Everything was going so well. You managed to wake up before the alarm clock and you had time for a healthy breakfast. your morning commute was a breeze and you arrived at work in good spirits.
It’s going to be a wonderful day. Until…
You’re told your IT systems are down
Your staff can’t do any of the work they need to do. You can’t access your customer’s data. Now your business is threatened with a standstill. “Let’s try turning the computers on and off again” you suggest, hoping this might be the answer to your problems. That might well be the answer, but there might also be something seriously wrong.
Technology is wonderful that is until it breaks down. There are steps you can take as a preemptive measure. For starters, you might want to upgrade your computer systems, especially if your current tech is showing its age. You should also make it a habit to backup important files onto the cloud, in the event your current computers are later deemed unusable. My laptop actually went down while working on a project but fortunately, with the help of my IT support team, I had saved everything to an external hard drive.
You should have an IT support team on speed dial, to help you avoid disastrous situations. If something does happen, they can help you quickly recover from an emergency. Look for a company in our local area such as Houk Consulting, LLC, that can provide reliable, protective services. You can learn more about Houk Consulting and the types of services companies like this offer by clicking this link – “find more info”. By taking these measures, your day will be saved, just like the documents you hopefully saved to the cloud!
You discover a customer has written a bad review about you online
One of your team members knocks on your office door saying, “Take a look at this.” It’s a bad review from a disgruntled customer. With a few harsh words and a ‘one-star’ rating, you hold your head in your hands as you sigh deeply. You start to wonder, how many people have already read this?
You understand the importance of good customer relations, so ask yourself if you are truly giving your customers what they want. If you’re not, the review could be accurate. If so, you need to respond right away. Reply to the review with an apology, and show a little sympathy. Let the person know how you are going to rectify any mistakes made, and perhaps give a little evidence of your previous good track record to minimize damaging opinions. Not only are you responding to the claim, but you are also reaching out to anybody who might read the review. Your response matters, and if it’s professionally written, you might have salvaged your reputation. Just remember to actually do what you said in you would and make those necessary improvements.
You discover a nasty virus has left valued employees at home
Your voicemail box is full of messages from your employees. Each one is the same – a cough, a sneeze, and an apology that they can’t come into work today. You’re not Superman so you begin to panic. What will you do?
You need extra help and fast. While some tasks might not be a priority, there may be others that are, so you will need the extra help. Start by talking to those employees who actually made it into work. If you had the foresight to cross train them, they might be able to fill in the gaps that others have left. Another option is to contact a temping agency. If you had the foresight to register your business with an agency, they will be able to deliver you the people you need at short notice. If you haven’t had the foresight to do either of these things? Well, looks like you’re going to have to roll your sleeves up.
You can never fully predict what your day will be like but as Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Don’t find yourself caught off guard. The best thing you can do is put measures in place so you will be prepared. Here’s to your success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive and Leadership Coach. She is the President of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where she can help you up-level your skills, so you can up-level your income, career, business or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides coaching, organizational training, personality assessments, and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more he about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
