Recovery from a Disaster
As hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, droughts and economic bad news hits us, is time to talk about recovery.
The key to recovery is strong leadership. Business owners must remain positive, decisive and active.
What is the most important asset in your business?
Your employees! If you take care of them, motivate them, protect them, your business will survive.
After hurricane Katrina the best owners and HR departments were arranging living quarters for their employees. Along with the hotel/apartment/trailer/house a new place to work was established.
Once that is established, get to work contacting clients/customers and tell them your still in business. Contact your vendors and bank to let them know your still in business.
Motivate employees by celebrating small and large accomplishments. Even if one piece of trash is picked up, that has made the situation better than it was yesterday. Celebrate the first sale after the disaster, the first person in their home, etc…
Don’t be shy to ask for help. SBA, FEMA, friends, trade associations, local government, even your competition. Go form an alliance with the businesses in the area. You can help others rebuild their businesses and they can help you.
In chaos there is opportunity. It is a perfect time to expand your territory. Start selling to an area not affect by the disaster. Supply what is needed for the recovery. (Never overcharge because you want customers for life not just this moment.) Think outside of your comfort zone.
More on recovery as TD13 passes.