Business Continuity Planning: A Timely Topic Discussed at the October TVCNet Meeting

In light of the recent events in Southern California, last night's topic of discussion at the October TVCNet Meeting couldn't have come at a better time.

Jo Ann Bujarski of the The Business Process Dr. discussed business continuity planning for your organization. It should be noted that business continuity planning is not disaster recovery. It's about maintaining, recovering and resuming your business in the event of an emergency whether with you or a high-value client.

As I listened to Jo Ann most of my thoughts were with the people affected by these devastating fires. Think of all of the people and businesses that have been disrupted. How many of them had a plan in place to keep their businesses running in the event of an emergency? In this case, a natural disaster or what is now being determined as a man-made disaster due to arson.

Consider these interesting statistics. According to Jo Ann:

• 2 out of 5 businesses go out of business within 5 years after having a disaster.
• Fewer than 30% of Fortune 2000 companies have a full continuity plan in place.
  

In this day and age there is no excuse to have a plan in place for your business. Consultants have even more at stake if you consider that your entire business is based solely on the knowledge and expertise you have stored in your head. What would happen to your business if something happened to you?

I know for a fact that many clients ask for a continuity plan as part of their proposal process, depending on the work that is being conducted. Do you have one in place? If not, it's time to think about one. Take stock of your situation, assess the risks you and your business face and document what you or a trusted colleague will do in the event of an emergency.

Looks like I know what I'll be doing the rest of this week...