Small business owners have to be cautious as they push for growth. Operational setbacks, losses, and liability claims could all be financially catastrophic for small companies. A strong risk management strategy can equip your small business to prevent and surmount obstacles. Here are some of the most important ways to protect your growing business.
- Practice Meticulous Recordkeeping
Being well-organized can help you work efficiently and avoid oversights. It also enables you to plan your expenditures discerningly and stay on top of all of your ongoing obligations.
Methodized recordkeeping habits are integral to good financial management. Use a well-reviewed accounting program to reconcile your income and expenses. Having all of your financial statements in order will help you demonstrate your managerial proficiency to potential lenders or stakeholders.
Maintaining thorough records can also play a critical role in compliance matters. Establish a document retention policy that’s consistent with the Internal Revenue Service’s guidelines.
- Carry Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Every business’ commercial insurance coverage needs are unique to their individual operations, assets, and risk exposure. To effectively shield your business from major loss and liability scenarios, it may be advisable to include multiple endorsements in your commercial package beyond a basic general liability policy. It could be helpful to review your current coverages and assess gaps with an insurance agent who has experience working with commercial clients in your industry.
Workers’ compensation is one of the most important types of insurance coverage to maintain. Participating in your state’s workers’ compensation program may be compulsory depending on your state’s requirements and the number of people you employ.
Property and casualty coverages need to provide you with a suitable remedy in the event of a major loss or claim against your company. Determine whether your current policy benefits offer compensation for the actual value or replacement value of various assets. Also, make sure you’re aware of any specific exclusions in policies and whether it would be possible to address them with supplementary endorsements.
- Defend Yourself Against Online Threats
Small businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals, and the number of malware attacks and data breaches has been climbing steadily. Create a formal written plan that details all of your cybersecurity policies and procedures in detail. A plan should outline specific protocols to fortify your networking infrastructure. Identify which technological resources you’ll need to keep your data and your customer’s data out of harm’s way.
Get your entire staff on board with cybersecurity protocols. Offer cybersecurity awareness training, and give your team practical instruction on what they should be doing in their individual job roles to comply with specific policies. Topics to review should include login procedures, saving data securely, and recognizing possible phishing scams.
It may be advantageous to get professional assistance with cybersecurity management. A knowledgeable IT service provider will be able to identify potential issues with your current practices and make recommendations.
- Comply With OSHA Guidelines
Creating a safe working environment for your personnel has to be one of your top priorities as a small business owner. Review OSHA’s guidance on safety policies for your industry, and ensure that your internal safety policies are consistent. Weekly safety meetings are a good way to make your workforce conscientious about preventing accidents on the job.
- Review Risk Management Directives as You Expand
As your company expands, the scope of your risk exposure is going to expand. Employing additional personnel, serving more customers, and investing more resources into development initiatives can all subject you to greater losses.
Make it a point to periodically examine your risk management priorities and whether your internal policies and insurance protections are well-measured. Taking the right steps to safeguard what you’ve built allows you to reach for new milestones with confidence.
Even though your small business resources are limited, it is crucial that you allocate sufficient capital and attention to risk management. The steps to mitigate your company’s risk exposure can help you prevent and surmount setbacks.
