Security on many fronts is essential to the long-term success of your small business.
By Henry Brown
In time, your small business will grow because of your dedication and enthusiasm in making it work. However, as it develops, your company will also become vulnerable from potential disasters. You need to do everything in your power to protect your business, as well as your good name in the process.
This short guide will give you a few pointers in protecting yourself from outside threats, and the risk of legal action.
Protect your finances
You have likely already invested a lot of money into your business, so you don’t want to use what you have earned in a possible lawsuit. Your product and intellectual property rights should be backed up legally, with a firm such as NK Patent Law. Otherwise, an unscrupulous business could steal your ideas, and use them as their own. You may be confident you will win in a legal battle against them, but you are still liable for paying the expensive court costs in the process.
You should also take out business insurance to protect your company from harm. This will include most aspects of protection, including public liability to protect you in the event somebody is hurt on your business premises or suffers injury from a product you sell. Disaster might also strike in the form of a fire or flood, causing damage to your business premises and equipment. Having the right insurance in place will ensure you are covered in any emergency.
Should you hire staff, be careful and do the required background checks. While everybody deserves a chance, even those with criminal backgrounds, you should be careful to who you allow access to your finances. Also, having a good accountant will help assure that you’re alerted quickly to any financial problems or irregularities that might indicate employee theft.
Protect your technology
You need to secure your computer from cyber threats, particularly if you hold sensitive data about your clients and bank account information. Smaller businesses are often attacked by hackers because they have less stringent security in place than bigger firms. Therefore, make sure you install anti-virus software and a firewall to protect your network. If in doubt, hire an IT expert to check your computer systems and put the necessary precautions in place.
Protect your reputation
Always be careful in what you do and say in all aspects of your life, as it might impose upon your business. Never associate with a company that uses unscrupulous tactics, as if they get in trouble, your name may get dragged down with them.
Your business will benefit from using social media. However, be careful what you write on your Facebook and Twitter pages, and don’t bad mouth any customer or company you have dealings with. You should always handle yourself professionally, so customer care is paramount. If they leave you a negative review, don’t attempt to delete anything they have written, but respond with care and respect as you defend yourself.
If you do find yourself in trouble, perhaps from a mistake of your making, hire a PR professional to build your reputation again.
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Henry Brown is an online marketing executive. When he isn’t talking shop he’s roaming the streets of London, uncovering the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.
