Steps to Protect your Business from Disaster!

Here is an excerpt from an article I have coming out in Fitness Business Canada: 

• Be proactive and develop a comprehensive plan.  Do not stop by simply creating a disaster recovery plan or by trying to write such a plan when you are right in the middle of a disaster.  Start when you have the benefit of time on your side to really sit down and think about what steps you need to take to ensure that your fitness business continues after a crisis.  
• Assess the risk. You need to determine what risks you could potentially be exposed to and how that will affect both your day-to-day operations and ultimately your financial bottom line.  If you operate a large fitness business with several departments, make sure that you gather input from those departments regarding what they view as potential risks and the financial impact.  
• Create collaborations with businesses that can get the job done.  Chances are after a catastrophic event, you will need assistance and support from other fitness businesses to extend credit and replace products, services or equipment lost.  Be sure to choose those fitness businesses that you can depend on to get you on your feet rapidly.     
• Protect critical operations.   Make sure that your most critical operations are not vulnerable.  For example, if all your accounting, payroll and client records are kept in your office computer.  Determine what the best way is to protect that information and recover it if it is lost.  This could include a variety of options ranging from where to locate your hardware to deciding where to store backup information.  
• Maintain productivity regardless of your location.  Find ways to keep your fitness business going regardless of where you are based.  For instance, if your building is damaged by flooding or fire, could you operate out of an alternative temporary location?  What would it take to continue offering some, if not all of your services, while you rebuild or relocate so that you are not experiencing a complete loss of income?  
• Train employees.  Ever heard the familiar adage that a company is only as good as its people?  Well-trained employees who are familiar with what needs to be done in the event of a crisis will ensure your business recovers more quickly.  Ask for your employees input and share your recovery plan with them once completed.  Make sure they know exactly what needs to be done and what you expect them to do.     
• Remember, it is a work in progress.   A good disaster recovery plan is not one that you write up, then stick in a drawer, and forget.  A disaster recovery and business continuity plan is a living document that needs to be periodically reviewed and updated. 

Need help in putting your plan together then go to www.fitnessbusinessoperations.com.