Business Owners Need to Take Care of Those Left Behind

Yes I know this isn't a pleasant topic, but with all the celebrities passing this past week it's time. None of us like to think about what will happen when we're gone, but as a small business owner there's a lot more at stake -- for your business and your family.

And don't stop reading because you're an under 50-something. Things happen to people of all ages. The best thing you can do for your life is be prepared.

First and foremost, have a will. I've always said that you should have at least two key advisors -- an accountant and an attorney. Talk to that attorney and see if they can help you or refer you to an appropriate person to make sure your personal and business affairs are in order should something happen to you. Do it now. You'll sleep better at night.

Second, make sure you have the things that make your business tick written down in an operations manual. You can start by reading how to create your small business operations manual - a post I wrote about three years ago.

Third, since we live in a world of online accounts and oodles of passwords for everything we do, make sure you have a master list of your passwords safely tucked away somewhere. I can't count the number of times I've heard shouts for help in online groups from people who are trying to clean up behind a loved one they've lost.

Those are the basics. Do you have suggestions for other important things that need to be taken care of? Please leave a comment.

Do you have a small business question or issue? Use the contact link above to send me a direct message. Or you can follow me on twitter @deniseoberry