Urgent Business Planning for COVID-19

Written in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 shutdowns. Do you have a BCP or DR plan? Many small businesses didn’t — until now.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, many business owners were focused only on the obvious considerations: working from home, or quickly setting up a website. But as responsible business owners, we need to consider the full range of risks — to our businesses, our clients, and our staff.

BCP stands for Business Continuity Plan. DR stands for Disaster Recovery Plan. While they are similar, there are slight differences. A BCP is arguably what most businesses need right now: a structured response to slow, uncertain change in the business environment — and the revenue blow that comes with it.

Businesses of all sizes are feeling the impact. From the clothing boutique owner watching foot traffic walk straight past to the supermarket, to the national airline that cut international flights by 90% and grounded 150 planes — no business is immune.

Key Considerations for Small Businesses

Use this checklist as a starting point for your planning:

  • Remote workforce — Implement work-from-home arrangements for service-oriented businesses as quickly as possible.
  • E-commerce capability — If your business relies solely on bricks and mortar, you urgently need the ability to take online orders.
  • Internet connection — Consider what happens to your connectivity when everyone in your household is working from home simultaneously.
  • Security — Identify what IT security measures need to be in place for remote working.
  • Staff communication — Set up online tools for team communication. Look for options that are fast to set up and low cost.
  • Staff safety — Review current workplace procedures and implement urgent training for new protocols.
  • Client communication — Send prompt email responses to the developing situation. Reassure your clients, add value, and remind them how your products or services can help.
  • Finance — Minimise non-essential expenses. Consult your accountant or finance provider. If you’re in a bricks-and-mortar business, approach your landlord about rent relaxations in the event of forced closure.
  • Adapting — Consider new products and services suited to the current environment.
  • Pivoting — Explore entering new industries fast by using your existing skills and building a new website quickly.
  • Fulfilment — Manage supply chain issues and offer new ways of delivering your existing service.
  • Legal and HR — Consult with your legal and HR advisors.
  • Insurance — Review your policies to understand whether you are covered for any COVID-related losses.
  • Mental health — Reading COVID-19 news can be a race to the bottom when it comes to pessimism. Time-limiting your media consumption is a simple and effective strategy.
  • Trusted advisors — Lean on your business network right now. Many businesses genuinely want to help, even at no cost.

Helpful Resources

The following links may assist you in preparing your Business Continuity Plan:

How Blue Platypus Can Help

The key right now is speed and planning. Many businesses need to adapt — fast.

Blue Platypus is offering a free mini-consult to discuss any of the following:

  • Adapting and pivoting your business model
  • DIY and low-cost ideas to address the issues above
  • Urgent e-commerce needs, including existing portals to make sales online immediately
  • Marketing ideas — from free to paid options
  • Fast and affordable website solutions
  • An external point of view on any marketing or digital idea

The earlier you start planning, the more options you’ll have. Don’t wait for things to get worse before taking action.