Insurance Insights
Small Business Scams to Watch Out For
The BBB consistently hears from thousands of small business owners with complaints of being subjected to a scam. Maybe they were involved in an invoicing scam or were misled into forking out cash for a product or service they didn’t want. But not all con artists just want money from your business; some are fishing for customer data and will use high-tech methods to get it.
What is a Crisis Phone Tree and Why You Need One
A phone tree is an excellent part of a sound crisis communication plan. Crisis phone trees are prudent resources that people in organization use to quickly notify others in the event of an emergency. Phone trees are also used as a means to get important communication messages out quickly. Phone trees are commonly used by emergency organizations, schools, and parents, but many types of organizations can benefit from implementing a phone tree.
A phone tree is essentially a group notification system, whereby a network of people is organized in such a manner that information can be easily and quickly spread among each other. It is called tree because the number of contacts are organized in branches, where each branch contains a person and the number of people who are to be called.
Because no single person is responsible for calling everyone in the tree, there’s no burden on one individual. Plus, setting the crisis communication phone plan up in a tree-like, pyramid fashion, enables people to distribute time-sensitive information quickly.
The decision as to who should be placed at the top of the phone tree shouldn’t be taken lightly. Because those at the top of the phone tree are pivotal to the success of the communication, it’s recommended to choose very reliable members of the group for these important roles to ensure the information is disseminated. Similarly, the people out on the branches should be accepting of taking on the role of this important task.
Ideally, each person on the crisis phone tree should have two phone numbers, which are typically a home land line telephone number and a mobile/cell phone number.
While the decision to implement a phone tree communication plan should be taken seriously, actually activating it shouldn’t be taken lightly either. Generally speaking, phone trees are best used for information that requires rapid action, or in crisis situations, such as a natural disaster. Sometimes, time-sensitive information, such as a change in the location or time of a scheduled event or cancellation of an event calls for the use of a phone tree. That said, when developing your phone tree, it’s a good idea to define what constitutes an emergency in your organization that warrants the activation of the crisis phone tree.
Because branches of the phone tree can be broken (i.e. contacts leave the organization or no longer want to participate), it’s advised to test the phone tree at least once per year make sure it works effectively and to fix any broken connections.
What is a Crisis Phone Tree and Why You Need One
A phone tree is an excellent part of a sound crisis communication plan. Crisis phone trees are prudent resources that people in organization use to quickly notify others in the event of an emergency. Phone trees are also used as a means to get important communication messages out quickly. Phone trees are commonly used by emergency organizations, schools, and parents, but many types of organizations can benefit from implementing a phone tree.
Guide to Small Business Record Retention
April 15th (technically April 17th this year) has come and gone: your taxes are filed, the IRS has cashed your check, and you’re finally breathing that sigh of relief. Well, not so fast, as there are still looming questions about what to do with all those tax documents, not to mention all your other business documents, like payroll information, invoices, and business expense paperwork. Before going out to Office Depot to purchase that shiny, new filing cabinet because your existing one is overflowing, refer to this guide to small business record retention.
Causes of Employee Theft
No matter what type, size or location of your business, you are at risk of employee theft. There are a variety of reasons why an employee chooses to steal from their employer. These range from pre-meditated theft to stealing due to convenience to an opportunity even when it wasn’t planned. By knowing the causes of employee theft, you can create extra security measures to ensure your company has the best possible chance at avoiding acts of employee theft and deceit.
5 Important Ways to Manage Your Small Business Online Reputation
Online reputation is quickly becoming essential when you have a small business. Customers are beginning to rely on customer feedback, reviews, and ratings of products and services provided by small businesses with more frequency. According to Opinion Research Corporation, 84% of shoppers in America rely on online reviews for their purchasing decisions. Promoting and marketing tactics now must include gaining experience in building your small business online reputation, learning how to manage it properly, and using various methods to improve it.
Benefits of Surveillance Cameras in Retail Stores
Retail stores tend to have a high rate of shoplifting simply because thieves have more opportunity to steal. For this reason, having surveillance cameras in retail stores is vital to protect your store’s goods, as well as track — and potentially catch — a potential shoplifter. Surveillance cameras can also catch other acts inside your store such as mugging, employee theft, and monitor employee’s actions and behavior more closely. Surveillance cameras come in a variety of styles and price ranges. But no matter what type you decide to install in your store, you know you are giving your store additional security and receiving the following benefits of surveillance cameras in retail stores.
Keep Your Customers Happy – The Customer Service Infographic
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Types of Small Business Loans
Starting a new business can be a highly satisfying experience. But it can also be a stressful and daunting one when you factor in the financial burden associated with the fees and costs of opening the business. Luckily, business loans exist for opening small businesses, which you may need for financial assistance to get your business up and running. By obtaining the appropriate small business loans, you can focus your attention on the other facets of the business for a well-rounded and rewarding venture.
Steps in a Small Business Continuity Plan
Safety, security, and protection are important aspects of running a successful business. Therefore, it’s important to include the right amount of preparation to ensure your business is adequately protected. While you may feel you have took the necessary steps to ensure this is true, do you know what your employees will do in the case of a natural disaster or other foreseen event? If not, it’s a great time to create a detailed continuity plan that will list each and every step of the process should something like this occur.
