...It's Summer Time

It’s that time of year again.  Summer vacation.  What is that you say?  A vacation?  Oh you must not understand, I run my own business, I couldn’t possibly take time away from my business, you say.  Oh but yes you can and most importantly, you should.  This is not rocket science and it’s been written about many times.  This is worth repeating this time of year.   

So many business owners are work frenzied beasts, afraid that taking time away would mean their business would not run.  For sole proprietors I get that.  Some people have no employees to fall back on when they need time off. 

So, let’s address that group first.  It’s still possible to take at least a week off and keep your business running, but it will take some planning.  There would be very few of your clients who would not understand that you would be out of touch for a week’s vacation.  Make sure you train your clients to be without you for that time, assuring them that you will handle everything even with a break.  Just make your deadlines later, and inform your clients about what is going on.  

Now, can you be totally free as a sole proprietor?  Maybe, maybe not.  It’s all in the planning, making sure clients know you are taking time off and will make sure the work is done for them. 

Now, what about those of you who have employees?  Again, training and planning.  You need to make sure that your staff is well trained and competent to work without you.  The staff you hire should make you feel confident that work will be handled whether you are there or not.  This is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your clients and your business.

Everyone needs a break and needs to unplug.  Everyone needs time to reenergize themselves.  It makes you a better business owner when you have time to yourself and can feel good about leaving the business behind for a little while.