For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been receiving calls from businesses asking for help with modifying their office operations for remote work. Because this is an area where most Small & Mid-Size Businesses have limited experience, they’re looking for resources and guidance from experts in this field.
Now that the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically increased and we are seeing the effects throughout the U.S. on our financial markets, key industry sectors, and local communities – the sense of urgency to respond is high.
SMB’s have little room for error
The decisions that business owners make in the next few days will have the most impact on their ability to weather the disruptions in the economy. Even though I’ve always been cautious to speak (or write) in an alarmist fashion, I feel compelled to share what this means to my customers and partners in the SMB sector.
We don’t have the luxury to wait and see. Our choices will become limited as local, state, and federal government agencies direct businesses to either shut down or limit their employees’ movement.
What you need to do today
If you don’t have a plan yet to continue operations in this new environment, here are the first steps to take today.
- Create a Modified Operations Model (MOM). This describes the functions and processes that your business will follow to continue the activities required to stay in operation; including how you’ll complete deliverables, collect money, and pay your expenses.
- Develop your Remote Implementation Plan (RIP). A detailed map for moving your critical operations offsite, deploying the technology you need, and communicating with employees and customers.
- Stage and Execute. This is the most critical step and it’s all about action. Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “good”. Every business will experience pain from this event. Their chances for recovery will be greater if they don’t waste time.
I’ve never considered my particular business related to crisis management. However, in the face of extreme uncertainty, I rely on the institutional knowledge and expertise we have to protect my customers’ and my own businesses.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you want my help. I can be reached directly at kevin@integritypersonnel.com or 484-244-4677. Good luck.
