data security Archives

But as the 25th May approaches, it really is time to get an action plan in place. To help you do this, we have waded through:

the scaremongering about HUGE fines
ridiculous suggestions that signing business cards might be needed as a form of consent
various other outlandish claims we won’t waste your time with.

We have gathered a set resources which set out clear GDPR principles and clarify what needs to be done by those of us in B2B businesses that don’t store and process large quantities of data. Read on and set yourself up to make more informed decisions about what practices you need to put in place.

Myths about the GDPR for B2B Businesses

Firstly, let’s clear up a couple of things.

Myth #1: The GDPR won’t apply after Brexit. It will, but in the form of a new UK Data Protection Bill.
Myth #2: B2B companies don’t have to adhere to the GDPR. Sorry but they do. Whilst there’s a little more flexibility for B2B businesses, the regulation still applies.
Myth #3: Companies should just destroy all their data and start again. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. However, it is likely that you’ll need to clean your database prior to the 25th May!

GDPR resources to set you on the right path

12 x key areas to assess

Naturally the ICO has the most comprehensive resources about the GDPR as they are the body responsible for regulating compliance and issuing the fines. However, the information they provide can be a little heavy to sift through for those of us who aren’t used to legalease. Thankfully their handy PDF guide offers up a great place to start for structuring your GDPR prep project, taking you through the 12 key areas you should assess.

Different B2B situations

To understand more of the specifics B2B, another useful resource is this comprehensive guide to how the GDPR will affect B2B businesses from B2B Marketing. Use it to review all aspects of the regulation and get practical advice on how GDPR applies in various situations.

Data audit and processes

The Direct Marketing Association offers some seriously practical resources to help you review and put data input and output processes into place to ensure GDPR compliance. We found this article on how to audit your current data particularly spot on.

Turning it into trust

Adhering to the GDPR principles doesn’t have to be seen as a complete burden. It offers up positives for your business, if handled in a certain way. For example, this download from B2B Marketing shows how B2B business can use GDPR compliance to build trust with clients and potential customers. (We know we’ve appreciated the more thoughtful, considered GDPR-related emails we’ve seen form businesses doing the right thing by us as their clients).

Marketing impact

The Institute of Direct & Digital Marketing, Federation of Small Businesses and Institute of Directors all share mini-guides that simplify what elements of your marketing will be affected by the regulation. They point to:

the importance of clarifying how people came to be on your email marketing list,
ensuring those people can opt-out of communications,
assessing the security of your data and
reporting breaches to the ICO within 72 hours.

Get your data house in order

From everything we’ve read, watched or listened to, the key point of the GDPR is to encourage transparency and to keep personal data secure. We’d recommend you use these resources to help you check through your marketing processes, make changes as needed and keep your team educated and informed.

Big NB. Of course, none of this substitutes getting professional legal advice!