- Think ahead:
One of the first steps to risk mitigation planning is to create a list of potential scenarios that could impact your business operations. You need to prepare for natural disasters – floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, blizzards and more. There are also man-made emergencies to consider. For example, how would your business bounce back from arson or data sabotage?
Thinking through all the possible scenarios that could critically impair your operations is a necessary part of preparing your business for disasters, but it can be a daunting task if done alone. It’s important to get your staff involved to discuss possible scenarios as well as ideas for effectively mitigating each disaster and to continue to consult them regularly to gather more information. Don’t forget to brainstorm how your business would respond to highly unlikely situations, too. After all, it’s better to be overly prepared than not prepared enough.
- Create a crisis response plan:
After you’ve gathered information, create a comprehensive crisis response plan that contains each scenario and your company’s response. If you have several possible responses for one potential risk, do an analysis to determine which responses have the highest potential for success. Select the most effective plan, and if warranted, select another as a backup.
Once your plan is created, add in:
- A checklist of supplies to keep on hand
- An inventory of important equipment/files and who will be responsible for securing them
- Contact information for all your employees, including a contact tree so you know how your staff will be informed of important developments
- A plan for communicating with the public
Thinking ahead and developing processes will protect your customers and prepare your team for high-stress situations. As business changes occur, remember to adjust your plan accordingly. You may need to add in a newly hired employee’s contact information, new inventory, a scenario not previously considered and more.
- Back up data:
During a crisis, protecting your business data is highly important. A single data breach or loss of information can cause significant damage to your company. Consider what data you need to protect and safeguard it by following the 3-2-1 rule: keep at least three copies of your data and store two backup copies on different storage media with one located offsite.
Cloud-based storage makes it easier to follow the 3-2-1 rule, and you’ll be able to back up data from multiple sources, including phones and tablets.
- Obtain a robust internet service:
If you don’t have fiber internet at your business, adding it is a must. It will ensure you have the high-speed and reliability you need to continue most business operations regardless of inclement weather and many onsite emergencies. Fiber internet could prevent your business from losing access to critical systems and connectivity at a time when it is needed the most. Plus, fiber is the most secure network. The only way to penetrate the system is to break it.
Chariton Valley offers several affordable fiber internet plans to meet the needs of any size business. Let us help you keep your business running even during challenging times. Contact our Enterprise Sales Team today at 660-395-9400 to learn more about Chariton Valley fiber internet! You can also visit the business section of our website for more information or to request a free quote.
Speeds not available in all areas. Please contact an Enterprise Sales Consultant for details.
