Here's how to stay ahead.
Keeping your people safe and your business running, means you need to be well informed, and ensure your communications are up to date with the latest information. Here are our tops tips for analysts supporting the COVID-19 response, along with our recommendations for the best open source resources out there.
1. Use the best advice out there
There an incredible range of sources out there, pumping out information on Coronavirus on a daily, or even hourly basis - and best of all the best ones out there are also free. To help you create a shortlist of sources we’ve selected some of the best here.
2. Check and check again
Get these on your browser favourites and check them daily. But be strategic with your time. Create a regular routine for when, and how you undertake a source review. Keep to your self-imposed timelines to avoid overload, and burnout.
3. Don't Proliferate, consolidate
With so much information around, and updates coming from your teams keeping up to date with sources can suck up your time. And your communications can overload your teams. Work with your teams to understand what information and analysis is business critical, and define short, easily digestible products that are quick to produce.
4. Reference your sources
Ensure that any communications you send out reference these developments. It will build confidence in how management are dealing with the crisis.
5. you're not a “breaking news” service
The information out there can quickly become a rabbit hole that will suck up your time. Staff should understand that you’ll send out communications daily, and only more often if there is a crucial new policy or measure to be reported.
6. English isn't a universal language
Over 55% of internet sources are in English, yet only 20% of the world speak english and just 5% are native speakers. The best information sources may not be easily accessible to your overseas teams and partners. You can therefore play a key role supporting local teams simply by providing relevant and accurate information on the virus and appropriate responses in a clear format that’s easily accessible.
7. Don’t ignore fake news
Whilst you may be trained in spotting fake news and filtering it from your reporting, most people are not. Keep an eye out for rumours and false reporting – including inaccurate advice on treatments. Communicate with your teams about fake news, so that rumours and worries are dealt with quickly – before they grow wings.
8. Listen
Your teams can be hugely valuable sources of intelligence and insight. Make sure you have an avenue open for your staff to communicate insights about your supply chain, people and partners. So that your intelligence and analysis can respond to the latest changes in your business.
9. Keep an eye on the road ahead
It's easy to get sucked into crisis response mode. Ensure you keep an eye on emerging issues, and don't forget to begin recovery response NOW. This means gathering the intelligence on emerging sector trends, changes in how your supply chains are working, changes in your customer base, and key emergent risks and opportunities.
10. Don't forget human insight
Remember that not all the information you may need will be open source. Understanding how supply chains are changing on the ground, or how government restrictions are working in reality may require you to check in with local sources.
This is where Tapis Intelligence can help. We are an on-demand intelligence sourcing service, able to provide custom, locally sourced intelligence from 120+ countries to inform your COVID-19 response. Ensuring you're in the best position for manage, scale or reposition your business as the situation unfolds.
Request custom intelligence today, and you'll be matched with a highly skilled local or regional analyst who will work with sources on-the-ground to gather the intelligence you need. Including :
Daily or weekly custom COVID-19 updates for C-Suite and management
Local intelligence on coronavirus management in 120+ countries
Custom supply chain intelligence, to help manage operations overseas
Strategic insight on public and government sentiment, across Asia, Africa and the Americas