The 3 - count 'em - 3 key steps to prepare your business

September was Disaster Preparedness Month and I'm guessing many people missed it or have delayed creating a disaster plan. Therefore, Larry White, Business Advisor of the Central Indiana SBDC since 2004, is our guest today to help you get started. He provides free counseling for individuals who wish to start their own business, or existing entrepreneurs that need assistance with management or marketing challenges and low cost training for new or established businesses. Larry conducts seminars on topics, ranging from business plan development to the understanding of financial statements. You can reach him at 317-921-4859.

The focus on National Preparedness Month challenges business owners with the question of whether we are ready for an emergency. A recent national survey of businesses conducted by The Ad Council found that while 91% of respondents said that it is “very” or “somewhat” important for businesses to prepare for a catastrophic disaster (i.e., fire, tornado, etc.), only 38% said their company had an emergency plan in place in the event of a disaster.

We get so focused on day-to-day events and taking care of customers, that it is hard for most of us to find the time to get prepared. Planning is hard for many people. However, it is clear that preparedness enhances the recovery from business disruption and financial losses, and thereby increases business’ security and stability. It can also add to an owner’s peace of mind and allow him/her to sleep a little better at night.
There is a wealth of information about emergency business planning on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. They outline three key steps that business owners should take:

PLAN to stay in business – create a written emergency procedures checklist, develop an emergency contact list, identify a potential alternative business location, etc.

TALK to your people – get your employees’ involvement and buy-in to the process, advise your staff of emergency supplies that your business can provide, develop and communicate an evacuation plan, etc.

PROTECT your investment – review your insurance coverage, develop an inventory of all business assets, be sure that all critical records are backed up at an offsite location, etc.

As stated on the Ready.gov website, a commitment to planning today will help support employees, customers, the community, the local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival. Let’s find the time….somehow, someway, somewhere in our schedules….to be better prepared. If time and manpower is an issue - or you desire the benefits of a 3rd party documentation - I recommend the professionals at Hartman Inventory.