With the recent news of a potential dockworker strike, many small business owners are growing concerned about the potential impact on their supply chains. Strikes, natural disasters, political unrest, or even global pandemics can all cause disruptions that lead to delays, increased costs, and shortages of critical supplies. For small businesses, these challenges can be particularly difficult to manage, as they often don’t have the same resources and supply chain flexibility as large corporations.

While we can’t always predict when or how these disruptions will happen, there are steps small business owners can take to prepare and mitigate the impact. Whether it’s a strike that affects shipping and logistics or a shortage in materials due to unforeseen circumstances, these strategies can help keep your business afloat.

1. Build Relationships with Multiple Suppliers

One of the first steps small businesses can take is to avoid over-reliance on a single supplier. If your business sources key products or materials from one vendor, you are vulnerable when that supplier experiences delays or shutdowns. To reduce risk, diversify your supplier base.

Look for local suppliers who may not be affected by international strikes or global events. Building relationships with multiple vendors means that if one is unable to deliver, you have backup options. While maintaining multiple relationships might require more effort, it can be invaluable when a disruption occurs. For small businesses, especially in industries like retail or manufacturing, having alternate suppliers can mean the difference between staying open or facing a shutdown.

2. Stockpile Essential Products

For many small business owners, keeping a lean inventory helps control costs, but during times of anticipated disruption, it can pay to stockpile essential items. When there are signs of potential strikes or supply chain interruptions, try to order extra inventory of critical goods. This strategy is particularly useful for businesses that rely on raw materials or products that are difficult to source on short notice.

That said, it’s important to strike a balance between preparing and overstocking. Over-ordering can lead to wasted resources if items expire, become outdated, or don’t sell as anticipated. Additionally, having too much inventory ties up cash flow that could be used elsewhere. For non-perishable items, especially those with consistent demand, stockpiling can be a lifesaver. For perishable goods, it’s essential to have an accurate forecast of what you’ll need and a good system for inventory management to avoid losses.

3. Monitor Industry News and Stay Informed

Knowledge is power when it comes to supply chain management. Small business owners should stay up-to-date on industry news, labor negotiations, and government updates that may indicate potential disruptions. For example, paying attention to early signs of labor strikes, port slowdowns, or regulatory changes can help you stay ahead of a disruption.

You can subscribe to industry newsletters, set Google Alerts, or use supply chain tracking software to keep an eye on possible issues. By staying informed, you’ll be in a better position to react quickly and make necessary changes to your operations. Awareness allows you to start sourcing alternative suppliers, adjust your orders, or communicate with customers in advance of disruptions.

4. Develop Contingency Plans

Every small business should have a contingency plan in place for potential supply chain disruptions. This means outlining clear steps to follow if a disruption occurs and identifying alternative strategies for sourcing products, financing, and managing customer expectations.

Start by creating a risk management plan that identifies critical areas of your business that would be affected by a supply chain disruption. Then, brainstorm possible solutions for each area. For example, if you own a small retail store and your main supplier is impacted by a dockworker strike, your contingency plan might involve shifting to a secondary supplier, sourcing locally, or selling alternative products that are more readily available.

Additionally, it’s important to develop financial contingency plans. Supply chain disruptions often come with additional costs—such as higher shipping fees, rushed orders, or unexpected downtime. Setting aside emergency funds or having access to short-term credit can help your business weather these additional expenses without putting your operations at risk.

5. Communicate Transparently with Customers

When supply chain disruptions occur, transparent communication with your customers is crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute to inform them about delays, stock shortages, or changes in service. By keeping your customers in the loop, you build trust and manage their expectations.

For instance, if you know that a shipment of products will be delayed, notify customers as soon as possible. Offer them options, such as backordering or switching to a similar product. If possible, provide incentives, like discounts or free shipping, to encourage them to remain loyal despite the inconvenience.

Clear and timely communication also applies to your suppliers. Keep the lines of communication open to stay informed about any changes in your suppliers’ ability to deliver. This allows you to make quick adjustments and prevents surprises.

6. Leverage Technology for Better Visibility and Planning

Advances in technology have made it easier for businesses to track and manage their supply chains. By using supply chain management software, small business owners can gain real-time insights into their inventory levels, order statuses, and potential bottlenecks.

With the right tools in place, you can monitor where disruptions are likely to occur and take action before problems escalate. Technology can help you forecast demand more accurately, track shipments in transit, and identify areas of inefficiency in your operations. This proactive approach allows you to adjust your strategies in real time, minimizing the impact of delays or shortages.

7. Negotiate Flexible Contracts with Suppliers

Whenever possible, work with your suppliers to negotiate more flexible contracts. Supply chain disruptions can be difficult to predict, and strict contracts may leave you vulnerable to penalties or unexpected costs. By negotiating flexibility into your agreements, such as allowing for changes in order volume or delivery dates, you can create more room to maneuver when challenges arise.

If your supplier is open to it, consider building in clauses that allow for order cancellations or adjustments in the event of a force majeure event, like a strike or natural disaster. These flexible arrangements can give you greater peace of mind during uncertain times.

8. Explore Alternative Shipping Methods

When strikes or disruptions hit the transportation industry, it’s important to explore alternative shipping options. For example, if port operations are halted, consider air freight as a faster (though more expensive) alternative. Similarly, look into local delivery services or ground transportation options that could keep your supply chain moving.

While these alternatives might come with added costs, they can help prevent stockouts and keep your business running smoothly. It’s also helpful to weigh the cost of delayed shipments versus the cost of alternative methods to determine which is the best option for your business.

9. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

During tough times, collaborating with other small businesses can provide mutual support. By forming partnerships, you can combine orders to achieve bulk discounts, share shipping costs, or even trade goods and services.

For example, if you and a nearby business are both experiencing supply shortages, you might pool resources to place larger orders or share transportation options to reduce costs. Collaboration not only helps you manage disruptions but also fosters a sense of community, which can be beneficial in the long term.

10. Stay Adaptable and Be Ready to Pivot

Adaptability is essential for small business owners, especially when facing unexpected disruptions. Having a mindset that allows you to pivot quickly—whether it’s changing suppliers, adjusting your product offerings, or shifting your business model—will help you navigate challenges.

Consider diversifying your product range or services in anticipation of supply shortages. For instance, if certain products are delayed or unavailable, think about offering complementary goods or services that are less affected by supply chain issues. Being flexible with your offerings can help you stay competitive even when your usual operations are disrupted.

Preparing for the Unpredictable

Supply chain disruptions are an inevitable part of running a business, but small business owners can take proactive steps to minimize the impact. By diversifying suppliers, building contingency plans, communicating with customers, and staying adaptable, you can keep your business resilient during difficult times.

In today’s global economy, strikes, natural disasters, and other events will continue to challenge supply chains. However, with careful planning and a flexible approach, small business owners can maintain operations and continue to thrive despite these disruptions.