What can we learn from Hurricane Harvey? A LOT!

By Matt Manero

“Harvey” has already made his mark. Houston schools have closed for Monday already. Countless businesses are planning on closing for the next 3-5 days. Some areas are already on mandatory evacuation. It jacked with me too. I had a TEDX talk scheduled for Saturday and that was just cancelled and rescheduled for September.  Let’s hope it is another overblown storm story, and that everyone in the Gulf Coast area of Texas are safe.

But what can we learn from this? A BUNCH! You can’t control everything in your business. You have no idea when regulation, competitors, economic downturns or Hurricane Harvey can rock your world.

Think of all the restaurants that were “hoping” for one more banner sales week from tourists this weekend. Not going to happen. How about Uber drivers who are short on their upcoming rent payment and were “hoping” to earn it this weekend from tourists? Not going to happen. How about the small grocery store owner who can’t get shelves restocked because trucks can’t get into the area? Bummer for them.

NEVER RUN YOUR BUSINESS ON “HOPE” THAT NOTHING WILL GO WRONG. SOMETHING WILL GO WRONG, AND IT CAN ROCK YOUR WORLD.

Here are 4 important tips that will keep you ahead of uncontrollable events.

  1. Hoard cash: You need reserves set aside to protect you against the unknown.
  2. Plan for problems: Role play, have a “What if” plan.
  3. Stop working in the present: Think more about the future.
  4. Think outside the box. How can you capitalize on the unknown when it happens?

I wish everyone in South Texas good luck.

#goeasyonHoustonHavey.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Manero is the Founder and President of Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF) located in Dallas, TX. CFF is celebrating its 22nd year in business and provides financing for commercial fleet vehicles such as box trucks, cargo vans, big rigs, tow trucks, dump trucks and construction equipment. CFF is a 4-time winner of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Inc. Magazine Top 500/5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Matt and his world class team has helped thousands of small business owners move closer to the money they deserve. He is the author of, “The Grit”, and his forthcoming book, “YOU NEED MORE MONEY” will be out in March 2018. Learn more at www.cffnationwide.com or call 972.247.8447 phone or on all social media platforms via @Matt Manero.