An unexpected and untimely death is a business challenge that most business owners don’t want to talk about. Even fewer like to plan for this inevitable outcome, especially younger owners who don’t plan to die anytime soon. According to BEI’s 2022 Business Owner Survey, a significant percentage of owners say that the largest obstacle to Exit Planning is that they believe it’s too early and not necessary yet. While it’s also reported in the survey that a larger number of young owners are considering planning than ever before, it’s unlikely that many are concerned about death or disability. Though it may seem morbid, it is critical for owners to plan for their death well before they’re ready. Failing to do so could majorly disrupt the lives of the people they care about, their businesses, and their legacy. What Happens Without a Succession Plan? As an Exit Planning Advisor knows, an essential function of an Exit Plan is to dictate the next steps after the owner dies or becomes disabled. However, it’s often challenging to convince these owners, especially younger owners, that a succession plan must be a high-priority issue. It’s important to share with your clients the various ways a business can quickly spiral into chaos without a plan in place. Consider a few of the following pitfalls: How to Reduce Risks While it can be a lofty and challenging task, your job as an Exit Planning Advisor is to make your clients aware of the risks of failing to plan, and encourage them to start a succession plan as early as possible. Death can come unexpectedly and destroy their life’s work. When the goal of an Exit Plan is to protect that important work, you must help your clients mitigate the risks that an unexpected death can bring by utilizing the following tactics: The Bottom Line A business owner’s unexpected death will almost certainly have negative consequences for a company. The prospect of dying without a plan in place can be scary. However, if the business and the owner are able to establish a succession plan and take the necessary actions to prepare, it can cushion the impact.