Tag Archive for: Business

6 Smart New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners

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6 Smart New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business Owners

Original By Cheney Insurance

The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on how the past year went for your small business, both the wins and the losses. A thorough, honest review can help you plan for growth and success over the next 12 months.

Here are six New Year’s resolutions that can protect your business and help it thrive – regardless of what the new year brings.

1. Employ strong cybersecurity practices.

Data breaches and other cybercrimes are becoming increasingly common and costly. Here are some ways you can protect your business in the coming year:

  • Install antivirus software and antispyware on all company devices, and always download the latest updates
  • Train employees in cybersecurity principles
  • Change passwords regularly and don’t make them obvious
  • Back up your business data to an off-site location or cloud storage
  • Secure your Wi-Fi networks
  • Develop a cyber risk management plan

2. Develop a disaster plan.

Planning ahead for a disaster can mean the difference between staying in business and losing everything. And it’s one of the easiest ways to help ensure your business survives and recovers.

Sit down and really think about the kinds of disasters that are most likely to affect your business, whether it’s hurricanes, cyber threats, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, labor strikes, or something else. Then, work through each scenario and figure out how you can minimize the potential damage – including transferring the risk via smart insurance strategies.

Before disaster strikes, review your insurance policy with your insurance professional. They can explain your deductibles, your coverage limits, and what you are and aren’t protected against.

3. Shield you and your business from mistakes.

In today’s litigious society, no one is safe from lawsuits. What you think is a simple mistake can be deemed a “wrongful act” and result in a lawsuit. A directors and officers liability (D&O) policy specifically provide coverage for a “wrongful act,” such as an actual or alleged error, misleading statement, neglect, or breach of duty.

Errors and omissions insurance (E&O) is another policy that can fill a gap in your commercial general liability policy. It provides coverage for service errors, contract performance disputes, and other professional liability issues.

4. Learn something new.

As a small business owner who wants to remain competitive, you need to continually expand your skillset and keep up with the latest tools, techniques, and technologies. This helps to enhance innovation and promote operational efficiency.

Seek out professional development opportunities online and in your community. Also, make sure a culture of continuous learning is encouraged at your business and passed along to all employees.

5. Give back.

Incorporate charitable giving into your business plan. It provides a sense of fulfillment and can also help promote your brand. You can give back in one of two ways: your time or your money.

Giving back shows you understand how your business fits into the broader community and highlights a commitment to improving that community for everyone. Consumers would much rather support a business that cares about the well-being of the local community than a company that simply offers services or products.

6. Schedule Inspections.

Start the new year off on the right foot, be sure to include inspections as part of your new year to be sure all of your operations in business are safe & functioning properly. Contact Fire Systems Professionals for our complete inspection services.

Be proactive

As your business’s needs change, so should your insurance.

As you ring in the new year, carve out some time to weigh the risks you and your business face if the unexpected happens. Then, be proactive and contact your trusted professionals at FSP to review your operation practices & safety plans.

Fall Testing: 8 Systems Your Business Should Get Inspected

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Source: summitfiresecurity.com

Fall is the perfect time to book your fire and security maintenance and inspections.

Every building is different; each city and state has special codes and requirements. Please consult your local fire protection and security experts first. Here’s a list of some top building systems that require at least yearly checkups:

  • Video Surveillance Systems
  • Access Control Systems
  • Overhead, Pager, Audio Visual Systems
  • Data Center
  • Fire Alarm Systems
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems
  • Portable Fire Extinguishers
  • Suppression Systems

This list does not include all systems that need annual inspections. If you aren’t sure which systems need to be inspected and how often, fire protection professionals, (like us) will know.

Why should I get my systems inspected?

It’s easy to forget about inspections and maintenance as you’re running a successful business, combating pandemic uncertainties, or settling into a building after a move. Like anything, even the best security and fire protection systems need a tune-up. With an ever-changing environment, the systems need maintenance to better adapt over time and keep your assets safe in the case of an emergency.

For older buildings, it’s essential to keep up on inspections and maintenance. That way you’ll know right away if your property needs an upgraded system and can budget it in. It’s also important to schedule your maintenance to ensure your building’s systems are up to code. Quite often and sometimes without notification, local rules and regulations change. A certified fire safety expert makes it easy to ensure your building is safe and up to date. These experts frequently work with your local fire marshal and understand the necessary fire and security codes. They’ll take the guesswork out of the necessary maintenance, so you can worry less about your building’s safety systems.

Ready to book your inspection and maintenance appointment?

Contact our team of experts today!

7 Reasons Your Business Should Use CCTVs

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Info provided by vizocom.com

One of the most cost-effective ways to provide security in the workplace is with CCTV Security or Video Surveillance Systems. The highly advanced technology of modern security cameras allows businesses to lower costs and risks by protecting their assets with continuous and seamless monitoring of their facilities. These relatively inexpensive cameras have for the most part replaced expensive security guards while increasing the reliability and accountability to near 100% by providing real-time remote video surveillance.

Here are six reasons why CCTV systems are crucial and extremely necessary for businesses today:

  1. Reduce Cost and Risk

CCTV security systems prove themselves as the best investment as soon as they are installed. Full view of your premises and real-time recording as well as remote online access by owner/manager lowers the risk and prevents costly incidents such as burglary, fire, vandalism, etc.

 

  1. Prevent and Deter Crime

Criminals target buildings and facilities when they see there is no monitoring or watchdog. The very presence of CCTV cameras on an installation is enough to deter potential criminals and prevent their action at the outset. Similarly, by the sight of a safety hazard, employees can take the necessary action to reduce the risk and alleviate the source in the shortest possible time.

  1. Fool-Proof Coverage

A well-designed CCTV infrastructure is practically impenetrable and can provide 100% coverage. Multiple cameras keeping an eye on each other’s blind spots in addition to keeping an eye on the most vulnerable areas of the property, full monitoring is not hampered by human errors such as the guard being on shut-eye or being busy with something else. Remote online access as well as a recording of the events documents everything should it be needed by the police or judge.

  1. Keep Your Employees Honest

CCTV cameras on the outside prevent break-ins by outsiders, but if installed inside the facility to monitor sensitive materiel, goods, and assets, as well as vulnerable areas of a facility, it will prevent wrongdoing by company employees. Even if something happens, the recorded video will prevent wrong accusations and a lack of trust among all staff.

  1. Encourage Good Behavior

CCTV cameras help in creating discipline among employees and customers alike.  CCTV cameras encourage employees and buyers to be on their best behavior alike. It also gives customers a sense of security and safety as they know they are protected and gives them confidence in doing business with you.

  1. Prevent Safety Incidents

CCTV cameras can be installed in high-risk areas of a business facility or establishment. These high-risk and accident-prone areas include locations where fires can break out as well as locations where a potential danger to the building and personnel exists. Properly selected cameras can prevent potential damage because emergency measures can be taken immediately with careful monitoring.

 

  1. Assist Law Enforcement

CCTV recording of the scene of the crime, allows law enforcement agencies to use the footage and release photos and videos of the culprits to the public. A picture or a video record of the suspect can make a huge difference when it comes to making an arrest and getting dangerous criminals off the street.

So there you have it! We hope that we have enlightened you on the importance of CCTV Security Systems for your business. If you wish to know more about CCTV systems, contact FSP today!

Important Tips to Improve Security at Your Small Business

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Improve Your Businesses Security

by: smallbiztrends.com

Use Keyless Entry

Looking for a better way than hanging keys on a belt or a hook at the office? There’s a whole host of locking devices available now to open and close office doors through a smartphone app.

Place Wireless Cameras at Entry Points

Portable security cameras can be placed where you need them. Wireless models can be placed in spots you can’t see from the front counter.

Check for Dark Spots

Adequate lighting is important. Check for any dark spots both inside and outside so criminals don’t have a place to hide.

Check Privacy Policies

Every business needs to be sure the security and privacy policies of companies they deal with are good. This is especially true when data is being transferred.  You can be held liable for any data that gets leaked.

Train Your People

You can have all the policies and procedures in the world, but your employees need to follow them. Constant training and refreshing should be the norm.

Use Motion Lights

Being proactive is an important element of security for your small business. Lurking criminals can be startled away by the blast of light from a motion sensor. Capturing them on camera provides a description for identification.

Cut Hedges Back

Hedges look great outside your small business. However, making sure they are trimmed and a reasonable height is one way to keep your business safe. Poorly kept trees and shrubs tell potential criminals your small business is being kept up.

Get a Remote Gate

Having a security gate that closes remotely is another option to consider. With fences, decorative points on top provide a deterrent that looks good too.

Install Bright Lights at Entrance Ways

Making sure all the entranceways to your small business are brightly lit deters criminals. If you don’t have a light above the doorway, installing a pole-mounted one that’s about 14 feet high works.

Close Blinds After Hours

Don’t give thieves the chance to window shop by leaving blinds open after you’ve closed your shop for the day. Making sure that you shut out the lights on the inside of your office won’t tempt any passing potential robbers.

Install Direct Walkways

Pathways should lead directly to the front of your small business. Having them meander around the sides or back can invite criminals looking for a way in. Keeping hedges and shrubs trimmed back on these pathways makes everything more secure.

Be Friendly to Customers

If you run a retail outlet, being friendly deters any potential shoplifters. Yep, there are actually statistics to back this up! According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, only three percent of shoplifters are “professionals” who are economically motivated. The vast majority are motivated by social or personal pressures.  A friendly attitude may help ease these pressures at least for the amount of time the person is in your store and discourage him or her from acting out. It’s also a good approach to boosting your bottom line.

Watch for Loitering

Being aware of any kind of business is important. It’s especially helpful to zero in on any customers that won’t make eye contact. Lingering for a long time without buying something should be another tip-off.

Tidy Up Shelves

Having shelving and flooring in your retail small business that is clean and organized is another deterrent. A store that looks disorganized tells potential criminals no one is paying attention.

Lock Fitting Rooms

Having locks on all fitting room doors is another security feature. Posting signs in these rooms is another shoplifting deterrent. It’s also a good idea to give employees the key that allows customers access.

Use an Updated Firewall

While you should have fire-retardant physical walls on your small business, this tip is also about cybersecurity. Making sure firewalls are up to date and working on your company computers protects against malicious viruses.

Change Passwords Often

Small businesses can lose important data through hacked passwords. It’s critical these get changed often. Small businesses should also consider multilevel authentication that includes another piece of information beyond username and password.

Back Data Up in the Cloud

Keeping sensitive online information at one location invites a security breach. Sensitive financial information and other data like human resource files can be stored in the cloud for optimal security.

Have a Privacy Plan for Mobile

Mobile devices are everywhere and small businesses can use them to their advantage. However, it’s important to have a security plan so sensitive business information is kept private and confidential.

Lockup Laptops at the End of the Day

Keeping your business computers locked in a secure location keeps unauthorized people from mining your information. Laptops should be locked up at the end of every business day.

Get Reinforced Steel Doors

Small businesses need to have the front-line protection of good physical doors. Steel or reinforced wood is preferable for the walk-in kind. Stay away from the ornate glass on the sides because it can easily be broken. If you have a garage, make sure to have proper padlocks on the sliding doors at the front.

Don’t Open Strange Email Attachments

More and more, small businesses use emails to correspond with customers and suppliers. These emails often have attachments with viruses in them. One good tip is to never open an attachment unless you are sure who it is from.

Of course, having good virus and spyware protection programs installed makes that environment safer.

Remove Ex-employee User Accounts

You may have parted ways with an employee under the best possible conditions. However, you should still delete their relevant small business accounts including usernames and passwords. They may not have any bad intentions, but even losing a smartphone can put valuable information in the wrong hands.

Use Inventory Front Door Keys

Some things you can do to increase security at your small business are simple. Not all of them involve cybersecurity and managing the physical keys you give out to the front door is essential. You should always number and code any of the keys to your business so that you can keep track of them.

If even one of these keys is lost or missing from the inventory, business owners should replace each and every lock. Make sure that you get keys from employees that are leaving for whatever reason.

Walk Around the Outside of Your Building

It doesn’t matter whether you are discussing email security or physical security, small business owners need to stay vigilant. Walking around the outside and inside of your building on a regular basis will keep you apprised of any security concerns you need to fix.

Everyone including employees should keep an eye out when they are arriving or leaving work. Unfamiliar people should be questioned when they are on your company property.

For any questions feel free to contact FSP!

ERCES – Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System

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ERCES – Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System

At Fire Systems Professionals our focus has always been to protect property and people. That includes First Responders who come to protect and rescue you in the event of an emergency. The ability to maintain communication is essential to make that possible. Despite improved coverage, it is still not uncommon to lose a signal for a cell phone call in a building. Imagine holding an emergency radio in that same building under an emergency situation and lose the ability to communicate! We can help correct that issue.

An Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System is based on testing a building for deficient or spotty communications and putting a system in place to correct that deficiency. This is how it works:

Emergency responders communicate with each other over a specific channel or frequency. That signal is relayed by radio towers around the city.

Once they enter into a building the signal can be inhibited by the building materials like concrete and steel. Also today energy-efficient low-E (low-emissivity) glass is designed to reflect long-wave infrared energy, but it also reflects radio waves. On the far side of the building or in floors that are below grade the signal may no longer be strong enough to maintain communications.

 

 

This is where we can help by taking a strong signal and distributing it into all the parts of the building that are weak. This is done using a DAS – Distributed Antenna System. This signal not only is received by emergency personnel, but it also has to be transmitted. This is done with a BDA – a Bidirectional Amplifier. 

 

 

 

Because this is part of a life safety system it is regulated by the International Fire Code – IFC Section 510, and the National Fire Protection Association – NFPA 1221 Section 9.6, and is monitored by the Fire Alarm control panel.

 

 

At Fire Systems Professionals we continue to protect you, your property, and those who have dedicated themselves to keep you safe in an emergency. We are here to help install, service, and support your critical life safety systems.

4 Fire Prevention Tips for Your Business

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by Justin Metz

Reducing the risk of a potential fire at your business is one of the most important things you can do to help protect your customers, employees, and property.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more than 111,000 nonresidential building fires occurred in 2017. Those fires caused 1,200 injuries and more than $2.7 billion in damages. For business owners, these damages can extend beyond physical repairs. It could mean weeks, or even months, of lost revenue while your property is restored.

So what steps can you take to help ensure a crisis like this doesn’t happen at your business? Give these four tips a try:

1. CHECK POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.

According to the American Red Cross, there are a number of common hazards in any home or business that are likely to be the source of a fire. Conduct a survey of your business and examine these potential problem areas:

  • Make sure machines and equipment are clean and well maintained.
  • Keep any combustible objects away from space heaters or furnaces.
  • Properly store flammables away in cabinets and away from ignition sources.
  • Check appliance cords and replace any broken connectors or cracked insulation.
  • Use only one extension cord for each power outlet.
  • Allow room behind any appliances to allow air to circulate and prevent overheating.

2. ENSURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

Every business should have functioning fire extinguishers. But it’s also wise to consider smoke detectors, sprinklers, or a fire alarm. Remember, the life expectancy of a smoke detector is only 8-10 years.

Look into a specialized fire suppression system if your business has large operations or machinery that is capable of overheating; commercial cooking equipment; or especially flammable materials on site.

3. MAKE SURE YOUR EQUIPMENT IS UP TO DATE.

Did you know that fire extinguishers have a shelf life of between five and 15 years – even if there is no expiration date listed? Over time, these pieces of equipment can lose their pressure. So make sure your extinguisher is working properly by checking the pressure gauge every month. If the needle is in yellow or red, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Be sure to replace your extinguisher if you notice any of these signs:

  • The hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped, or jammed.
  • The locking pin is unsealed or missing.
  • The handle is missing or unsteady.
  • The inspection sticker or service record is missing.

4. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR STAFF.

Preparation is one of the most important elements of fire safety.  In a crisis, having an emergency plan is a critical element to successfully prevent injuries, loss of life, and property damage. To help keep your employees safe, be sure to regularly communicate your fire safety procedures.

  • Describe where they should go if evacuation is needed.
  • Explain how you will notify them of an emergency, whether it’s through voice communication or a sound like a bell, whistle, or horn.
  • Make sure your evacuation plans accommodate employees with disabilities, such as someone with hearing loss or who uses a wheelchair.
  • Provide training, such as fire drills, to practice your emergency plan.
  • Remind your employees not to store anything on stairways or along your fire escape routes.

As a business owner, you expect your insurance to be there when things go wrong. But did you know that Fire Systems Professionals is here to help you reduce risks in the first place?

Contact our team of experienced professionals with over 20+ years in the business can help your business remain up to date and safe from potential hazards. Click Here to get in touch with us today!

How The Weather Can Affect Your Business

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Weather significantly impacts businesses in different ways ranging from products, employees, customers to property. It is important for a business to stay prepared for challenging situations that could be caused by adverse weather conditions. All types of businesses can be directly or indirectly affected by bad and good weather. Below is a discussion of some of the ways your business can be affected by the weather.

By: IntelligentHQ

Effects on Customers

  • You have to know the behavior of your customers during different times of the year. This is not only important for the tourism industry but also local businesses. A good businessperson should know the impacts of weather on customer’s buying habits to optimize sales. A business should invest in extensive research as well as weather predictions to set prices and offers that meet the demands of consumers.
  • You should not only identify the impacts of weather to optimize current business operations but also predict future performance. If your business performs well in one season, there is no guarantee that the same will occur on the next one. Understanding the different types of growth helps you to prepare for undesirable weather fluctuations that may happen in the future.

Product Prices

  • The prices of most commodities fluctuate depending on weather conditions. For instance, businesses based on agricultural productions are directly affected by seasonal yields. Some raw materials are expensive when they are not easily available during certain weather conditions. If you understand and predict such fluctuations, it can help in your financial projections.
  • The energy industry is also significantly affected by the weather. For example, all businesses are affected by oil prices during certain seasons. During winter, there is a high demand for oil hence its high prices. Transportation becomes expensive as well as the cost of products being transported.

Employee Performance

  • The performance of employees is affected by weather conditions. During warm winter, layoffs do not happen frequently. If the weather is conducive and people are extremely active, a business requires to employ more staff to cater to the need of consumers. The increased number of workers means increased expenses in terms of wages and salaries. If you are not well prepared for the seasonal increase in demand, you will face employee shortage thus reduced profits.
  • The weather also plays a major role in scheduling. The consistency of business operations is determined by the way it prepares for weather fluctuations. Delays in weather could result in delayed projects and slow operations. Catching up the work that was supposed to be done could be expensive thus cutting down profits.

Destruction of Property

  • Weather could also be destructive to your business. Some of the adverse weather conditions that destroy property include floods, ice, storms, strong winds. Other hazards such as fire could result from bad weather. You have to assess risks and protect your business from such terrible situations. You may as well consider visiting WeatherStationAdvisor.com to learn more about the factors to consider when buying a personal weather station that could help you predict weather fluctuations.

As discussed above, weather plays a major role in determining the success of a business. As a business person, it is your duty to study seasonal fluctuations and come up with the most appropriate measures and plan of action to keep your business going and your customers and employees safe!

Does Your Business Have a Security Plan?

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Kim Zimmermann, BusinessNewsDaily Contributor

You probably won’t find many small businesses who have a head of security, but that does not mean they shouldn’t have a plan to prevent loss of property or even life in the event of a burglary or other event.

The most important asset are the lives and safety of all staff, experts agreed, but there are other things that need to be protected, including the physical assets and infrastructure of the business itself as well as stock and finished goods. This usually requires a business alarm system. Any security strategy needs to include protection for both the critical infrastructure, such as telecommunications and technology, as well as the intellectual property, including documents related to research and development.

“A small company faces both internal and external security risks,” said Niall Kelly, the CIO of Netwatch USA, a remote-visual-monitoring company. “Most importantly, however, it is essential that companies provide a risk-free and safe working environment for their employees.”

The best way to address security risks is to carry out a full company risk assessment analysis to identify the key areas of concern and determine the necessary procedures to take to secure all of the company’s assets, experts said.

“From an exposure point of view, the largest risks are being negligent in providing adequate protection to a company’s people,” said Mike Gauer, vice president of business development for Datawatch Systems, a managed security solutions provider for commercial office buildings. “‘Adequate’ is the operative word. What is ‘adequate’ in Toledo, Ohio, may be grossly inadequate in New York City. Accordingly, the goal is to strike the correct balance relative to the risks in a given demographic.”

 

How should a small business owner go about developing a security plan?

“A security plan is essential because it ensures the resulting security system is protecting the right vulnerabilities,” said David Gottlieb, director of marketing communications for Honeywell Security Group, a security equipment provider. “Generally speaking, a small business should first conduct an audit to determine those vulnerabilities. Once those vulnerabilities are identified, the right type of security system can be designed and installed.”

Gottlieb said that questions to ask could include:

  • Is the immediate neighborhood free of crime generators, including late-night social or retail establishments, etc.?
  • Are visitor entry points clearly identified?
  • Is the property designed in such a manner that visitors have to check in at an administrative office or desk before they can access other parts of the building?
  • Are exterior doors not used as designated entry points locked to prevent entry from the exterior?
  • Are all exterior windows easily locked?

The security plan needs to outline how the company’s sensitive data will be protected. “The No. 1 threat is not the bad guy or teenager hacking into your computer system, it is the physical loss of the machines where all of the data is stored,” said Matt Pahnke, senior manager of product marketing for the commercial business unit of NETGEAR, a networking and data-storage provider. He said there should be a clear plan for backing up data offsite, be it on a redundant drive or in the cloud.

Security plans should be flexible enough to cover internal as well as external thefts, experts said. “Do you have a code of conduct and/or employee manual that states how thefts will be handled?” said Annie Searle, principal, Annie Searle & Associates, a risk consulting firm. “Do you spend time explaining to employees what belongs to the company — i.e., intellectual property — and what is available for the benefit of the employee?”

Gauer added that many businesses of all sizes often neglect to outline the precautions to be taken by employees walking to their car if leaving work late at night.

Another area that doesn’t get a lot of attention is the disposal of computers and other devices. “Once these devices have outlived their usefulness, they are often thought of as fair game for employees,” said Kyle Marks, the founder of  Retire-IT, a company that manages the retirement, recycling and remarketing of unwanted computer equipment.

He suggested a reverse procurement process. “You wouldn’t accept a shipment of 99 computers when you were supposed to get 100,” he said. “You should have the same accounting for your computers as they go out the door, and make sure they are wiped clean of all sensitive information.”

Experts said business owners have to use technology to streamline the security checkpoints, especially when it comes to inventory management. “Any security plan has to include information on how you are managing and security your inventory, which can be greatly helped with the use of technology, but sometimes small business owners might want to take shortcuts or rely solely on paper records,” said Elijah Shaw, CEO of Icon Services Corp. “There are so many things that might be in any inventory that would have value on the black market.”

Small business owners can’t just develop the plan and store it away, said security experts. “Preparing for something like a robbery is essential because you want to practice your reaction,” Shaw said. “It is like a scary movie. Once you’ve seen it three or four times, it is no longer quite as scary.”