Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Are you ready for a disaster?

My company works to help businesses prevent and offset disaster. As much as prevention helps, it can not stop disasters form happening. I can't stress enough how important it is to have a disaster plan when you launch your business. It is crucial. I know you have a lot on your plate but make sure you make this element a priority.

Here's How:

Spend a day running the office from home. This will help you realize what items you do have to run the business from your home office and what items you don't have. Do you have backup data for client files, numbers and hard copies of contracts? What about your schedule? Payroll information? If a disaster strikes, and your office is impacted, chances are you and your employees will have to work from home. Could you pay them? Could you reach them? Working from home for a day will help you realize the inventory you have and what you need to be prepared.

Who are your leaders? Don't wait for a disaster to assign your employees leadership roles. Help your company be prepared by preparing your employees. Ask yourself who would be best to help in the event of a mandatory evacuation. Seek out people to cover attendance after the evacuation, those who should grab certain documents and data cards, individuals who start the insurance processing part, etc. A disaster brings a lot of chaos to the table. Employees who know their roles ahead of time can help streamline recovery and compile resources.

Plan for their safety. Yes, you have to keep clients moving but employees' safety should always be first. If someone's home has been flooded, try to help them recover by pooling resources. Who is willing to share their home? Do you have a company credit card to front employee hotel housing? I know this is going the extra mile but it is important to take care of each other. Profits are important but the human element is more valuable.

These recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg. You are free to contact me with specific questions or a request for a consultation.

Stay safe out there,
Twyla

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