How to Create a Business Continuity Plan

When a disaster strikes, you need to know exactly what to do in order to get your business running again. That's why you need to create a business continuity plan. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare a business continuity plan for your small business. If you have a larger business, these ideas can also be a springboard to creating a plan of your own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Create a list of key personnel. Designate these persons as the leaders in case you need to activate your business continuity plan. Create a list of names, addresses and phone numbers and emails where you can contact these key individuals at any time.
2. Devise a second list of employees and their contact information. This list should serve as a communication tree, with the key personnel in charge of contacting their designated employees in case of an emergency.
3. Set up a designated meeting area in case of an emergency. Keep in mind this location should have access to basic business machines such as fax machines, copiers and computers. Also realize that in case of a natural disaster such as a tornado, a location close to your office may also suffer damages at the same time.
4. Back up all of your files on a regular basis. Be sure to include a copy of your most recent inventory in the backup. Store copies of the files away from your office. Make sure these files include lists and contact information about all of your business partners.
5. Store important legal documents in a safe location. Designate trusted personnel to have knowledge of the location of the documents as well as access to them.
6. Compile a notebook that clearly outlines all the steps of your business continuity plan. Put a hard copy of this plan within easy reach of every employee. Hold mandatory meetings at least annually to go over procedures in the notebook.
7. Do an emergency drill. Activate the communications system. Go to your emergency workplace. Make sure everyone does what he or she is supposed to do. When you finish the drill, evaluate what worked and what didn't. Make changes as necessary and update the plan.