As much as we’d like to put the pandemic behind us, business experts recommend now is the time to review your business’ COVID lessons learned. You should evaluate your business’ adaptability, short- and long-term needs, and challenges. Improving your business continuity and disaster recovery plans gives you an edge to quickly make decisions for future small or large disruptions.

The following general list for consideration is certainly not exhaustive and will not be applicable to every business operation. You and your team may have additional points to discuss also.

Technology

• Cybersecurity – Were systems internally and remote-access secure?
•  Bandwidth – Sufficient or lagging
• Hardware/software – Did existing equipment and platforms enable or disrupt?
• Robotics – Potential to further utilize

Vendors

• Supply Chain
• Single source challenges
• Redundant or different sources needed
• Local supplier opportunities

• Business services
• Did vendors step up or disappoint? – Renew or replace

Employees

• Team members – Who contributed to solutions?
• Remote work – Short-term solution or permanent reality?
• Training and professional development – Plan to catch up
• Communication – Did employees feel up-to-date or in the dark?
• Retention and hiring challenges – Unique to pandemic or routine?

Customers

• Feedback
• Your business – Were customers confident of your business?
• Customers’ challenges – How did you adjust or develop solutions to serve them?
• Marketing
• Suspended during shutdown or reimagined
• New business development opportunities – Leverage your successes

Business Plan / Business Continuity Plan / Disaster Recovery Plan

• Review and update

Investments

• Identify weaknesses and needs
• Prioritize and plan near- and long-term investments

Tax Planning

• Rely on your trusted Mierendorf CPAs and associates to guide you with tax updates and planning.

For guidance on evaluating your COVID lessons learned, contact a Mierendorf representative at 616.784.4445.