Last week, preacher Harold Camping predicted the end of the world .
His ministry, Family Radio International had spent millions on more than thousands of billboards and RVs announcing the Judgment Day message.  Like any good marketer, when that prediction did not go as planned, he revised it.  Camping now says that the end of the world is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2011.  He states it was a case of miscalculated interpretation.

I have no idea when the rapture will actually come, but here are the things that every business owner needs to do when they die to ensure the value of their business is preserved:

1. Have a shareholder’s agreement.  It should state what happens to your stock when you die.  If you have a partner, how will it be valued and sold.

2. Succession Plan.  Who will run the company?  Is there a logical #2 to take your place?  How is the company structured to ensure a smooth transition to keep value for your estate? 

3. Are you the business?  Where is the value?  If you are the business, this is a problem.  There is only true value if the business if it can run without you.  Find the leverage points.

Are you ready for the rapture?