In Australia it is particularly common for businesses to shut down for some time over Christmas, but at what risk? I've compiled some tips to help you keep your business safe when the doors are closed, so you can enjoy some time away with less worry.
Don’t Make It Obvious
I know it's a fine line between informing your customers, and hanging a sign on the door saying ... we're not here so come and rob us. But, signs on the physical premises, emails to clients and banners on your websites bragging about your closure might make you vulnerable to theft and other criminal incidents… Consider language that doesn’t give away all your plans, consider using terms like "operating on skeleton staff / hours", "closed for stocktake" so it is not obvious that your physical operations are vacant.Automate some statements / emails to go out from key personnel over the break so it gives the impression someone is doing some work.
Review your Security
Check your cameras, locks, security codes and safes on the physical location. Get your staff to check passwords and logins or maybe now is the time to renew them. And, if you haven’t enabled any remote work processes then this is the time to test them out for employees.70% of Australian employees do actually want to work from home
[source: Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research]
Working from home might also be an option for someone like your payroll administrator to have essential processes completed such as paying your staff and completing ATO or super lodgments (get a BAS agent on to this…;-P). The ATO does go on holiday as well so many of your deadlines are widened over the holiday period if you are utilising electronic lodgments and a BAS/ Tax Agent.Prepare your website
Check on your website that the "Contact Us" is correct, and that someone is actually checking this email regularly. The last thing you want to miss out on is that big quote over the holiday break, or alternatively have to return to 1000s of spam emails.Keep promoting yourself
Schedule your social media posts to continue over the break, but keep it light and helpful as many of your clients are also on holidays so they don't want to be "sold" to.Check your Insurance Policy
Have a quick review of your main policies on what you are actually covered for, including left, property damage and even your alternative drivers portions of your Motor Vehicle policies. This is why I like to have an Insurance Broker, as it usually just requires a quick email.Most of all RELAX….
As a small business person you probably need a break.
Merry Christmas from my family to yours.
