It’s something we don’t really think about as business owners. Well, we haven’t got time to think about it have we?
But you know, if something did happen, how well is your life and business geared up to deal with it, and are there any simple things you could put in place?
You know, just in case
A couple of weeks ago I was called in for my first routine mammogram, having reached “that age”.
Confident, cocky even I went along, certain I wouldn’t be hearing from them again for another few years!
So it was unsettling to get a letter rather speedily asking me back for more tests in just 3 days’ time!
At first I was “Whatever. It’ll be nothing. I’m way too healthy to worry about this”
But over the next 3 days waiting for my appointment you can’t help but go “THERE”. Thinking about the worst case and how the hell will I run my business if I’ve got something like that to fit in. And I’ll confess a few moments of terror crept over me when my guard was down, having to potentially deal with whatever this could mean.
Having now had a further mammogram, ultra sound, x-ray and biopsy, I found out today I have early stage / pre-breast cancer. I’ve got surgery in 2 weeks’ time and won’t able to drive for a few weeks, with worst case being some follow up radiotherapy. But I’m totally relaxed, unconcerned and know
I’m going to be absolutely fine
I was far more nervous going to the dentist after the hospital, now that I will freak out over!
So why do I tell you this? You probably know my business is mission-based, to help business owners make their business as financially secure as possible and to build long term financial freedom.
And this episode has made me realise where my vulnerabilities are, as well as having to confront exactly what I’d do if things had been worse, as well as the practicalities of covering the next few weeks.
So I’m just thinking what are a few practical things we can do so that if we ever need to take time out, our business isn’t going to collapse around our ears?
- Make sure you’ve got key man insurance in your business, so you can replace yourself if you needed to be out for a few months
- You know my obsession with Buffer Cash – you just never know when you’d be glad of the breathing space it gives you
- Making sure, of course, that all your taxes are always put away so your cash flow doesn’t come under pressure. Remember taxes aren’t your money and don’t belong in your trading bank account. Ever.
- Does your business depend entirely on you? Could you start delegating a bit more? Would your business still earn money if you had to take some time out, or could only work part time?
- Check your life cover, especially if it’s been a while since you last looked at it
- Take out critical illness and income protection cover if you don’t have it already
- Keep space in your diary; it’s never nice feeling that you haven’t got room to breathe in-between those back-to-back meetings
- And you know how I feel about stress – we know it’s the root cause of almost all disease; don’t think you’re the special one who’ll get away with it! Eat well, exercise and stop eating sugar!
So, no drama, but just something to think about. Just take a few minutes to make sure you’ve got things in place that will give you peace of mind.