How ISO 27001 Certification Can Get You A Boatload Of New Clients

Business Insights
06/09/2023
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If you needed a new boiler fitting, would you use a Gas Safe registered engineer, or your unqualified mate Dave who does a bit of plumbing here and there?


When you're dealing with something as serious as gas, it's much safer to go with the professional, isn't it? (No offense, Dave!). The Gas Safe registered engineer offers you that peace of mind that they're qualified, cautious, and won't leave you with a gas leak.


And the same goes for ISO 27001 certification. When you're dealing with something as serious as data, it makes sense to choose the safer option. If an organisation is looking for a new supplier, are they going to choose to work with an ISO 27001 certified business who can prove their commitment to information security, or an uncertified business who could leave them open to cyber threats, data leaks, and financial and reputational damage?


You get the picture.


The best thing you can do as a small business looking to win new clients is get that ISO 27001 certificate boxed off. Read on to find out why…


What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is the leading international standard for information security. Simply, it's a set of guidelines and best practices required to create, maintain, and continually develop an effective information security management system (ISMS).


An ISMS is a structure of policies, procedures and controls designed to monitor and protect your organisation's sensitive information via effective risk management.


An ISMS guarantees the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information by identifying and mitigating security risks within organisations.


What is ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 certification is an independent verification that confirms that your organisation's ISMS meets the standard. If you handle personal information, financial data or intellectual property, it's a non-negotiable. Especially if you want to prove to new clients that you mean business when it comes to keeping their data secure.


Isn't it just big businesses who need ISO 27001 certification?

No! You could be a one-man-band trying to win a significant client, or a small startup desperate to bid for a lucrative tender, whatever your situation – clients and stakeholders need assurance that their information is safe. Most organisations expect their suppliers to be certified these days, so, if you're not, you can kiss goodbye to building your client list.


Reasons why organisations are more likely to choose ISO 27001 certified suppliers

  • ISO 27001 is the recognised and respected standard for information security management.

  • It gives them confidence that their sensitive information and data is protected from security threats.

  • It confirms the supplier's commitment to following international best practices.

  • It saves them time and effort authenticating the supplier's security procedures.

  • It can help build trust and with customers and stakeholders.

  • It minimises the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks.

  • It offers a competitive edge over suppliers who are not ISO 27001 certified.

  • It can save on costs due to improved security measures and risk management.

  • It can create a culture of continuous improvement and ongoing risk assessment.


How ISO 27001 certification will benefit your business

Getting ISO 27001 certified doesn't just benefit your customers, it's a no-brainer decision for your business, too. Here's why:

  • It can help you win bigger, meatier clients – who doesn't want that?

  • It can help you hold onto existing business.

  • Many of the ISO 27001 conditions also satisfy GDPR and data protection requirements, which will show regulatory bodies you mean business when it comes to risk management.

  • ISO 27001 accreditation will help you build and maintain a sound reputation – increasing your chances of referrals.

  • Data breeches are expensive – ISO 27001 will keep you on the right side of the law.

  • Implementing IS0 27001 will help you streamline your processes.


Conclusion

Whether you're a startup trying to build a great reputation, or an established business looking to expand that client list, achieving ISO 27001 certification is the smartest move forward when it comes to attracting and winning new clients (by the boatload!). Think of it as your head start to success.


But, a word of advice… when exploring certification routes, make sure you do your research to enable you to the job properly. You could follow an ISO 27001 toolkit to streamline the process, or hire a consultant to do it for you (be warned: this option can be pricey!). Whatever you do, don't ask Dave!


Author

Stuart Barker | Stuart is a cyber security expert known as the ISO 27001 Ninja, and author of the best-selling ISO 27001 Toolkit. He is Director at High Table, the ISO 27001 Company: https://hightable.io