Getting a business up and running is no small task, and small business owners are some of the most determined, hard working people out there, often pouring unthinkable hours and resources into the success of their ventures. Unfortunately, though, it’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that often suffer the most when disasters strike, since they don’t have the same range of recovery resources at hand as their larger counterparts, and often don’t have a disaster preparedness plan.
Yet, with proper planning and the right technology investments in place, SMBs can withstand both physical and virtual disasters and encourage business continuity, even during disaster recovery. Consider the following as you develop or refine a plan to prepare your business for disaster.
Data Backup
Determine how you will safeguard all important data stored on your hard drive. You might wish to invest in an online backup solution that will make data easily accessible during disaster. Or you can regularly replicate your hard drive with a detached disk drive, always making sure to remove the disk drive from the premises each night in case a physical disaster occurs after office hours.
Cloud-Based Software
Many SMB owners have found that cloud-based software solutions alleviate storage and backup concerns, since they enable individuals to store information in a secure, offsite location and access it from nearly any device. With productivity programs like Office 365, employees can access e-mail, important documents, contacts and calendars anytime, anywhere and conduct business as usual, even after a physical disaster occurs.
Technology Updates
Those reminders that frequently pop up on your computer screen to update your technology could be your lifeline to preventing a virtual disaster from occurring in the first place. Technology updates often include security patches necessary for the health of your network, so maintain vigilance when it comes to keeping your technology updated.
Money Management
Though disaster might interrupt your regular rhythm of business for a while, you’ll still need to pay your bills on time, make payroll, etc. Ensure you have account and contact info easily on hand, and also guarantee that your financial management system is backed up properly. Don’t forget that vendors will still need to be paid, even if you’re out of the office.
Communication Methods
Every business has internal and external audiences that will need to know about the ways a disaster has impacted the organization. Determine ahead of time the method of communication you’ll use with each audience, who will convey important information, in what order, etc.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a disaster and, of the remaining companies, at least 25 percent will close in two years. However, by developing a disaster preparedness plan, testing your disaster recovery plan, and implementing technologies that support business continuity, you will help your business withstand the unexpected.
Is your business prepared?
Download and take this readiness quiz (PDF) to see how prepared your business is for a disaster. Then head over to the Microsoft site to download this free disaster preparedness e-guide.
Image credit: katman1972
