Flickr image by Goat's Accordion

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  As long as the power stays on I am good to go, but what happens if the snow if too much and I do lose power?

As an entrepreneur working from a home office, I am it.  As they say, stuff happens and having a plan can be the difference between success and epic failure.  Many entrepreneurs and small business owners have no backup plan because they either think nothing will happen or it is too overwhelming to think of.  Here are a few things I have in place that may help you to devise your plan.

1. Backup your computer – DAILY.  I use a cloud program to backup all my files.  I also have an external hard drive that I backup to once a week.  Many of my programs of choice are now on the cloud but that does not stop me from having all files in one central location.
2. Enlist a colleague.  Find someone you trust that can be a fill in if something would happen to you.  You should have someone who you can hand off your most important tasks in the event of an emergency and you are out of pocket. (hint, hint: VA’s can do this and more!)
3. Have a processes manual (creating one will be another post).  All big businesses have one and many small businesses too, so should you.  At the very least it should include how you operate your day and your most important client procedures.  If someone needs to step in they will have a guide to help them with the service quality that you now provide.
4. Office on the go.  I have set up my office so that if I need to operate out of another location I can do so in a few simple steps.  My cell phone provider offers mobile broadband that I can use and activate with a simple phone call.  My office phone is a Google Voice number that I can forward to any phone number I choose.  I also use Google Apps for business so if I have to use a different computer I can get to my email, documents, passwords, critical client information and project management program.

Prepare My Business.org offers a great pdf checklist for creating a disaster plan which you can use as a guide to begin your plan.  Do you have plans in place for your business?

Signing off,
Lee