Championing the BC Cause

Dr. Dan,

For those launching a continuity program, do you have some tips on how to champion the concept with management?

Cate in OKC

Hi Cate,

Wow! That's one of those million-dollar questions that has plagued BC professionals for centuries, perhaps eons.

Seriously, management (in the private sector) usually has one priority: profitability. Every goal, every performance review, and every task are tied to the bottom line. It makes sense. That's what baseball, apple pie, and capitalism are all about.

So, you gotta hit 'em where they live. Consider these issues:

1. Is there a prevailing issue that may persuade them to be more agreeable to a program, such as a recent disaster, negative audit report, or concerned investor?
   
2. Is there an advantage to be derived from stakeholders, such as board members, investors, customers, et al., that a BC program would offer?
   
3. Are there influences in the industry that make having a business continuity program more prudent and beneficial?
   
4. Are there new laws that require a business continuity program?
   
5. Does there exist areas that are vulnerable to lawsuit, such as safety, product, or consumer liability?

Some management will realize that business continuity is a program and not a project.

Hope this helps.

DR Dan