Reposted from Tim Richardson

The Storm That Didn’t Hit and the Wake-Up Call That Did

I prepared for a snowstorm like my life depended on it - generator, gas, water, and a plan. Then I realized something uncomfortable: I’ve never prepared my business the same way. This post is about that wake-up call and three tips to consider in the face of business challenges.

We made countless trips to the grocery store to stock up on supplies. I searched BJ’s, Rural King, and Harbor Freight – then made three separate trips and countless phone calls to Home Depot – before finally finding a generator. Extra batteries were purchased. Large containers were filled with water. The first-aid kit was located. We made sure all the laundry was done, the house was sealed up tight, the water was left dripping, and the snow shovel was found and placed on standby. Phones were fully charged. Cars were filled with gas, and extra fuel containers were topped off. We checked in with our neighbors to make sure they were okay. I even read preparedness articles on AAA’s website. Everything was checked and rechecked – and then checked again. I thought about where we could go if we had to leave our home. We were ready. And then it hit me. I’m pretty sure I put more time into preparing for this storm than I ever have preparing for a business emergency. In fact, I know I did. I’m also certain I wasn’t the only one preparing for last week’s storm – one that ultimately spared my adopted home of East Tennessee. That realization made me think about other “storms” that blindsided me: COVID, the financial crisis of 2007–2008, and 9/11. Each was devastating – personally and professionally – and I was ill-prepared for all three. This week reminded me of the importance of having a game plan for all situations. If I can dedicate this much time and attention to preparing for anticipated power outages and temporary inconveniences, I owe it to myself – and my business – to invest the same energy in preparing for cyclical downturns, unexpected disruptions, and true crises. Here are three of the important considerations worth exploring with your team/organization:

1. Liquidity and Financial Runway Just like extra fuel and backup power at home, businesses need financial reserves. Access to cash, diversified revenue streams, and a clear understanding of fixed vs. variable expenses can mean the difference between weathering a disruption and being forced into reactive decisions.

2. Operational Redundancy and Flexibility What happens if a key person, system, or supplier suddenly becomes unavailable? Cross-trained teams, documented processes, backup vendors, and flexible operating models allow businesses to keep moving – even when conditions aren’t ideal.

3. Leadership Mindset and Decision Readiness Plans matter, but mindset matters more. Leaders who pause, assess, and make thoughtful decisions under pressure create stability for their teams. Scenario planning, clear communication, and the willingness to slow down before reacting are critical when uncertainty hits.

Because storms don’t just come from the weather. And the ones we don’t plan for tend to do the most damage.

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