Will you be able to stay productive at work when disaster strikes? How will you cope when something unexpected derails your best-laid plans?
When you live on the U.S. gulf coast, you know the risks. Every summer, you keep an eye on the tropics. If you’re smart, you have a disaster plan so that you’ll be ready if a hurricane comes your way.
You need the same kind of back up plan to remain productive in your business. Without proactive steps to protect yourself and prepare, you could find yourself in deep trouble.
What Could Go Wrong
What would happen if your computer crashed while you read this article? With a regular backup routine in place, you’d breathe a sigh of relief. It could have been worse.
Do you have such a plan? How would you cope if every file on your computer vanished? Make regular backups to prevent the loss of your vital files and documents.
If you regularly use a digital or online calendar, place a quarterly reminder to back up your computer files. Or consider an online backup service that automatically backs up your data regularly in the background while you work.
Get Your Head in the Clouds
Consider cloud-based solutions to collaborate and minimize the risk of losing important data. For example, services like Google Docs, Evernote, and Dropbox allow users to collaborate without worrying about losing data.
If a computer system crashes, you can log in from any internet-enabled computer to work.
Breathing Room
You also need to plan for the day-to-day distractions that can derail your success train.
How much more productive would you be at work if you had less stress at home?
Financial worries strain many families. If you’re one of them, start saving a little each paycheck toward a rainy day fund.
When the car breaks down, or your little one needs to see a doctor, you’ll take it in stride. Instead of worrying from paycheck to paycheck, you’ll write the check knowing it’s covered.
You’ll work more effectively when you give yourself breathing room. You’ll have peace of mind and be able to concentrate on getting your job done, instead of being distracted with worry.
The same is true for your time. If it takes you 30 minutes to get to work, leave 45 minutes early. If you have a noon appointment, plan to arrive at 11:30.
When traffic’s horrible, you can turn up the radio and relax. You have everything under control, because you gave yourself some breathing room.
Prepare for the Worst
Every business disaster plan is unique, but one thing is true of every business: you can never be too prepared for when things go wrong.
How do you prepare? Start with the worst-case scenario. In every area or situation you face in your job, ask yourself:
- What’s the worst that can happen?
- How would we respond if that happened?
Those two questions will keep you focused on solutions instead of biting your nails at every possible challenge you face.
The best defense against business disaster is preparation. Take these proactive steps to make sure you stay productive when the storms of business come.
by Jesse Lanclos
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