I’m used to bouncing back quickly. Once a year, I might catch a cold or feel under the weather for a day or two, but it’s nothing that slows me down for long.

This time was different.

A head cold turned into a fever, and what I thought would be a quick recovery stretched into seven days of exhaustion. No energy. No focus. And most importantly—no work getting done.

Lying in bed, I couldn’t help but think: What if this lasted longer? What if I couldn’t work for weeks? What would that mean for my business and my income?

It was a reality check, and it made me realize just how vulnerable many of us are when it comes to financial preparedness.

If you haven’t asked yourself these questions before, now is the time.

1. Does Your Business Generate Income Without You?

We like to think we’re the engine that keeps our business running—and that’s often true. But if everything grinds to a halt when we step away, that’s a serious problem.

• Do you have systems in place that allow money to come in even if you’re not actively working?
• Have you automated or delegated any part of your business operations?
• Are there revenue streams—like digital products, subscriptions, or online courses—that don’t rely on your daily effort?

The reality is, if your business requires you to be involved every single day, then it’s not just a business—it’s a job. And jobs don’t pay when you’re out sick.

2. Do You Have a Financial Cushion?

If income stopped tomorrow, how long could you sustain yourself?

One of the best safeguards against financial stress is having at least three months’ worth of savings to cover your essential expenses.

If that seems like a big goal, start small. Set aside a percentage of every payment you receive into an emergency fund. Over time, it adds up—and when you need it, you’ll be grateful it’s there.

Related: How to Create a Small Business Budget(Opens in a new browser tab)

3. Who Can You Rely on When You’re Out?

For many solo entrepreneurs, their “team” consists of one person: themselves. But even if you don’t have full-time staff, having someone who can step in when needed is crucial.

• Do you have a virtual assistant or freelancer who can help with small but important tasks?
• Have you built relationships with other professionals who could cover for you in an emergency?
• Is there someone who can at least monitor emails or handle urgent client needs?

Having backup support—even on a small scale—can make all the difference.

4. Is Your Lead Pipeline Strong?

One of the biggest risks of stepping away from work is coming back to an empty pipeline of leads and opportunities. If your business depends on a steady flow of clients, make sure you have a system for keeping that pipeline warm.

• Do you maintain a list of potential clients you can reach out to when needed?
• Are you nurturing those relationships even when you’re not actively selling?
• Do you have automated email sequences or content strategies that keep you visible?

A well-maintained lead list gives you momentum—so you’re not starting from scratch every time business slows down.

5. Are You Building Real Relationships With Clients?

Some businesses operate on pure transactions. Clients come and go, and there’s no deeper connection beyond the sale. But businesses built on relationships tend to be far more resilient.

When clients genuinely like and trust you, they’re more likely to:

• Give you grace if you need extra time
• Stick with you rather than going elsewhere
• Be understanding in times of unexpected delays

Having solid relationships with your clients protects your business during challenging times.

6. Do You Have Access to Emergency Funds?

Even if you’re good about saving money, what happens if you suddenly need extra cash?

Some ways to ensure financial flexibility:

• Maintain a business line of credit before you need it
• Have a solid relationship with your bank in case you need a short-term loan
• Explore alternative funding sources, like peer-to-peer lending or business grants

The key is having options before you’re in a bind—not scrambling when it’s already too late.

7. Are You Keeping Your Expenses in Check?

It’s easy to let business expenses creep up when revenue is flowing. But living at the edge of your income makes you financially vulnerable.

Take a moment to assess:

• Are there expenses you can eliminate or reduce without harming your business?
• Are you taking on costs that you can’t sustain in slower months?
• Would a temporary loss of income put you in financial distress?

Keeping your expenses lean gives you flexibility and breathing room.

8. Are You Setting Aside Enough for Taxes?

One of the biggest financial traps entrepreneurs fall into is underestimating taxes. I’ve been there—thinking I was in good shape, only to realize I owed way more than I expected.

To avoid this headache:

• Regularly set aside 25-30% of every payment for taxes
• Pay quarterly tax estimates to avoid a large bill at year-end
• Work with an accountant to make sure you’re staying ahead of your obligations

Taxes can sneak up on you fast—but a little planning can prevent a financial crisis.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Get Prepared

Spending a full week sick made me realize how unprepared I was for any real interruption to my work. And I know I’m not alone.

If you’re an entrepreneur, ask yourself:

• Can your business run without you for a little while?
• Do you have financial reserves in case of an emergency?
• Are you maintaining strong relationships with clients and leads?
• Are you keeping expenses and taxes in check?

If any of these areas need work, now is the time to fix them—before you need them.

We don’t always get warnings before life throws a curveball. The best thing we can do is build resilience into our businesses now, so we’re not caught off guard later.

What steps are you taking to prepare for unexpected disruptions?