How to Take off While Your Business Takes off
Business grows with freedom for boss, from boss
We don't have to tell you that running a business is extremely grueling. We'll even bet your family members, and possibly your doctor, have been begging you to take a break. Well, it is time to stop making excuses, because they might just be hurting your business.
Did you know that the idea for windshield wipers was realized while on vacation? Vacations, or a simple change of scenery, often refresh the mind, body and creativity.
No need to be spontaneous
Spontaneity can be fun, but can also leave room for errors. Take time to plan your vacation and how your business will continue to run in your absence. Here are a few tips to help your time away go smoothly.
- Tell customers/clients well in advance so the majority of work is taken care of early.
- Make lists of important information and procedures for those in command during your absence.
- Give employees responsibility, and show respect and trust by not checking in.
- Have trial vacations with long weekends.
- Make arrangements with a trusted peer to handle customer emergencies.
Letting go
Did you know your method might not be the best method? We don't mean to start a turf war, but given unsupervised time to work, employees might discover more efficient methods for completing their duties. Then again they might not, but given responsibilities and freedom, employees tend to work harder and work longer hours. Isn't that worth admitting you could be wrong?
Letting go of responsibility and control may take some practice before you truly enjoy your getaway. Try starting with small things that will lighten up your daily routine. Use those tips, and the ones that follow, to help you let go of an entire workweek.
- Start by hiring well so you can be confident leaving the office.
- Focus on vacation, not on work.
- Establish how much vacation time will be dedicated to work, and don't exceed that limit. (Avoid saying “10 more minutes” when you really need an hour.)
- Set up 'out of office' voicemail and email messages, designating the next person of contact, as well as if and when you will be checking messages. This not only helps customers know when to expect a response, but also gives you the feeling of freedom from those messages the rest of the day.
- Give the employee in charge your itinerary and a way to contact you in case of a dire emergency.
- Communicate what constitutes a dire emergency.
With enough planning, it might even be advantageous to shut down for the duration of your vacation. It is not uncommon for small businesses to close for a couple weeks or even a month the same time every year. If you are worried your business will fail in your absence, it is probably time you re-examine your business model.