We tend to take the environment for granted.  We only think of it when we can see it, taste it, and the result of our neglect is in our face.  Case in point was the decreased air quality as a result of the recent forest fires burning on Vancouver Island.  There was ash on our cars and visibility dramatically reduced by the brownish-orange haze even though the nearest fire was 50 kilometres away.

The sadness is, most of the current fires are human caused.  In the Nanaimo area alone there were 13 fires such fires in a 72 hour period.  We have had extremely dry conditions this spring combined with hot weather and little rain in sight.  These are all things that we can only react to for we do not have control over the weather or the resulting conditions.

We can however take measures to ease the effect of these unforeseen circumstances. Rain barrels can be installed so that we can save whatever does fall for our gardens.  We can install air conditioners and air purifiers to combat the heat and air quality.  There are opportunities to educate to ensure that activities that are dangerous during these drought times are avoided.

The business environment is also blind-sided by unforeseen circumstances.  There are changes to the demographics and economy serving your market area.  You may lose key employees.  Regulations governing your operation may change without notice.  You might have a flood or fire, or those damn computers might crash.  Like forest fires there are indicators that predict what may happen.

You are the only control in these scenarios.  If you choose to react, you will probably be too late.  If you plan, you may survive.  Keeping good records will allow you to monitor the changes to clients or customers.  Knowledge of your focus market and daily sales will provide valuable data to adjust your marketing strategy.  Making sure you have alternate suppliers and backed up computer systems are a must.  Ask yourself, “How will I serve my customers or clients if I don’t have telephones, or a place of operation?”

Don’t wait until it is in your face and a surprise … it might be too late!

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