When Disaster Strikes Your Business
Weather conditions like those experienced in Texas
hurricane floods and California wild fires are upside-down disasters. They are turning
everything inside-out. How do businesses stay afloat at times like this and
what keys to recovery can they use? This is especially critical for small
businesses as many of them, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are unable to open their doors
again.
We recently read an Open Forum article by Julie Bawden
Davis about how to future-proof your business in the wake of natural
disaster. Here are three of the more
salient points that we believe are essential:
Back Up Documents and Key Information
Businesses are advised to make sure important files
are saved to the cloud so they can be accessed from anywhere. This helps to
maintain business continuity. If the cloud isn’t an option, then make sure
duplicate copies (paper, discs, jump drives, etc.) are updated regularly.
Check in with Employees and Vendors
Those who are involved with your business are important
people. Once you know that your team members are out of harm’s way – and are
able to resume their positions - you can implement a strategy to keep business
moving forward, and that starts with letting customers know you are still
providing them with reliable services and/or products.
Remember that sometimes customers can also be in harm’s
way, so understanding and working together can alleviate their hardships, too.
Get Help.
In the face of natural disasters, isolation is not a solution.
Check in with fellow business people to offer and receive support. Someone may
have an idea or a tip that could make all the difference for your business
survival. Or you may be able to provide assistance to a less fortunate
business.
This networking can take time, so don’t wait until you
are in the midst of a disaster to start developing contacts. Make those phones
calls and send those emails now.
Although we have not experienced a natural disaster,
we make it a point to stay in touch with several other public relations professionals.
This has allowed us to lend a helping hand every now and then.
And no matter which way you look at it, that’s always
good business!
To read Davis’ complete article, click here.
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