Key Takeaways

• Risks associated with a small business can be characterized as internal and external. You have control over internal risks, but your control over external ones is very limited or non-existent.
• Begin assessing risks by listing events or resources that could impact continued operations and cash flow.
• The costs to insure or minimize a particular risk should be weighed against the potential impact of the risk on your business.
• A business continuity plan that is updated regularly should be part of your overall business.
• Strategies to avoid risks can include communication, setting expectations, support systems, staff training, insurance, risk assessment and contingency planning.
• Be honest in reviewing your business for risk and know the warning signs. Don’t ignore a risk just because you don’t want to deal with it at the moment.
• Seeks assistance from others who may see things you can’t because you are too close to the business.
• Include an exit strategy in your initial business plan and revisit that strategy from time to time.