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Yes You Too Can Take A Vacation
urveys are interesting. I them tied to the business?
took note of this one done According to the survey:
recently by American
Express because it backed up some * An important client or customer
data I learned at the (National will not receive appropriate
Association of Female Executives) service
NAFE National Conference in May. * The business will miss out on a
According to the survey, 40% of new opportunity
the smallest business owners - * There is no other competent
those with less than $200,000 in person to leave in charge
annual revenues - are planning no * The individuals left in charge
vacation whatsoever this summer. will make the wrong decisions
But even business owners with * An operational or equipment
higher revenues aren't doing much breakdown will occur without
better - only 75% of them expect anyone to solve the problem
to get away from the business
this summer. Such concerns are not surprising.
It is hard for a business owner
As we were told at the NAFE to take any type of vacation
Conference, even those business worry-free. But with planning,
owners who do get away from the preparation and good leadership
office, won't truly get away. you can boost the enjoyment level
Rather, one in three will link of your time off to come back
their vacation time to a business refreshed and ready to tackle new
trip and 50% will still check in challenges and opportunities.
with the office at least once a Here are 8 steps to prevent
day. vacation angst.
Why can't business owners let go? 1. Make a plan - To avoid
What are the concerns that keep surprises, create a list of
scenarios on your current you want to take time off. To
projects and brief your staff on create a saner situation and
the possibilities and your major build confidence that good things
concerns about each client. will happen when you aren't
Assign specific staff to each there, learn to delegate
client/account so there is responsibilities - divvy up those
someone that clients can speak to pieces that must still happen in
who understands their concerns your absence and postpone those
when you aren't there. that can wait for your return.
2. Brief your key clients or 4. Strategically schedule your
customers - Offer them advance vacation time - Most businesses
notice of any extended absence have a slow season or times of
you are planning. There's no the year when the pace is slower,
reason to keep your vacation or at least a bit less crazy.
schedule a secret. Introduce them Plan your vacations to coincide
to your deputy and convey your with those lulls.
confidence in their ability to
handle any issues that may arise. 5. Mini-Vacations - If you just
If appropriate, consider letting can't let go of the business for
them know how to reach you should a whole week or two, or you can't
a true emergency arise - not that bear to be too far away from the
one will because of all your office, try taking a few days out
pre-planning. of town, or extend a weekend
somewhere else. Even a brief
3. Leadership is being a escape from routine with a change
delegator not a dictator - If you of scenery can do wonders for
never delegate important tasks to your perspective and re-energize
others, you can't expect them to you.
be ready to fill your shoes when
6. Disconnect entirely - When you your schedule better.
do take a vacation: turn off your
cell phone, don't bring the 8. Keep your priorities straight
laptop, don't check your email, - When you go through the
don't bring work with you and exercise of listing the things
avoid the temptation to call or you really care about, is your
visit the office to "check up" on business really #1, 2, and 3?
what's happening. If there's an Outside of work, your priorities
emergency they can't handle, they might be connecting with family
will find you. and friends, spending time with
kids, cultivating personal
7. Take time off to sharpen interests, staying healthy or
skills - If you just can't pursuing an avocation. To regain
justify taking time off to kick balance in your life, you need to
back and relax, then take time keep work, family and personal
off to learn something new - time in perspective. Those other
business or personal. Taking priorities help you find more
continuing education courses at a enjoyment in your time away from
local college or business school the business.
is a low-cost and effective way
to break from your office Let me know if these tips help
routine, be with new people and you take a well-deserved vacation
try new things. Some programs are (or two) this summer.
3-5 days off-site if that fits
About the Author:
Kerri Salls, MBA runs a virtual business school to train, consult and coach small business CEO's and entrepreneurs in 10 key strategies to make more profit in less time. Learn more at http://www.breakthrough-business-school.com/products.html or sign up for a free weekly newsletter at http://www.breakthrough-business-school.com/newsletter.shtml
Source: www.isnare.com
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