People looking to set up their new entrepreneurial venture from the comfort of their home will typically focus on the business idea itself: what to sell, how to market yourself, how to make sure your offer is indeed unique in the market, what to do with competitors, how to communicate with your demographic? As vital as these questions are in the pursuit of professional prominence, your home-based work needs to be as secure as it is innovative and authentic.
A business with a secure foundation has a better chance to appeal to its target audience because people will have all the more reason to trust your brand with their needs. If you fail to invest in security precautions and even fail to communicate your security measures, you risk alienating your potential customers, no matter how ingenious your product or service might be. Here are a few security tips that will put your mind at ease and protect your business for the long haul.
Image Source: Rawpixel
Cybersecurity at home is important
Before we move on to the physical security of your home used as an office and storage for your professional equipment, you shouldn’t forget about cybersecurity. Since you will inevitably market your business online through a website and social media, you need to plan ahead to keep your online presence completely secure.
When it’s time to start your own business, look into the most secure hosting options for your website, and the right levels of malware protection for your own equipment. That way, you’ll be sure to handle all business processes safely and with the right software protection and protocols in place.
Protect your possessions
When accidents do happen, especially ones that don’t jeopardize the security of your client’s data, but they do set you back a decent sum of money for all the investments you’ve made, you need insurance. Plan ahead and look into the best home insurance options that will cover your most valuable possessions in case of damage or theft.
Both building and contents insurance can help you establish your business on secure grounds, and even if something does occur (be it fire, flooding, or a burglary), you’ll know your investments are protected. Different occupations will require different tech gadgets that might come at a high price, so insurance is there to help you get back on your feet in case of an unexpected hurdle.
Image Source: Rawpixel
Install a security system
Even if they don’t know they’ve come across a potential goldmine of sensitive information or confidential business documents, burglars won’t shy away from monetizing on anything they find in their way. That said, you should think about security on the premises, which will both help keep your business safe, but it will also deter any intruders.
Motion-activated light will definitely help keep unwanted guests away, while an alarm system will be of great help, as well. Such a combination will put your mind at ease once you start storing your business-related tech tools, your laptop included, and other investments in your home.
Communicate your security efforts
You’re not only building a business, but you’re also building a brand that is meant to inspire confidence and trust in its target audience. To do that successfully, you’ll need to leverage your security efforts and let your customers know what kind of precautions you’re taking to keep their information safe and to keep all of your interactions secure.
Your goal is to ensure long-term customer loyalty, and security plays a big role in that goal. Place security seals on your website, explain how you’re using security measures to enhance data security, and encourage them to practice the same precautions themselves, thus embracing their own responsibility in ensuring secure transactions and communication. Your brand should be built on a foundation of such high levels of security that your customers never question your effort to keep their data safe.
Smart password protection
The size of your company doesn’t matter, a weak password is a weak link that an experienced hacker will certainly take advantage of and steal valuable information right under your unsuspecting nose. Even the number of accounts and software solutions you’re using doesn’t matter – even if all you have is your email account, you need to be very cautious with how you create passwords and how you store them. What’s more, you cannot keep using the same combination or simple variations for the rest of your accounts.
Instead, make sure to implement smart password protection for all your business and private accounts. You can start using a password manager that will automatically generate strong passwords that you don’t have to memorize, but that can be stored safely in that one, digital vault. Finally, change your passwords from time to time, to make sure you’re on the safe side.
It doesn’t matter if you choose to work on your own and keep your business as a one-person show, or you would prefer to work with a few people in your organization, your home-based security is essential. Take these precautions in mind when you start planning your business setup, and your customers will be grateful for all the preventative measures you’re taking to keep their information secure, and to provide a smart and safe service to all.