Security Breaches: How Will You Handle The Situation

Today the news media has promoted the hot topic of the day as the security breach and wikileaks.  We first learned about this "LEAK" a while back when a low-level private was able to breach security of the national databases due to his security clearance and leak classified information to the questionable site wikileaks, by using a Lady Gaga CD to copy the information.  This information was potentially detrimental to US troops and operations abroad.

Today's leaks appear to be less sensitive but have called out many nations and officials and made public information that would otherwise be heresay.  This leak has further defaced America in the international community and places America's security in question.

Businesses should learn a strong lession from these leak-events.  How's your companies sensitive information? Who has access to it and how are they using this information?  It seems to me that your company's information is far more important than to be left in the hands of a low-level employees listening to Lady Gags CDs.

Make it a point to ensure you know who has access and is accessing your information.  A little protetctive measures can mean the difference between a reputable company and a discreditied business in the marketplace. 

Today's triage note...  stop the bleeding of information.  Find the source and begin the process of healing it.  If there is no source or leak, then use prevention methods to ensure security and company health.

Small Steps and Giant Leaps

“Each baby step away from the government of our forefathers is giant leap away from the greatness that is America!” - Dr. Travis J Hedrick, 2009

That's one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind." Who can forget those historic words spoken on the surface of the moon nearly a half century ago? Today, these words continue to ring true for our nation.

America was founded on the ideals and principles that allow business owners to work hard to gain success. They also have the ability to fail. Sadly, today our government as well as the current and former administrations have taken it upon themselves to "bail-out" the companies they deem worthy and have allowed countless others fold. This bail-out mentality has destroyed the foundations that were set forth by our forefathers. These baby steps away from the government of our forefathers has begun to be giant leaps away from the purpose of America.

Businesses should seek to stand on their own principles and convictions. Do not seek the government handout when times get difficult, rather, seek to implement your contingency plan. Right planning now will protect your business and investments in all economic climates. Rather than leaping into the arms of Uncle Sam, begin taking your own steps to a better future for your business.

The Economy by the Numbers

FoxNews via the Associated Press reported Nov. 5th, 2010, that October was the 10th straight month of employment gains in the US and the highest gains in employment payrolls of 159,000 (151,000 after factoring government job losses). While this number is important, the other numbers tell another story.

Unemployment remains over 9%, approximately 14.8 million Americans are still unemployed, many more who have given up reporting for unemployment, and many more Americans struggling to pay bills. Companies today have a primed and ready workforce at their disposal if they are willing to open their doors.

The concept of triage is to treat the most severe, life-threatening injuries first and then methodically treat the less severe injuries from top to bottom. Many business owners I have spoken with say they need more workers, especially those who will remain long-term employees and effective partners in their mission. Unfortunately, the economic struggles have resulted in fear and uncertainty for many business owners. This has resulted in tightening the payroll and cutting off potential long-term employees. They literally let opportunity die rather than addressing opportunity as a chance to bring life to the company.

Companies who wish to survive the tough times must plan for the good times. Hypothetically speaking, if 1 millions companies opened only 1 new well-paying, long-term job, there would be 1 million new employees who could add back to the economy. These people are consumers, business partners, and end-users. Compound this by 1 million companies offering 15 new jobs. The jobless rate would be near not existent, and the economy would be infused.

As our economy limps along, it is the challenge for all businesses to find ways to add even one long-term employment opportunity. Each opportunity helps the very economy that we all wade through. Sow into your business' future and into the economy in which you conduct business. A small investment (sacrifice) now, often reaps many-fold rewards (blessing) in the future.

The Election Effect - Stability

As everyone is now aware, the US has seen a significant change in power, politically speaking, for for the 3rd time in 3 election cycles. There is no wonder that this is due to the utter frustration of the voters and public at large at the lack of stability facing America today.

During this time of economic and personal hardships, people are seeking something stable to bind too. Democrat, Republican, or Independent, it does not matter as long as stability can be achieved.

This is the time that businesses need to put into practice their contingency plans and present a legitimate face of stability for their target audiences. It is not time for marketing stiff-arming or false advertisement. The need for stability in business goes beyond mere fronts but is deeply rooted and produces fruit that customers can be attracted too. Remember, people will know you and your business by your fruit.

Whether your an independence small business, a non-profit incorporation, or a publicly traded corporation, ensure that you're offering your customers a stable product or service during these uncertain times. You may need to discount to help your customers remain participants in your business. If you do, the loyalty you will receive as economic times improve will far outweigh the temporary reduction your business will experience now.

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