Identify what matters the most

The first step in creating a plan for your business is to identify what matters most. For each business this is a unique list. If you own a service or consulting business you may not need to be concerned about inventory, but your paper and electronic records could hold the key to your on-going success.

How will you protect those assets? Think about business continuity and how you could make that happen under the most difficult circumstances. How will you continue to service your customers? A disaster may impact your customers’ ability to reach your goods and/or services. What if your employees are unable to return to work due to their own disaster related difficulties?
Your physical resources include the building where you do business, inventory, equipment and vehicles. Make sure these assets are protected as part of your plan.
Losses due to disaster can occur, even if your business is unharmed. Upstream losses are due to your suppliers being affected by the disaster and cannot deliver goods or services to your business. Downstream losses occur when your key customers are affected by disaster, and are not using your goods or services for an extended period of time.
Aside from the important issue of being able to continue to do business, as the business owner you are responsible for the safety of your employees and customers. Consider having some, or all of your employees trained in First Aid and CPR.