Accidents Only Happen to Other Guys

When was the last time you did a fire drill on the integrity of the operational side of your business and your personal life?

A few years ago I drove past a billboard with the perfect quote for this morning's theme: 

                               "Accidents only happen to other guys. So, all you other guys, watch out!
 
If you follow my blog on a regular basis, thank you. Whether you do or not, I've been absent for a few days. It was never intentional, but the result of being in the hospital and out of touch. I'm back "full throttle" and couldn't be healthier, but there's a lesson here, and it applies to all of us.

What's your backup plan? As photographers, you're on regular assignments, whether it's an engagement shoot, wedding, portrait session or commercial job. You're also entrepreneurs, and you have a business to run. Just because you're out of commission is no excuse to not have a plan in place and still be able to generate an acceptable level of communication with clients and associates.

So, here it is gang - see how well you do on the answers to these questions. If you were down for the count and out of commission, do you have a plan?

• Who knows all the various aspects of your business?

• Who else can sign checks in your absence?

• Do you have a contact list for every aspect of your business when you need help?

• Today, because of the Internet and social media, we all do so much business on-line. Is there somebody who has all the access codes and passwords, so emails don't just sit there? Don't forget to include access to your voicemail as well.

• If you couldn't make an assignment, do you have at least three photographers you could contact to ask for help? Identify them in advance so you're all on call to support each other.
• Who's got access to your calendar and the ability to contact clients, change meetings etc.?

• On a personal note - does your spouse have all your personal information? He or she needs access to your accounts, insurance information, etc. The worst possible time to talk about this stuff is when you're in the middle of the crisis. Get your act together so you can be comfortable in knowing everything on your plate is still going to be handled.
  

You've all got backup gear, and you know how to make a seamless switch in mid-stream if something conks out on you, but who's filling in for you when you're not available?  Don't be a fool like I've been. I even wrote about it on another blog when I had to deal with the gall bladder from hell and was out of commission for almost ten days five years ago.

Take the time NOW and start to develop a plan. Then do a couple of fire drills to make sure everybody involved knows their role. It's going to be so worth your time down the road. 

And, like the billboard said, all you other guys need to watch out!

Illustration/Photo Credit: ©creative soul