Companies collect data; it’s as simple as that. With so many regulations, the prevalence of marketing analysis, and the power of computers, we’re a very info-centric culture. But therein lies a problem.
Who holds all of this data? Can they share your personal information with others and get away with it? How will your reputation suffer if your name is tarnished by identity thieves? Unfortunately, your data is less protected than ever online, which is why properly safeguarding your clients’ information can work wonders for overall customer loyalty.
But what are some of the most pertinent reasons to enforce a strong privacy policy? Customer satisfaction, the law, and your reputation. Customer satisfaction shouldn’t just be an idle term. I can never say this enough! Satisfying your customers is the first step in running a successful small business. Protecting their data can greatly increase satisfaction, especially if your competitors tend to overlook this point.
Complying with the law and protecting your reputation are always important too. Breaking privacy laws can absolutely torpedo your business and mire both you and your business in legal battles. Not a pretty sight. If this happens, your reputation will also be scarred for years to come, and reputation is everything in the world of small business.
But What Can I Do?
Plenty. First of all, write a clear, easy-to-understand privacy statement. This is one area where you can build instant credibility over your larger competitors, as you can draft up a simple document in plain English that everyone can understand. Just having one of these will add instant assurance for your customers and clients. Now, you’ll probably still want a lawyer to look over these documents to make sure they complies with the law, but it’s a great start.
Agreed? Agreed.
Make sure that all of your documents agree with each other too. You certainly don’t want your privacy statement to conflict with your terms-of-use policies or contracts. This can have just the opposite effect and actually confuse everyone while creating an environment of mistrust.
Finally, review your privacy policy on a regular basis to make sure it stays updated. Company procedures change, and your privacy policy absolutely has to agree with this. You should also eliminate terms like “may” or “might,” and instead stick to the solid truth.
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