Do |
|---|
| Consider buying a generator, especially if you live in a region prone to heat waves and hurricanes. Although often expensive for very small companies, installing a backup generator means no interruption in power—which is especially important for companies that rely on online sales. |
| Invest in surge protectors and uninterrupted power supply devices. |
| Back up your data frequently. |
| Spend time and money to formulate and implement a plan for dealing with power outages. |
Don't |
| Ignore the risk. There are small precautions every type of business can take to protect against power outages. |
| Be discouraged if you can't afford the Rolls-Royce of generators. Home improvement stores carry inexpensive alternatives that can power the most crucial parts of your small business for short periods of time. |
| Lose customers just because of a blackout. Make sure you have a plan to at least keep your phones up and running. |
| Panic. If you have a plan in place to deal with power outages, you'll lose minimal business and money, while keeping a leg up on your competitors who didn't take the time to plan. |
Entrepreneurial Power— Literally
Never thought about protecting your small business from electrical outages? Luckily, we have. Check out these tips
Because small businesses rarely make headlines when a blackout occurs, many owners haven't taken the time to protect against such an occurrence. And that can be a costly mistake.
Of the 80% of small businesses that experienced power outages in 2003, one out of seven (15%) said its longest outage cost $5,000 or more, according to a study by Emerson Power. Here are ways to protect your business—and your checkbook—against power failures.