What should I do first when something goes wrong in my business?
This business first-response checklist provides a clear, step-by-step reference so you can stabilize the situation, avoid panic decisions, and prevent making things worse — before jumping into fixes, reports, or compliance.
Designed for
- Small business owners
- Managers and team leads
- Clinics, studios, agencies, and hospitality teams
What This Document Covers
- What to do in the first 15–30 minutes after a problem is discovered
- What not to do yet (to avoid damage or escalation)
- How to pause changes and stabilize the situation
- How to clarify what is known vs unknown
- How to assign a temporary owner
- Space to capture facts, names, and next steps
This is a calm, non-technical checklist document intended for internal use.
Emergency & Absence Context
This template is intended for emergency or unexpected business situations, including system failures, serious mistakes, client incidents, staff errors, or sudden operational disruptions.
Format & Delivery
- Printable PDF
- Instant download
- Internal use document
- No subscription
- Used once, saved forever
Important Note
This document does not provide legal, regulatory, or compliance guidance.
It is an operational first-response reference designed to reduce confusion and prevent secondary mistakes.
Related Resources
- Operational Memory – Home
- If the Person Who Knows Everything Is Gone – Emergency Reference
A simple, practical document to reduce stress and confusion when something goes wrong at work.