RACA Journal October 2025 RACA_October2025 | Page 38

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Contributor

BUSINESS CONTINUITY FOR HVAC TECHNICIANS: PREPARING FOR LIFE’ S CURVEBALLS

By Terry Smith
Life is unpredictable, and running an air-conditioning business comes with its fair share of surprises— some exciting, others challenging.

Whether it’ s navigating a global pandemic, facing personal health challenges or adapting to changes in the industry, preparation is the key to ensuring your business survives and thrives.

As owner-managers of businesses, we’ re trained to solve problems on-site. But how often do we think about the bigger picture of our business and our lives? Let’ s explore how to plan for the unforeseen and secure a sustainable future for yourself, your family and your business.
1. PLANNING FOR UNPREDICTABLE EVENTS When COVID-19 hit, technicians in South Africa were only allowed to respond to emergencies during the hard lockdown.
Many businesses struggled due to a lack of income streams or contingency plans. What can we learn from this?
• Diversify your services: offering a mix of emergency, maintenance and
Terry Smith. advisory services can keep income flowing even during restrictive circumstances.
• Build a financial safety net: maintain an emergency fund to cover expenses for at least 3 – 6 months. I know this is easier said than done!
Image supplied by Terry Smith

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RACA Journal I October 2025 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za