From Running Solo to Joining a Team: Lessons From Selling My Business
Bottom Line: Even though there have been some challenges along the way, I am still ecstatic about my decision to sell Event Medical, LLC to Joffe...
3 min read
Elizabeth Rupert : Nov 13, 2024 4:52:22 PM
Back in my Navy days, we would engage in strategic planning that often stretched years into the future, with layers of detail that would make even the most enthusiastic planner catch their breath. I loved the rigor of mapping out possibilities and finding ways to turn complex, long-term goals into achievable action steps. When I transitioned into the civilian world, it was surprising to see how unusual it was to plan for more than a year or two out – especially when it comes to emergency response and business continuity. While I understood the urgency of addressing immediate needs, the absence of a long-term vision sometimes left gaps that only careful, multi-year planning could fill.
In developing a Preparedness Plan, we have the opportunity to find a balance: creating a roadmap that’s comprehensive yet adaptable, stretching over five years to truly support sustainable, resilient systems. It’s not about overloading with endless contingencies but about having a solid strategy in place that fosters partnerships, strengthens response capabilities, and aligns with the long-term goals of each event or venue. Now that’s a planner's dream come true and here’s your strategy to get it done:
Step 1: Align Safety Goals with Key Operational Objectives
The first step to building a successful 5-year strategy is to align safety and emergency planning with your organization’s broader goals. Whether your primary focus is operational continuity, guest experience, or community engagement, your preparedness efforts should support those priorities.
Step 2: Partner with Local Agencies and Emergency Services
Collaborating with local agencies – including law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and public health – enhances preparedness by aligning your preparedness plan with community resources. These partnerships are a central component of a coordinated response during emergencies.
Step 3: Build a Training and Drill Schedule
A successful preparedness strategy relies heavily on consistent training and drills. Staff, vendors, and contractors need to know their roles and responsibilities, and the best way to develop this knowledge is through meaningful practice. Over the next five years, plan to conduct a variety of drills and exercises to cover a range of potential scenarios.
For every drill, exercise, or training activity, be sure to evaluate performance and conduct debriefs to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.
Step 4: Develop Engagement Plans for All Stakeholders
Meaningful engagement with stakeholders is often the most challenging step on the path to long-term success. In the realm of emergency preparedness, stakeholders often include full-time staff, temporary workers, volunteers, vendors, and first responders. Your 5-year plan should include strategies for building relationships so that every stakeholder is involved in preparedness efforts.
Step 5: Monitor Risks and Adapt Your Plan
Over five years, risks will change, and so should your preparedness strategy. Use risk assessments and regular reviews to keep your plan current and responsive to emerging threats.
Step 6: Use Technology to Your Advantage
Leverage technology to streamline communication, improve incident response, and manage safety data. Make sure to incorporate the usage of relevant technology in drills, exercises, and training initiatives.
Step 7: Strategize for Sustainability and Succession
Sustainability and succession strategies help to keep preparedness plans effective over the long term. The goal is to maintain continuity even if key staff members leave or operational priorities and procedures change.
If you’re ready to develop or refine your 5-year safety strategy, we’d love to help. Our team at Joffe is committed to partnering with you to build safer, more resilient events and venues. Together, we can turn planning into action and ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
Bottom Line: Even though there have been some challenges along the way, I am still ecstatic about my decision to sell Event Medical, LLC to Joffe...
Back in my Navy days, we would engage in strategic planning that often stretched years into the future, with layers of detail that would make even...
We are grateful to Jonathan Panarello, who is a contributing author to this blogpost. Jonathan Panarello is an Adult Gerontological Primary Care...