When your website goes down: 5 Key Learnings

I had the inevitable happen last week - my trusty GroupCoachingEssentials.com website which has been so dependable for the last five years, went down. Even my web designer had to do some investigation to find out what had happened. As it turns out the web host had been acquired by a larger firm with no transition plans in place. Even the back-ups stored by the company that was acquired were no longer accessible.

So...a few days of going back to basics and accepting registrations for programs by phone. The site will be back up in all its glory in the next day or so, thankfully due to the support of my wonderful web guy.

It's been a good learning process for me and has underscored the importance of a number of things:
1. Systems are critical - have a copy of all your pages on back up for yourself. Run off a hard copy. Know where you have all your downloads/graphics and other add-ons to the site.

2. Diversification is key - Even though GroupCoachingEssentials went down business has continued with people reaching out to me to register through my other online presences - PotentialsRealized.com, this blog and via Twitter.

3. Remember that marketing is also about an ongoing conversation - Even though the site has been down, I know that the site is only one of a handful of communication vehicles with my community and audience. How are you sustaining an ongoing dialogue beyond your website? Are you leveraging blogging, newsletters, phone based group calls?

4. Know and Trust Your Web People -I've been very fortuante since day 1 of the design of my GroupCoachingEssentials site back in 2006. My designer was starting out then and we've worked over the years to maintain a very good line of communication. I owe a lot to his support.

5. Offer alternative ways to accept registrations - Had my website been the only way for people to register for my group programs it would have been a very challenging week. Ensure that you have alternative ways to accept registrations - by phone/fax, credit card, PayPal or other.

Hope that you will not have a similar experience, but if is should happen, I hope that you will keep these issues in mind as you continue to develop your own systems for your own business.

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials.com (Hopefully back online tomorrow!)
Phone: 416-996-8326

The next Group Coaching Essentials program starts November 16th (Tuesdays 2-3:15 pm ET, nov 16, 23, 30, Dec 14 and 21, 2010). Still looking for CCEs to renew your credential? The program is accredited for 6.75 CCEs with the ICF. Registrations by phone at 416.996.8326, PayPal or back online here by midweek.