Public-Private Redefined, or, "Moo"

Remember the Friends episode where Joey says “It’s all a moo point.”? Then Rachel says, “A moo point?” He responds, “Yeah, like a cow’s opinion: it doesn’t matter.” Rachel, Monica and Pheobe all do quick nods as if to say “it’s wrong but it’s not wrong.” I’m going to do the same thing with Public-Private Partnerships (P3).

P3 has traditionally referred to government/non-profits and business in infrastructure and urban renewal projects. I always liked thinking of them as real partnerships in the realm of emergency management and business continuity on a much smaller scale. They all work together in and for the local community to prepare for disasters so the community thrives as a whole – all factions of it. Not just a road or a park or a toll project. Knowing what each brings to the table to share resources to help the other survive. But I’m going to take it even further.

Public-private can mean government and private enterprise (businesses). But to my corporate law experienced brain, that dichotomy is also publicly traded (big) and privately held (small) businesses.

There needs to be more P3 amongst businesses so the small businesses learn more and become more resilient. If there were, I wouldn't be the person who first introduces small businesses to the idea that there is a thing called business continuity and it helps greatly with resilience and growth - they'll already know it and be invested and thriving as a result. 

Don't be limited by definitions. Expand both your mind and your capabilities. Otherwise the whole point might be “moo” after a disaster has struck and it’s too late (although by personal doctrine it is never too late to do better next time).