911 for Your Business!

I was recently reminded of how important it is to have an emergency plan in place for your business. Last week, I went to my home office to start a day of work and low and behold my computer would not power up. I, of course, went through all the steps I knew to try to troubleshoot it, but wound up taking it into the PC hospital.


Likewise, I was working offsite at a client's and wound up straining my back. Many of you know that I teach yoga many times a week, so this is almost like having a computer that won't turn on.


What lesson I learned from this was that every business, small or big, regardless of what you do, needs a back up plan or emergency plan. This goes beyond backing up critical files (although this is a great link for some info on how to back up your system: http://www.business.com/directory/advice/technology/data-management/backing-up-your-business/) This means also having that back up process where you are able to function remotely (such as from another computer on the premises, or laptop).


For example, what if your phones went out, 5 minutes before an important client call? Do you have your client's contact numbers in a physical place other than on your computer files? Do you have good coverage from your cell in your house?


Here are some suggestions for setting up your emergency business kit:

• Have a binder of important contact numbers and client processes on hand


• Make sure you have a printout of bookmarked sites for your clients (such as email access accounts for them if you have a custom email address for that client)


• Have a good cell phone coverage and plan in place so that you can have quality calls even if your business line goes down.

Most of all, make sure that you don't stress out! Be flexible and adaptable and realize that you CAN make it work wherever you are...that's the beauty of working remotely!

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Jennifer Wong is a successful solo entreprenuer who began her business over 10 years ago, pioneering the way for many successful internet entrepreneurs. She offers home-based business coaching and mentorship programs and a biweekly ezine from her website, www.thehomebizbuzz.com.