Succession planning is one of those topics that’s easy to put off and hard to ignore. As an independent agent or advisor, your agency represents years of work, client trust, and personal sacrifice–and it deserves a thoughtful plan for what happens next.

In his recent Aspire article, “Future-proof your practice: 3 steps for Succession Planning,” Aaron Niedorf, executive vice president of sales at IFC National Marketing, lays out a framework to help you get started. He highlights why you should build a bench of experts, regularly assess the real state of your business, and be willing to make changes that strengthen your agency’s value over time.

If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your legacy, support your family, and make sure your clients are taken care of when you’re ready for your next chapter, this Aspire Magazine article is a great place to begin.