| Entrepreneurship is more difficult than most | | | | After considering the above issues, you will have |
| people believe. In addition to a realistic business | | | | to decide what security measures are appropriate |
| plan, small business owners must consider a | | | | for your line of business. You want to meet your |
| number of other factors which will affect the | | | | needs; however, you do not want to intimidate or |
| success of their business. Frequently, security | | | | scare away potential customers. It is important to |
| measures are overlooked as a "big business" | | | | understand that investing in security is as |
| need; however, an insecure operation may suffer | | | | important as it sounds. While it may be expensive, |
| serious repercussions. | | | | it can save your business in the long run. |
| Things to Consider | | | | Consequences of Poor Security |
| If you are considering opening a store or retail | | | | When business owners fail to address their |
| space, you will need significantly more security | | | | security needs, there can be devastating |
| than an out-of-home business would. In order to | | | | repercussions. Common consequences include: |
| cover all of your bases, consider the following | | | | Revenue loss- Whether your losses are |
| concerns: | | | | caused by internal or external factors, your |
| How big is your space? Is it large enough to | | | | business will suffer. Basic security measures, such |
| require cameras for surveillance? | | | | as video cameras, effective management, and |
| How valuable are your goods? Are you selling | | | | surveillance can help prevent theft and/or money |
| diamonds or french fries? | | | | laundering. |
| What level of security is needed to protect | | | | Employee injuries-If your business appears |
| your business? A jewelry store will need to invest | | | | outwardly "insecure" it may be a target for |
| more money in security than a hamburger joint, | | | | robbery. Hostage situations or employee injuries |
| for example. | | | | may result in costly workers' compensation claims. |
| Are you at risk for internal theft? How many | | | | Customer injuries-If a customer is injured in |
| employees do you have? Do you oversee all of | | | | your store, it will likely result in premises liability or |
| your finances? | | | | other lawsuits. |
| How will you prevent and address stealing? | | | | Property damage-Damage to your store, |
| Cameras or employee surveillance? | | | | such as graffiti, looting, or other damages can be |
| Are your employees and customers safe? | | | | costly to fix. |
| For example, in the event of robbery, do your | | | | If your business is struggling because of security |
| employees have the proper training and resources | | | | matters, consult an experienced business attorney |
| needed to handle the situation? | | | | about your concerns. |
| Security Measures | | | | |