It’s never pleasant to think about, but sh*t happens. We can’t control what happens to us, but we can take steps to prepare. If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, it’s essential to think about what happens if things go wrong in order to make sure your business not only survives, but also continues to thrive.
This episode would be important for any business owner at any time; however, given what’s currently going on in the world, this is even more urgent to consider.
No one’s business right now is business as usual
For context, especially if you’re listening in the future, I recorded this on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 and we are currently in the middle of a major global public health crisis with the Coronavirus pandemic.
No one’s business is business as usual and I want to make sure to acknowledge that, especially before diving into an episode that offers any kind of advice. There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty right now, and humans historically don’t deal with change well, and a lot of changes are happening at scale right now–new work environments, shifts to routines, some not being able to work at all. This really is a time to support each other, whether it’s in a business sense or a personal one–reaching out and calling someone who lives alone, or just by staying home and doing your part to flatten the curve.
It’s a time for extra empathy and sensitivity for those we come in contact–virtually or otherwise. But it’s also a time to take care of yourself–to be self-aware, to practice self-care, to protect your mental and physical health… This is a stressful time that will affect everyone in different ways. With that being said, let’s talk about what you is in your control.
What is in your control?
If you are an entrepreneur or business owner, you can control how you react to a situation and also how you prepare. On top of needing to continue to sell to stay in business, which I will be talking about next week, there’s also the very practical side of the importance of having a business continuity plan. Basically this means your business should have systems in place that can help prevent, or at the very least mitigate, your risk and liability in the event something goes wrong–whether it’s a natural disaster or a personal emergency.
This is one of those conversations that is highly relevant right now, but something that many business owners don’t address until there’s an issue. My guest today is business attorney, consultant, and coach Nico Becerra, who was an early-days Beyond Influential guest on Episode 14, where we talked about Why the Law Matters for Influencers, Creatives, Freelancers & Entrepreneurs. He is also the guest expert for the March training in the Insiders membership on Legitimizing Your Business, and he’s been my go-to for anything related to the foundational elements of my business.
*Please note: This episode is not meant to give you more anxiety–you’re not going to be able to prepare for everything all the time. If you haven’t done these things, it is not too late to start doing them the right way. This is not the time to beat yourself up. This is the time to turn a negative into a positive. Get set up the right way moving forward. This is not obvious stuff that everyone is handling the right way except for you–it’s a common issue I see again and again.
In Beyond Influential Episode 116, we cover:
- How to Start Building a Basic Business Continuity Plan: What to do before and after a crisis hits
- Operational Mindset: Thinking ahead for the growth of your business
- Curating a Team of Advisors: Why it’s essential regardless of the size of your business
- Smart Event Planning: Knowing your liabilities and how to handle problems that may arise
- Business Insurance: Why it’s a must for entrepreneurs & small-business owners
- When Disaster Strikes: First steps to take, why you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it, & more!
Want Your Question Answered?
I want to make sure I support this Beyond Influential community in the best way I know how which is giving you the resources and information that you need to build a strong brand that can help you navigate whatever is coming next and no matter what else is going on in the world.
If there is a particular topic you’d like to hear about or a question around your brand or business, don’t be afraid to ask. You can submit them here.
Helpful Links:
The Coronavirus Informational Email I sent from March 12, 2020
Submit Your Questions For a Future Episode
To connect with Nico:
Website | LinkedIn | Email | Nico’s blog post on Business Continuity Plans
To connect with me, Brittany Krystle:
Instagram| Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook
#beyondinfluentialpodcast