From today’s headlines:
 
“WASHINGTON – The terrorist network Al-Qaida will likely leverage its contacts and capabilities in Iraq to mount an attack on U.S. soil, according to a new National Intelligence Estimate on threats to the United States.”
 
911 cost the U.S. economy about $1 trillion. I was teaching Excel at a large company in the San Francisco area on that dreadful morning. Management permitted anyone who desired to go home to do so. We were 3,500 miles from ground zero. The hotel where I was staying filled immediately with stranded travelers. People with spare beds “doubled up”. It was a scary and heroic time.
 
So what’s your plan? If the economic brakes are suddenly slammed on, what will happen at your business?
 
Here are my thoughts.
 
First, think about your people. If there is an attack and it happens close to your business, do you have a fund set aside to help your people? Wouldn’t that be a great thing to do?
 
Second, we will recover. The “hit” will be temporary. If you did have a plan and a fund you could help some of your hard hit customers. It could be as simple as holding an order until they are ready or forgiving charges for a month.
 
Community. Take stock of the resources your business has. In the event of emergency, your community will have serious needs. Can your business help? If you have an inventory of your resources, you will be ready to help. This list should include people with special talents and training.
 
Just think about it.
 
If you need any help with this, I’ll gladly donate my time.
 
Chris Reich, Author of TeachU’s Business Talk Blog