- Company Description
- Market Analysis
- Management Team overview
- Products/Services description
- Marketing and Sales strategies
- Financial Projections
Business Playbook
This operational manual contains detailed processes, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your startup. It should include:
- Company vision, mission, and values
- Organizational structure
- Employee onboarding procedures
- Role-specific responsibilities and processes
- Best practices for various business functions
- Company policies and guidelines
Pitch Deck
A concise presentation that summarizes your business idea, market opportunity, solution, team, and financial projections. This is crucial for investor communications.
Financial Model
Detailed projections of your startup's revenue, expenses, and cash flow. This helps in planning and decision-making.
Legal Documents
These may include:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Founders' Agreement
- Intellectual Property (IP) assignments
- Employee contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
Product Roadmap
A strategic document outlining the vision, direction, and progress of your product development.
Marketing Plan
A detailed strategy for promoting your product or service, including target audience, messaging, and channels.
Customer Acquisition Plan
A document outlining your strategies for attracting and retaining customers.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
An analysis of potential risks to your business and strategies to address them.