Whenever I got out of town on a long trip, and especially if I’m going out of the country, I make sure that before I leave, I’ve given some vital information to people I can depend on in case of any emergency.
As a small business owner, you should have a similar contingency plan in place for your business. Should you ever become incapacitated, stranded on a desert island, or hung up in an airport on the other side of the country in a snowstorm, you’ll definitely appreciate having someone that can continue to run and manage your business in your absence.
If you’re married, your spouse is the most likely person you’ll need to depend on. So talk with your husband or wife and arrange time for your spouse to work in your business for a few weeks each year, or whatever is feasible given your schedules. While it may be an inconvenience, and require some juggling around for one or both of you, it’s a good bit of insurance to train someone close to you to on the basic processes of your business, and introduce them as the ‘heir apparent’ to the other people involved in it - like your employees, accountant, or attorney.
If you’re single, then think of someone you trust and can depend on like an older child, parent, other relative, or close friend. If you’re ever in a jam, you’ll at least know that your business won’t just disappear without you being there.
photo by aldoaldoz (Flickr)
