| Most large businesses have a risk management | | | | computer system, back-up power and IT |
| department and they have a binder they | | | | department. Believe me, it is not just about |
| purchased discussing business continuity plan | | | | computers. Every business big and small must be |
| preparation in case of disaster. Perhaps they have | | | | concerned with preparing for disasters. If you are |
| put together a rather extensive disaster plan and | | | | in manufacturing, a disruption will cause loss of |
| then filed it away just in case, maybe they have | | | | respect from customers, lost revenue and even |
| even sent copies to all of their business units. | | | | market share, which you may not be able to get |
| Sounds good right? Well, yes and no. | | | | back. |
| Yes, it is wise to have a disaster business | | | | Small businesses may have vendors that cannot |
| continuity plan, but no, that is not enough. You | | | | deliver or have disasters themselves, causing a |
| see, you cannot become complacent or stop | | | | disaster on their part. Do they have a back-up |
| planning just because you have a plan in place. | | | | vendor? And if they hit a disaster head on, can |
| Why you ask? Because disaster planning is like | | | | they deliver on their promises? If not, all bets are |
| any other business planning, as it is a process, not | | | | off and the disaster maybe the end of their |
| an event or task. You never complete it. It's | | | | business and cause of bankruptcy. So, please |
| on-going, under constant revision and ever-lasting | | | | review and revise your disaster plan early and |
| consideration. | | | | often. Turn chaos into order and be prepared to |
| When we talk with folks about business continuity | | | | win. Think on this. |
| programs, they generally think about their | | | | |