There are several things a business owner can do to better position themselves to handle an “unplanned retirement”. Think of it this way. If something was to happen today and you could no longer be a part of your business, what is it worth to a buyer in its current state? What ongoing revenue is in place verses a one-time sale? Do you have systems in place that enable the business to run well without you?
Work today to structure your business as though you needed to sell it tomorrow. Also consider setting up and funding a buy-sell agreement with another business owner who either has a business similar to yours or complimentary to yours. You can be each other’s “back up retirement plan”.
