“The only constant is change” – so said Heraclitus the ancient Greek philosopher, and he hasn’t been proven wrong yet.
The world of business has had to face increasing pressure from unimaginable angles of late, and it doesn’t look like the trend is going to change. At times, we might think that being in creative services has given us something of a “get out of jail free card” because by nature we evolve, and adapt.
But if it’s one thing we’ve all learned, and some of us in the hardest possible ways it’s that nothing could be further from the truth. When lockdowns came it was more often than not the case that creative industry suppliers from advertising to design were being seen as “non-essential” services.
Yet, it was also creative services that were most in demand when “the great startup” began. Companies needed to get new corporate communications going in no time at all, and suddenly the definition of “non-essential” changed rather swiftly.
But as unique as our industry is, typically made up of a huge number of individuals operating as freelancers, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and larger concerns, the truth is that very few of us were prepared for shutdowns, lockdowns, and…who would have thought it possible, war?
So now, we’re going to take a look at a few tips and tricks you can employ no matter how small your business is, to ensure that you never have to face months of side-hustles ever again. OK, in fairness we can’t really make that promise, but we can guide you onto a path that is more sustainable and weathers the storm a little better when disaster strikes again.
Typically, you’re going to find that the same principles that work for most industries will work in creative spaces as well. Because each business operates on a platform that is unique to its dynamics, and environments you will be able to make up a continuity plan for your business (or just yourself) with these essential, continuity planning elements.
WORKPLACE RECOVERY
If you have a business that is larger than just you, then this becomes even more important. However, when change comes, you’ll fare better if you embrace it, and roll with the punches.
Workplace recovery means having an alternative site for your business, should you lose the ability to conduct business at your regular place of work for whatever reason. This could include fire, rioting, extreme weather, or in our most recent example – pandemic and lockdown.
CYBER RESILIENCE
This is a no-brainer, but there are still far too many businesses in Australia, and around the world that don’t give the right kind of importance to cyber resilience. Network integrity, as well as the ability to recover from attacks and hackers, is now not just necessary from a business continuity point of view but is also becoming an increasingly statutory requirement.
BEST PRACTICE SECURITY
So you’ll find that this is more important when you have offices to protect. Especially if your business holds personal or critical information on behalf of your clients on servers etc. You have to ensure the correct access control, and most importantly how to access your offices at all times. We all have that day when nothing is working out and we leave our keys at home, viclocks security and companies like that can help you get back inside when you’ve been locked outside. You can thank us later.
PERSONEL, AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Yep, you can’t run a business without people, and ensuring that you have access to the right people at the right time can make the difference between success and failure. We’ve all learned from recent experience that employees are more than willing to “drop tools” and run for it if they don’t feel like they’re being valued and that their health and safety aren’t taken seriously.
THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS
Can the people that you do business with, continue to do business with you under emergency circumstances? Remember that they can’t do their business, you may not be able to do yours. To what extent this could impact your business will depend on your unique markers, but it’s worth a thought if you rely on people to provide services that you don’t or can’t.
Tying this all together will ultimately create your business continuity plan. This document will form part of your company documentation and may well be asked for when you need to source insurance or lending. Even if you’re a small business (or one-man show right now), this could change and when it does – you’ll want to be prepared.
