In light of the Sept. 11 attack on America, businesses of all sizes need to access and implement contingency plans for their business. Preparation minimizes worrying and confusion and can ultimately protect your business’s survival. The last thing you want to do is scramble. Now is the time to specifically define your plans and discuss it with your staff.
• Decide where the business will operate if your location is inaccessible (law firm, accounting, service business).
• Have the telephone numbers (home, relative, pager and cellular) personal e-mail addresses of all employees and update them frequently.
• Make sure to have the vital phone numbers of your customers
• Let customers know how to reach you (cellular, pager, e-mail)
• Explore computer back-up systems and services
• Put together a business supply pack:
Active Files
Cellular Phone
Laptop Computer
Basic Office Supplies-White Out, Folders, Staple, Pens, Etc.
Business Stationary
Postage
Checkbook
Account numbers of basic services-electricity, telephone, insurance, etc.
Address Book
Vital Papers
Fed-Ex/UPS Packs
• Have the phone number of your local newspaper in case you need to place an ad in the paper
• Have an ad already prepared to let customers/staff know how to reach you
• Schools, hospitals and large businesses should have the phone number and fax of local newsrooms to send out timely news announcements.
(Editor’s Note: Terri Lynn is President of Superstars and specializes in public relations and crisis management.). |
