As we head into fire season here in North Idaho, the need to be prepared is very important. You never know when the fire will come. So, you plan ahead and pack a bag.
The same should be true for your business.
Long in advance of something happening you should put plans in place to prepare your business if something happens to you. We never know when we will get hit by the proverbial bus.
Can your business survive if you are to be taken out tomorrow? Does it need to survive to take care of your family?
Some years back we got approached by the son of a previous customer. His father had passed away unexpectedly, leaving the business to the son. But the son had no login information to pay for the domain name or even the website!
Since the business was primarily an online store, orders were still coming in with no way to stop or even fulfill them. While we managed to have some records and help get him point in the right direction, the problem could have been avoided.
Start today thinking about all the key parts of your business. List the key assets your business needs to survive. Then plan for how to pass the information or logins to the next person.
Key assets for an online store are domain names, websites, email access.
Another thing you should do is write out operating procedures or implement standard systems. This will allow someone to take over and keep the business running the same way.
In my business, I have a document labeled Emergency Procedures. This document contains access information and basic plans for how to handle my clients should my life go sideways. I keep it in a secure place, but accessible should I not be available.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare a plan. Start today and know your business is secure.