Business Owner’s Guide to Weathering Winter 

If winter comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb.  If the groundhog sees his shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter.  Or so they say.  

The reality is, the weather does what it wants.  Winter can come in like a lion, stay like a lion, and leave like a lion.  It can snow in May.  If you live in the north long enough, you’ve seen it.  

Just because you may be done with winter, that doesn’t mean that winter is done with you.  Is your small business equipped to survive the winter and spring to the finish line?  

Here are three steps that you can take to ensure the continued success of your business and the safety of your clients and employees as the winter concludes.  

Pay attention 

This may sound simple.  But some of the best advice often is.  Keep an eye on the sky.  Technologically, speaking. Download a weather app that will help you prepare.  

With the technology available to you, you don’t need to be caught off guard by a snowstorm.  Or worse, freezing rain.  

You can receive alerts for extreme weather warnings.  You can check for hourly updates and radar projections.  

But knowing what’s coming is only worthwhile if you and your team are prepared to handle it.  

Be prepared   

Are you responsible for keeping the sidewalks clean?  If not, do you know who is?  

If you are responsible, do you have the equipment needed?  An ergonomically correct shovel?  Salt?  Salt spreader?    

If you are responsible for clearing the sidewalks and you do have the equipment, do your employees know how to utilize them?  

When your business is located in an area where winter weather is part of the job, then you need to be prepared.  

And not just for the outside, but the inside as well.  Here are a few items you can consider to keep your store safe.  

• Clean Floor Mats 
• A Mopping System 
• Wet Floor Signs 
• Safety Cones 

Having proper tools, equipment, and training in place will go a long way to ensuring that you won’t need to utilize your worker’s comp insurance.

This is a great time to make sure that your insurance policies are up-to-date and adequate to care well for everyone involved in your business.     

Still, some winter weather can cause significant loss to your income.  A JFA insurance agent can help point you to the insurance you need to survive income loss due to weather.  

Seize the Opportunity 

If you have a means for direct messaging clients, inclement weather gives you a great opportunity for another touchpoint.  

You can make customers aware of the winter storms that are coming.  You can let them know what steps your business has taken to prepare for the storm, ensure hours of operation, and care for their safety.  

Including pictures of the staff preparing for the storm will add a small personal touch that can make a significant impact.  

These simple steps demonstrate competency and care that will bolster your clientele’s confidence in and gratitude for your business.  

If your business has an e-commerce component, winter weather may open an electronic door to keep business moving.  Even if you have to shut your physical doors for a time.  

Connect with the team at JFA 

At JFA Insurance, our success is tied to yours.  Our friendly team of experts is ready and waiting to help you weather any storm winter throws at you.  

Reach out today to schedule a consultation and receive a free quote.