Business protection is always an important factor for running a successful brand, especially with the end of the pandemic encouraging people to feel more comfortable going out and frequenting businesses once more.
But, many companies are lax about protecting their business. They believe they are too small or too big to fall victim to potential hazards, whether store theft or data breaches. The truth is that all companies are in danger of losses caused by theft, data breaches, and more. Therefore, you must learn how to protect your business by considering how other companies are avoiding issues.
The Premises
Whether you run a store or rent an office space, premises protection is essential. Consider these three areas to focus on above all else.
On-Site Security
On-site security is essential, especially for construction sites, large offices, or stores stocking high-value items. There are various security options for you to consider, including a security company who can run a night watch that patrols the area to identify and nullify threats. However, if you don’t want to invest in a physical presence, security cameras, lights and alarms are all suitable substitutes. You can set your system to alert you in case anything occurs or even contact the police to be on the scene immediately as soon as the alarm triggers.
Out-of-Hours
Furthermore, out-of-hours protection adds an extra protective layer to your business premises. Since you can’t be there at all times or aren’t permitted to install robust security systems, roller shutters covering the windows and doors will provide crucial peace of mind that your office or store is safe overnight. This setup is an ideal deterrent, as burglars won’t want the hassle of dealing with tough and often noisy shutters. A sturdy lock will also keep them out, so don’t scrimp on that to secure the shutters to the floor.
Store Layout
Your store layout could also protect your business if thieves try to shoplift during the day or trespass your office. While you need to make the store or office easily accessible for customers, you can also make it difficult to escape easily. Decor and shelving layouts could make it tricky to escape quickly while situating your business on anything other than the ground floor makes it more challenging for burglars to get away quickly as they often have no choice but to take the stairs.
Their Customers
Your customers are the lifeblood of your business. Protecting them is of the utmost importance, and these three factors should be a priority.
Product Research
Product research and development can save your business plenty of grief. It allows you to identify issues during the development process that could harm your customers and make changes that eliminate such problems and hazards. Ignoring the benefits of product research means you are not putting your customers’ safety first, and it only takes one complaint to damage your company’s standing. With the rise of social media, word spreads quickly, so put in the effort to ensure safe and usable products.
Data Protection
Similarly, protecting your customer data is a critical point for all companies. Data breaches have become the most common example of business theft, so a robust cybersecurity system can ease the pressure. However, you cannot assume that setting up your system means all is good. Hackers are always finding more sophisticated ways to breach company firewalls, so regular updates and password changes are essential. It is also worth offering cybersecurity training for your employees (especially those not as tech-savvy) to ensure they do not fall for phishing scams.
Risk Assessment
An in-store or in-office risk assessment survey will protect your customers and clients when visiting. Risk assessment is crucial for identifying hazards that could lead to injuries and even legal repercussions, so regular risk assessments each year can solve the problem. Experts can highlight where they believe issues could arise and offer advice to fix the problem before it becomes a significant issue. Potential risks vary between industries and businesses, so don’t assume everything is the same if you have recently changed careers.
Their Reputation
A company’s reputation takes years to build, but one wrong move could shatter it in seconds. Avoiding reputational damage is easy by remembering three key points.
Background Checks
Background checks are common for all businesses as they provide all the information you need regarding potential hires. Mostly, these checks come back clear, but there could be some candidates who have prior charges or convictions. As a business, it is your decision whether you hire them, so consider how these charges relate to your business. Someone charged with financial fraud may not be suitable for a role that regularly handles money, but working in the warehouse could still give them the chance to excel and get their life back on track.
Business Insurance
Every company should invest in business insurance to protect their assets and cover themselves in case something goes wrong. This includes cybersecurity insurance, premises insurance, and employee liability coverage that will alleviate issues and costs should your business face legal action. Just like you would purchase home or travel insurance, a robust and broad insurance policy provides an essential extra layer of protection that can mitigate a wide range of common problems that your business could face. While nothing is certain, it’s always better to be prepared.
Social Media Training
Many businesses have embraced the power and accessibility of social media, especially from a marketing perspective. It has never been easier to reach your customers through marketing segmentation or social media comments and posts, but just because many of your employees have grown up with social media doesn’t mean they know how to use it professionally. Offering sensitivity training for social media to handle complaints or trolls will protect your business’s reputation. Your social media team will not lash out at commenters who could be legitimate customers. Instead, they will learn how to compromise and enter a dialogue that protects the company.
Protection
Protecting your business helps you avoid long-term issues that could disrupt your company’s progress. Understand that you are never too big or small to be a victim, so take the appropriate steps to protect your business and ensure security and success.
