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10 Tips to Help Small Businesses Get Ready for the Unexpected

  • Writer: Nicole Baker
    Nicole Baker
  • Jun 23, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago


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Is your business ready for surprises? Emergencies like ransomware attacks or natural disasters can happen anytime and put small businesses at risk. Don’t wait for a crisis. Start your contingency plan now to stay prepared.


Small businesses create jobs, spark innovation, and support local communities. But running one isn’t always easy. Financial ups and downs, shifting markets, and surprises can make things tough, even though small businesses are the backbone of the economy.


Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Attacks: 60% Fail Within 6 Months


To succeed over time, small businesses need to be ready for anything. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for surprises.


Tip 1: Prepare for the Unexpected with a Contingency Plan


Create a contingency plan to handle surprises. This plan outlines steps for dealing with natural disasters, supply chain issues, or sudden financial problems. Don’t wait for a crisis—start your plan now.


Have a clear emergency plan that shows who is in charge of key tasks. Keep communication open with your employees, customers, and suppliers. This will help you stay prepared.


Tip 2: Ensure You Have Enough Insurance Coverage


Protect your small business from unexpected events by having enough insurance. The most important policies should cover:

  1. Liability coverage

  2. Property damage coverage

  3. Business interruption coverage

  4. Data breach costs


Get interruption coverage to protect your business. If a natural disaster or supply chain issue happens, this insurance can help cover lost income and extra costs during the disruption.


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Tip 3: Increase Your Income by Diversifying


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Reduce your business risk by diversifying your revenue streams. Having multiple sources of income offers financial security. Think about catering services if you’re a restaurant or online sales for a clothing store. Be prepared for anything with diversified income.


Tip 4: Foster Stronger Relationships with Your Suppliers


Build strong relationships with your suppliers to help your small business succeed. If you rely on just one supplier, trust and good communication are even more important. This can help you keep your supply chain reliable and support your business growth.


Strengthening supplier relationships is crucial when facing disruptions. It minimizes the risk of supplier bankruptcy or supply chain issues. And having multiple supplier options can greatly lessen the impact on your business.


Tip 5: Secure Your Finances by Keeping Cash Reserves


Prepare for unexpected events by keeping cash reserves for your small business. Having extra cash on hand can help cover unplanned expenses such as repairs, legal fees or loss of income. A good strategy is to keep at least six months’ worth of expenses in reserves. Make sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way by having the necessary financial cushion for your business.


Tip 6: Build Strong Outsourcing Partnerships


Trying to do everything in-house can put your business at risk. If a key IT team member leaves, you might face security problems. Consider outsourcing some tasks to avoid these issues.


Keep your business running smoothly by building reliable outsourcing partnerships for IT and support services. Set up a backup system in case staff or systems fail.


Tip 7: Keep a Close Eye on Your Finances—It’s Important!


Regular financial check-ups are crucial for small business success. Don’t get derailed from achieving your goals or caught off guard by potential problems – stay on top of your finances and plan ahead.


This includes:

  1. Tracking income and expenses

  2. Creating and reviewing financial statements

  3. Regularly meeting with a financial advisor


Tip 8: Grow Your Business by Investing in Technology


Investing in technology can help protect your small business from surprises. Cloud-based software keeps your data safe during disasters or cyber-attacks. Technology also streamlines your work and reduces errors.


Tip 9: Get Your Team Ready with Emergency Training


Prepare your small business for emergencies by training your employees to respond quickly and effectively. Protect your business interests and get ready for the unexpected. Reach out to us to learn more.


Get your team ready for disasters, cyber-attacks, and emergencies with proper training. Make sure everyone knows the emergency communication plan and can access it easily. This way, you’ll be ready for anything.


Tip 10: Keep Up with Regulatory Requirements


Stay up to date on rules and regulations so your small business isn’t caught off guard. This helps you avoid fines, legal issues, or harm to your reputation. Follow tax, labor, and industry rules to keep things running smoothly.


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