How to take time off from your business during the summer holidays With the summer holidays just around the corner, most working parents are looking forward to the children being off school for 6 weeks. Of course, summer is a great opportunity to switch off from the day-to-day and spend some quality time with the rest of the family at home or away on holidays. It's also your chance to take some time off from your business and get some well-deserved R&R! But when you're self-employed and running the show, taking time off isn't as easy as putting your 'out of office' on and forgetting all about work for a couple of weeks. So how can you make sure your business keeps ticking this summer while you kick off your shoes and make the most of your holidays?
Make a plan! That last day of school is fast approaching, so if you haven't already, now, it's time to make a plan. If you trade time for money, or if your business relies on you being around for things like processing orders and shipping, planning is going to be key. Depending on your business model, here are a few things you may need to consider.
Re-schedule appointments and move deadlines If you're a service-based business working with clients, consider
giving them as much advance warning as possible about your upcoming holidays. This will show professionalism on your part but also allow you to re-schedule any sessions that would have taken place while you'll be away. If you have any deadlines that need moving, now it's the time to reach out to your clients and start discussing options. Be mindful of the fact that it's summer holidays for your clients too. Most people will be exactly in the same boat as you, taking some time off with the family and enjoying the (hopefully)
warmer weather. So get the diaries out and make sure all those important appointments, dates, and deadlines are re-shuffled and agreed with your clients as soon as possible.
Work out what your non-negotiables are Is there anything in your business that absolutely needs to happen while you're away? Perhaps your clients have firm deadlines that cannot be moved? Or if you earn passive income, are there any calls, meetings, or deliverables that your income is dependent on? Perhaps you run an online membership and host a monthly live call for your members? Ask yourself: • What can I move? • What can I stop? • And what needs to still happen while I'm away? Can I automate or delegate anything?
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