In the corporate world, big companies have entire risk-management departments whose sole job is to sit around and ask: “What is the absolute worst thing that could happen to us tomorrow, and what will we do if it does?”

They call these major, unexpected disruptions “Black Swan” events, things like sudden economic shocks, global supply chain freezes, or pandemics. To prepare, corporations create massive, complex documents called “Risk Registers” to stress-test their operations.

When you run an independent business, you don’t have time for that. You are likely managing the day-to-day trade, tracking the books, and serving customers all at once. Many independents naturally operate week-to-week.

But because small businesses run so leanly, a single unexpected hitch, like a burst pipe, a critical supplier suddenly going bust, or a key staff member falling ill, can cause a massive headache.

You don’t need a corporate risk department to protect yourself. You just need a Micro Risk Register. This is simply a one-page safety net that helps you spot your single points of failure before they cause trouble, with simple, low-cost backup plans.

Here is how to build your own in three straightforward steps.