In light of the situation created by COVID-19, many businesses and individuals are operating in crisis mode at the moment.
Credible Assistance
While watching ads and online posts over the past few weeks we have noticed a trend: companies and individuals are suddenly marketing themselves as crisis or business service experts. Please use caution, as many do not have sufficient experience nor are they certified in those skill sets.
Find The Expertise You Need
If you require assistance managing stress, minimizing risk, decreasing liability, knowing what to say to clients and so forth, look for accredited companies and individuals. The expertise you need is out there and available!
Ask questions. Someone whom has social media strategy experience or holds an MBA (as examples) does not necessarily have expertise in Business Continuity. Or Finance. Or Public Relations. Or Change Management. Or Stress Management. (and so on).
Available Resources
There are a number of available resources to consult in order to determine those best suited to aid you and your business:
Business Continuity Planner (ABCP, CBCP, MBCP) - www.dri.ca
(Disaster Recovery Institute of Canada)
DRI Canada is a non-profit organization providing internationally recognized education and various certifications in business continuity. Confirm whether an organization/individual has been trained and certified in business continuity management by utilizing the membership directory on their website.
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) certification - www.cpacanada.ca
A CPA certification indicates the holder 'provides the highest level of strategic and financial expertise while serving and protecting the public interest.'
To verify a member or firm: https://www.cpaalberta.ca/Protecting-the-Public/Verify-a-Member-or-Firm
Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation - www.rims.org
The CRM designation demonstrates holders have achieved the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, monitor and limit risks.
Change Management
A variety of options are available for those whom require a Change Management skill set. Find a practitioner whom holds:
an MBA with a Change Management concentration, or
a PROSCI Change Management certification, or
a Change Management certificate from a University
How May We Help?
SERI® is providing complementary strategy calls to all current and past clients - whether you would like to talk about what’s happening in your area, creating an online space, marketing efforts, stress relief or anything else business related, contact us here. You can also send an email to: hello@seri.ca.
We would enjoy working with you on your next project, a current issue, or an upcoming event.
Wishing positive, forward growth to all of you during this time.