Disruptions are messy. A power outage might hit your office and the warehouse next door. A cyber-attack could snarl your partners’ systems too.  Too often, we realize after the fact that these stakeholders had resources—like equipment or expertise—we could’ve used. The trick is flipping that awareness from hindsight to foresight.

It starts with knowing who’s in your orbit. Consider:

• Suppliers: Could they shift timelines or lend support?
• Neighbors: Do they have tools, expertise or skills?
• Local Authorities: How can they align with your efforts?

Mapping this network isn’t busywork—it’s strategic. A simple conversation or joint drill can uncover hidden strengths. I’ve seen a company discover their logistics partner could reroute deliveries during a flood, and another find a nearby firm had a first responder on staff. These connections don’t happen by accident: you need to reach out and create opportunities to build your emergency response network.

Collaboration hinges on communication. Without a clear channel to connect, you’re juggling calls and emails while the time to gain situational awareness and coordinate action slips away. A centralized feed—tech-driven or manual—keeps it tight. Platforms like RAYVN let you define and connect with stakeholders and share what’s relevant, but even a basic system works if it’s consistent. The point is unity: they contribute, you coordinate, and everyone sees the same picture.

This isn’t about dependence—it’s about strength in numbers. Stakeholders extend your reach by turning a solo fight into a collective stand. Build those ties now, and your next crisis won’t catch you short-handed.