By Tom T
With the H1N1 Pandemic almost a certainty, here are 3 Tips for Business Continuity Planning.
Business continuity is an important sounding term. It actually is pretty important. A business continuity plan determines a number of things to insure as much as possible how your business will survive a disaster or a crisis. Think 9-11 or Hurricane Katrina from the past or coming disasters we may or may not know about like the coming swine flu pandemic or the earthquake that gives no warning. Are you prepared? Will your business just survive on it's own or do you just fly by the seat of your pants and deal with it when it happens? What if the problem is with you? Would you lose your business? Here are 3 tips that will get you started in the right direction;
Tip 1 - Identify Key Client Contacts
Create a list of your key clients and their contact information. If you have it include personal contact information as well. Why? If case of an event or emergency you will want to contact your most important clients to let them know you are still in business (if you are) and that they can call you if there is any kind of emergency. If you are using alternate phone numbers or have to reroute business communications, let them know how to contact you. Don't let a client think they don't want to bother you in an emergency situation. In fact be proactive and let them know if they need any help themselves you will be there for them. What a lasting impression that would make!
Tip 2 - Identify Key Suppliers & Vendors
Who are the 3-4 critical suppliers or vendors that you need to operate your business? Do you have alternate sources if something happens to them? What about communications and banking? Have the number to your accountant and banker handy for an emergency line of credit to operate during a disaster. This will keep the operation going until life catches up. The time to scramble for all this information is not after the disaster happens.
Tip 3 - Identify Key Staff and Responsibilities
What are the most critical job functions in your company? What staff is absolutely required to be there to operate and maintain your business? Who are the people who will perform those functions? What are your backup plans if those people are not available?
For most companies people are you most critical asset. Lack of key staff can put a company out of business very quickly. In an emergency situation you need to make sure your key functions are covered and not just by one person. That single point failure could be the person who needs to be elsewhere tending to other matters.
So, you need a backup plan. You need to cross train. You need to have written procedures and job descriptions. You need to have a temporary staffing vendor who can supply you with people in an emergency. You need to have a succession plan so that if you are not there the right person is put in charge.
Final Thoughts
Though this is not a full on business continuity plan, it is a good start. It should not take weeks to gather this information. Make it a priority now and it will save your business later. If nothing else you can advertise to your clients that you have a BC Plan and they can be sure you will be there even in case of a disaster. Think of it as not only insurance for you but a great marketing angle for your sales team.
Tip 1 - Identify Key Client Contacts
Create a list of your key clients and their contact information. If you have it include personal contact information as well. Why? If case of an event or emergency you will want to contact your most important clients to let them know you are still in business (if you are) and that they can call you if there is any kind of emergency. If you are using alternate phone numbers or have to reroute business communications, let them know how to contact you. Don't let a client think they don't want to bother you in an emergency situation. In fact be proactive and let them know if they need any help themselves you will be there for them. What a lasting impression that would make!
Tip 2 - Identify Key Suppliers & Vendors
Who are the 3-4 critical suppliers or vendors that you need to operate your business? Do you have alternate sources if something happens to them? What about communications and banking? Have the number to your accountant and banker handy for an emergency line of credit to operate during a disaster. This will keep the operation going until life catches up. The time to scramble for all this information is not after the disaster happens.
Tip 3 - Identify Key Staff and Responsibilities
What are the most critical job functions in your company? What staff is absolutely required to be there to operate and maintain your business? Who are the people who will perform those functions? What are your backup plans if those people are not available?
For most companies people are you most critical asset. Lack of key staff can put a company out of business very quickly. In an emergency situation you need to make sure your key functions are covered and not just by one person. That single point failure could be the person who needs to be elsewhere tending to other matters.
So, you need a backup plan. You need to cross train. You need to have written procedures and job descriptions. You need to have a temporary staffing vendor who can supply you with people in an emergency. You need to have a succession plan so that if you are not there the right person is put in charge.
Final Thoughts
Though this is not a full on business continuity plan, it is a good start. It should not take weeks to gather this information. Make it a priority now and it will save your business later. If nothing else you can advertise to your clients that you have a BC Plan and they can be sure you will be there even in case of a disaster. Think of it as not only insurance for you but a great marketing angle for your sales team.
(Source : buzzle.com)
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