What happens when you are sick?

With the times of covid isolations and the cooler weather setting in, what does your business look like if you were sick?

In this day and age, I think I speak for most when I say that we generally push through the sickness and still work? Or make sure the bare minimum is completed, to keep the business ticking, right?

But looking into the scary abyss, what would you actually do if you needed to take time off from your business?

Having a contingency plan, especially if you are the sole operator of your business can be something hard to fathom or even put in place. However, it will most likely be beneficial if that “what if” moment ever comes to.

Three quick tips to consider as a sole trader:

1. Be open and honest with your clients

Sometimes clients need to be reminded that you are a real person, living a real-life and things happen. But being open and honest with them through the process is vital. If you are unable to contact them, get a partner or friend to send a quick message or email letting them know what is happening and that contact will be made ASAP. Use your clients to gain a sense of who needs assistance more urgently and who can cope, for the time being, this will allow you to prioritise.

2. Look into networking and competitors or other businesses that you trust

I know, scary right? This one is very much a balancing act. You as a business owner know who you would and would not approach, who you can and cannot trust with your clients, and confidential information! Of course, you would need to run this by your client before handing it over or moving forward, but it may be a potential saver if you are going to be out of action for an extended period of time.

3. Business insurance

There are insurance policies that can assist you in serious circumstances. Under trauma or effect of income due to illness or injury. This point obviously has the concern for you, rather than your client, but should be considered seriously.

I found a story from The Sydney Morning Herald some years ago, and as I read it, the relevance still resonates so clearly.

“Small business owners and self-employed people don’t have the luxury of calling in sick, so planning ahead is paramount.

If you haven’t already, I think it is time to look into a contingency plan, just in case, or even just plant some seeds in your head. What does your business look like if you were sick?

I hope this helps.

-Kaitlin-