Given the current crisis we’re going through, it’s tough to manage all the challenges that face small business owners today and I’m not just referring to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic crisis but, all crisis’s in general.
As the leader of your organization, the responsibility falls on you to lead your company through these difficult times. And to do this, you’ll need a system in-place to manage your small business as well as to setup your company for success so that you emerge on the other side as a stronger and healthier organization.
There are literally hundreds of “systems” out there that map out plans to manage a crisis. However, while researching the different systems I use for different areas of my business and my client’s businesses I came across a short, five-step crisis management plan by eMyth that covers what you as an owner / leader need to navigate the challenging time ahead.
1.) Assess the Current Situation
Take a moment to baseline your business, so you can see what’s true about the business at this moment or last week or two weeks ago. Not tomorrow.
2.) Identify What Your People Need
Every day, you ask your employees to care for your business as much as you do, and this care develops as you care for your employees. In times of crisis, it’s your opportunity to shine in demonstrating this care. This shows up through different actions.
3.) Discover What Your Customers Need – Today
Design an honest communication strategy that not only serves your customers but gives them a sense of certainty, stability and unity when things feel out of control.
4.) Envision Your Business – Post Crisis
A crisis is a turning point. No matter which way the turning point leads, consider it an opportunity to move toward something better for you and your company. This means that you have to define where you want your business to be when the crisis has passed.
5.) Strategize Your Short-Term Future
Experiencing a crisis often includes a period of uncertainty, adjustment and transition. If this is the case, you’re going to need some short-term strategies to respond to any number of unknowns. It’s vital that you have the perspective of your long-term vision (that you created in step 4) before you consider short-term strategies. You want to be sure that the short-term decisions you make will move you toward that vision—or at least not block you from getting there.
If you’d like to explore [in more depth] this system further, head on over to the eMyth article and read more about how to create a system that will help you plan not only for the current crisis facing us all but, for all crisis’s that may face your small business in the future as well.
There’s also a downloadable guide to Crisis Management from eMyth with tips, definitions and worksheets that you can leverage while creating your plan.
If you’re a member of my Facebook Group , I’ve included MY copy of the PDF version that you can download and use so that you don’t have to register with eMyth and get all kinds of emails and phone calls from their marketing folks and consultants….unless you want to of course and then by all means, sign up!
But if you find you actually need some 1:1 time reviewing this (or any) system for your small business, please feel free to CONTACT me any time by sending me a message here online or via email at jsarzoza AT somnconsulting DOT com