Does your business have a succession plan?

If you are running your own business, you understand the importance of planning. Still, in the busyness of day-to-day activities, you may forget to plan what will happen to your company if you die or become incapacitated.

Creating a succession plan can help ensure your business will continue.

Why you need a succession plan

There are several benefits to creating a succession plan for your business, including:

• There will be a seamless continuity of operations, which is essential to employee morale and confidence from your clients and vendors.
• Succession planning allows you to develop talent within your organization. Identifying and mentoring potential leaders motivates employees and increases job satisfaction.
• It will prevent the disruption that usually happens with transitions.
• It can prevent potential conflicts among family members, business partners and employees.

Here are some guidelines for developing your succession plan:

1. Identify which positions in your company are crucial for its operation.

2. Assess the skills, experience, and growth potential of your current employees. Start training them to prepare them for their future roles.

3. Provide potential future leaders opportunities to develop their skills, such as leadership training or project management.

4. Create a transition plan with deadlines, responsibilities and processes.

5. Businesses undergo regular changes, so it’s essential to review and update your succession plan as needed.

You worked hard to grow your business. Having a succession plan in place is a strategic investment in its future. By making a succession plan as part of your overall estate plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your legacy will continue after you have gone.