Swine Flu Should Prompt Business Checkups

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Reviewing Coverage

Speaking of coverage, we may find out that our insurance companies aren't covering us as well as they say. We're all used to the promises of reimbursements for doctor's visits and medications. Well, here's their chance to prove it. Will all the claims be approved? Will our people get reimbursed for the drugs they need? Are we getting the best services for the exorbitant premiums that we're paying? Most of these questions should be answered this winter. The flu virus may cause us to take another hard look at our insurance providers, and even make some changes.

The virus may also force us to take a hard look (finally) at some of those remote-technology tools that we probably should've deployed a few years ago. With people needing to stay at home to recover from the flu and avoid spreading infection, we'll need to get them connected to the office so checks go out, orders are filled, and customer questions are answered. We'll want to use remote control software (like gotomypc.com and logmein.com) or desktop-sharing software (like glance.net or crossloop.com)—or just finally bite the bullet and a set up a virtual private network. For the first time, we may really have an urgency to put these tools to work this winter.

And speaking of work, a flu outbreak will separate those employees who really care about their work, and those employees who don't. Sure, having the flu sucks. But for most people these things are treatable and one can be back at work (or working from home) within a relatively short amount of time. So knowing this, who will use the flu as their excuse to blow off as much as possible for as long as possible? Take names and don't forget.

As I write this, some smart business owners are preparing plans for this winter if their key people aren't around. They're already locating temp firms. Checking their health plans. Identifying employees who will fill the roles of other employees. Asking questions about the technology they may need. Most of us barely know what we'll be doing this weekend, let alone how we'll handle a flu outbreak in the office this winter. Now's the time to step up and show that we know how to think ahead.

See what I mean? Sometimes sickness can bring unexpected benefits. For small businesses owners, missing employees for extended periods due to H1N1 will test our management skills and tell us a lot about our company and people. Back in the eighth grade, many of the kids in my class thought that I got mono from kissing the beautiful Ellen Moskowitz. I never denied that rumor. Come to think of it, neither did Ellen. Hmmm …

Gene Marks, CPA, is the owner of the Marks Group, which sells customer relationship, service, and financial management tools to small and midsize businesses. Marks is the author of four best-selling small business books and writes the popular "Penny Pincher's Almanac" syndicated column. He frequently speaks to business groups on penny-pinching topics. More penny-pinching advice from Marks can be found at www.quickerbetterwiser.com.

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