How to make sure you don’t leave a mess for your family.

If you were to get hit by a bus tomorrow, what would happen to your domain names?

Would they expire, only for your arch nemesis to pick them up in the drop? Or would you leave your spouse to figure out where all of your bank accounts, credit cards, and web hosting accounts are?

That’s why every domainer (or small business owner) should write instructions for their loved ones in the case of an untimely death. I recently updated what I call my “Business and Life Continuity Plan”. It had been a couple years since doing this and my old one is outdated.

Here’s what you should include in your plan:

1. General overview of how your business makes money.

2. Accounts and usernames for all critical systems, such as domain registrars, banks, credit cards, and web hosting.

3. Names of people you trust who also understand your business and can help your spouse or family divest of your assets (such as your domain names).

I recommend making a copy of the front and back of your credit cards to include with your plan. I hand write most of my plan, because I’d rather not have all of my usernames and critical information on my computer.

It’s also wise to discuss your business with your family so they understand what you do and how it works. It’s a lot easier to convey while you’re still around to answer questions.

Related posts:

1. ICANN’s Registry Continuity Plan Has a Big Hole
2. Business Plan Competitions Come to Domain Conferences
3. Go Daddy Wants Patent for Selling Business Cards with Domain Names