I’m a small business owner and entrepreneur, and I just took a week off of work where I completely unplugged. Guess what? My business didn’t implode, everything ran smoothly, and I’m back feeling more motivated than ever! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but it’s completely possible to take time off without getting stressed about it, and I’m discussing the best way to prepare for time away from the office. As long as you prepare correctly and put a few simple things into place, taking time off can be easy and relaxing.
Take note of recurring events
Do you send out a weekly newsletter? Do you follow up with clients periodically? Make a list of what needs to get done each week and keep it on hand. This way you can check off various items and make sure that each task still gets accomplished before, after, or while you’re away. This will also help you stay organized on a regular basis. If you know that something needs to be done weekly, you’re more likely to stick to a schedule and be consistent with your work.
For me, this list includes posting articles on my website and social media, sending out newsletters, and following up with clients as needed.
Start early
The best way to prepare for time away from the office is to start preparing for it early. If you know that you’re going to be out of the office for a specific time period, start preparing for it a few weeks in advance. Look at the list of what needs to be accomplished while you’re away and start putting things into place. Is there an email list you can put together or an extra memo you can write now for you to use when you’re away?
I start creating articles and blog posts to keep on hand a few weeks ahead of time when I find some downtime during the day. This helps to create a back stock and gives me the opportunity to keep articles on hand when I need to get something live on the website.
Automate
The saying “work smarter, not harder” is around for a reason. We live in an era where we can automate some areas of business and it won’t make any difference. Social media posting and email marketing are simple and easy ways where you can automate to save you time and brainpower.
Once you have the content, you can automate the communication plan so it sends without a second thought. By doing this, you are ensuring consistency and giving your clients the same services without having to physically be present for it. I use Hootsuite and MailChimp to get everything automated and set up when I’m away so clients and followers don’t have a lapse in content.
You can automate posts for up to a month away, so this is a great tip to use even if you aren’t out of the office. By spending time automating communications, you can save time and put your mind to better use.
Clearly communicate
The best way to prepare for time away from the office is to clearly communicate that you will be out of the office. Tell your peers and clients ahead of time the dates you will be away so there’s no confusion, and make sure that this is marked and communicated in several locations.
No matter how many places you communicate that you’re out of the office, people will try to contact you, so it’s important to accept that and understand that as long as you’ve labeled and communicated your out of office status, there’s nothing more you can do.
A good rule of thumb is to put an away message on your email, record a voicemail which clearly states that you are out of office along with your return date, and if you have a website, you can mark your business as “closed” for a specific time period.
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It can feel impossible to unplug and leave work at work, but doing so is extremely important. If I can leave my business for a week without working, I promise that you can too. The best way to prepare for time away from the office is to simply organize your work ahead of time, clearly communicate, automate when you can, and enjoy your time off. At the end of the day, we all need a little rest and relaxation!