If I Died Tomorrow...
(Contingency Plans for Small Businesses)

If you're in business for yourself and by yourself, have you ever considered what would happen to your clients and your business in the event of your untimely demise or incapacitation?

Now is the time to start planning. Don't put it off for another day because not having a plan could mean a gigantic hassle for your clients and loved ones to deal with.

As a sole proprietor, you've got to keep your affairs up to date at all times because you just never know. 

Unfortunately, if you've been in business for a while, this could be an overwhelmingly daunting task. Give yourself a starting place. Create a document called "Instructions in case of my death" and place it (or a shortcut to it) on your computer's desktop. Let someone know it exists, although with a name like that it will stand out the moment someone turns on your computer. Then open the document each day and start writing notes to explain your business procedures. When the document has enough data in it to warrant it (not finished, mind you—it will need to keep evolving as your business does), print it out and give a copy to a trusted friend or relative.

When you start writing your Instructions document, you will realize there are some habits you need to get into NOW.

If you have trouble explaining your filing and naming system, you know you've got to get your computer organized into folders and logical paths. 

Run a weekly backup of important documents on your computer. If all you have are letters and memos, they may fit on a floppy. Be sure to label them. 

Keep all email correspondence organized into folders in your email program. Don't forget to back up your email regularly too. Most email programs have an export function to save email, or you could save hard copies. 

If you have lots of data to back up, invest in a Zip drive or CD-RW. I use the latter to back up half my hard drive every week. The advantage with CDs is that just about anyone can access the data on it. You could put your Instructions document and all of your clients' data on a CD and give it to a trusted friend or relative so they could contact your clients if something happens to you.

I know it's a hassle, but if you are running a business it's your moral obligation to do what's right for your clients. They will have to go through the hassle of finding a new provider and getting their account set up so the least you can do is make the transition as smooth as possible for them. 

No one gets out of here alive. But at least you'll have a clear conscience in the afterlife!