Secure ShreddingWi the Real New Jersey Housewives? by Ren Grajales

Former homebuilder Joe Gorga invested millions in a new paper shredding business-a fact that was only revealed to his wife, Melissa, when Joe took her to see the new electric blue shredding truck. This was the vehicle that would, as Melissa artfully phrased it, do all the document smushing.

If this anecdote sounds familiar, you've probably tuned in to at least one episode of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New Jersey. And what great TV this situation makes. But inane dialogue aside, this episode, about a man who decides to start a shredding business despite his total lack of experience, raises at least two serious questions for small businesses seeking shredding expertise.

What should we look for in a partner who'll be managing and disposing our most sensitive company and customer data?

Heck, we're a small business. Why not give another entrepreneur a shot?

Let's answer them.

Why Document Smushing Calls for Experience

The Gorgas can be forgiven for believing that handling sensitive information is as simple as dumping papers into a shredder. But here's the truth: A true records management expert possesses a high level of sophistication and experience to ensure that all of your documents are disposed of securely and in keeping with state and federal regulations.

Consider these reasons why a shredding partner with experience and industry knowledge are critical to your safe document disposal:

Document shredding is subject to stringent federal and local regulation. Given that penalties for noncompliance can include steep fines and criminal prosecution-not to mention damage to your company's reputation-staying compliant is critical to your firm's future. Work with an experienced partner who offers a deep institutional knowledge of compliance regulations as they apply to your industry.

You'll get a documented chain of custody. A proven document shredding firm can provide a document proving chain of custody for your sensitive records. Think of this as a legal verification that sensitive data has been properly destroyed. It matters because you may need to respond quickly and efficiently to legal discovery or compliance questions.

You want only vetted workers on your destruction A Team. Choose a partner with an AAA certification from the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID). Among other benefits, this certification ensures that the your shredding partner's employees have all passed extensive background checks.

You'll benefit from a full menu of services. Working with an established, well-regarded partner also can mean lots of options, like onsite or offsite shredding, 24/7 customer service and online account access.

Don't get me wrong-I don't want the Gorga family's new venture to fail. (With fellow Housewives stars Joe and Teresa Giudice possibly headed to prison, the cast has enough on its plate.) But isn't it best to keep the drama on TV-and not in your business?

LINK:	http://blogs.ironmountain.com/2014/service-lines/small-business/secure...
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