Every business faces risks that can disrupt operations, from natural disasters to cyberattacks. Without a solid business continuity plan, these events can cause severe damage or even force closure. The key to resilience lies in asking the right questions before disaster strikes. If you haven’t answered these five critical questions yet, now is the time to start.

What Are the Most Critical Business Functions?

Identifying the core activities that keep your business running is the foundation of any continuity plan. These functions vary by industry but usually include things like:

• Customer service

• Supply chain management

• IT systems and data access

• Production or service delivery

  
  

Ask yourself which parts of your business must continue without interruption to avoid major losses. For example, a retail store might prioritize its point-of-sale system and inventory management, while a software company might focus on server uptime and customer support.

Knowing these priorities helps allocate resources effectively during a crisis. It also guides decisions about backup systems, staffing, and communication.

Who Is Responsible for What During a Crisis?

Clear roles and responsibilities prevent confusion when time is critical. Your plan should name specific people or teams responsible for:

• Activating the continuity plan

• Communicating with employees, customers, and suppliers

• Managing IT recovery

• Handling financial decisions

  
  

For instance, designate a crisis manager who oversees the entire response and a communications lead who handles updates. Make sure everyone knows their tasks and has access to necessary tools and information.

Without clear accountability, efforts can overlap or fall through the cracks, increasing downtime and damage.

How Will You Communicate Internally and Externally?

Communication is vital during disruptions. Your plan needs a strategy for keeping everyone informed, including:

• Employees

• Customers

• Vendors

• Stakeholders

  
  

Decide on communication channels such as phone trees, email alerts, text messages, or social media updates. Prepare templates for key messages to save time.

For example, if your office floods, employees need instructions on remote work, customers need updates on service availability, and suppliers need to know about delays.

Regularly test your communication methods to ensure they work under pressure.

What Resources Are Needed to Keep Operations Running?

Understanding the resources required during a crisis helps you prepare in advance. Consider:

• Backup power sources

• Alternative work locations

• Spare equipment and supplies

• Access to critical data and software

  
  

For example, a manufacturing plant might arrange for backup generators and secondary suppliers. A consulting firm might set up secure remote access for employees.

Inventory these resources and identify gaps. Planning for these needs reduces downtime and speeds recovery.

How Will You Recover and Resume Normal Operations?

A continuity plan is not just about surviving the immediate crisis but also about returning to normal as quickly as possible. Define clear recovery steps, such as:

• Damage assessment

• Repair and replacement schedules

• Staff reintegration plans

• Financial recovery strategies

  
  

For example, after a cyberattack, your IT team should have a process to restore data from backups and secure systems against further breaches.

Set realistic timelines and milestones. Recovery can take days, weeks, or months depending on the event, but having a roadmap keeps everyone focused.

Taking Action Today

If you cannot confidently answer these five questions, your business is vulnerable. Start by gathering your leadership team and reviewing your current continuity plan or creating one if it doesn’t exist. Use these questions as a guide to build a plan that fits your unique business needs.