When you don't have a contingency plan until you need it.

There is the old saying, you don't know what you don't know. I guess this is why having a team of experts in several different areas is so important. Somebody is likely to know. But as a solopreneur, we often come up short in the overall knowledge department.

This last month I realized how much my role in our networking group impacts how things run. That is okay, cause it was just a few weeks I couldn't work, but if it was longer I wonder what we would have done? So what did I learn? I need a contingency plan and someone willing to oversee what I do in the event I am unable. Not saying that I am the be-all, end-all of the group because it would run very well without me, but I have not provided the information and logistics that would provide a seamless transition.

What would help? What would someone need? So here I am, making plans to create a document that gives someone the ability to take over and continue on. It seems weird to consider, but it feels very necessary now.

Have you got a contingency plan? If something were to happen to you or a loved one and you couldn't work for a short or long time, would your business survive? Here are some steps I plan on taking.

A. Identify the processes that need to continue
B. Identify the sequence of events that is used
C. Write an outline of procedures and backups
D. Document and save examples of all emails and messages sent
E. Document all software used and add teams where available to access information
F. Train, so there is at least one or two other people who can pick things up and run with them

This is probably not all, but oh my goodness, you just never know what might happen, and how long you may be out of commission.