If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re probably also a workaholic. You’re always in a go-go-go mindset. You feel that breaks are for the weak, making it nearly impossible for you to get away from the office.
This determination is part of the reason you’re successful. But, it can also be your downfall.
Failing to take a break every now and then can be detrimental. You’ll burn out, which will affect both your personal happiness and your business’s wellbeing.
Luckily, you can get away without your business falling apart. Here are some of the best tips for taking a vacation as an entrepreneur.
1. Trust Your Employees
You’re not a parent leaving town for the weekend, and your employees aren’t your unruly teenagers. They’re not going to throw a party and trash the place while you’re gone.
If you want to have a relaxing vacation, you’re going to have to trust your employees. Realize that they are your employees for a reason. They care about doing a good job and will do so whether or not you’re looking over their shoulders.
Also, recognize that trusting your employees boosts morale. They’ll appreciate that you are giving them new responsibilities and leadership roles.
2. Train Someone to Step in for You
While you’re away, someone will need to step in for you. They’ll be responsible for completing your daily tasks, managing your employees, giving you updates, etc.
Be sure to pick an employee you trust. While they should be familiar with your business inside and out, you’ll still have to train them. Teach them how to run your team, handle emergencies, and more.
3. Create a Backup Plan
Most likely, your team will have things under control. But, in case you need to do work, you’ll want reliable access to your workspace.
Ensure you have a solution like an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. This software lets you access your tools from anywhere, on any device. You can quickly resolve the problem and get back to your vacation.
4. Set Boundaries
Your vacation should be relaxing and stress-free. If you don’t set boundaries for yourself and your employees, it’ll feel like you never left the office.
Boundaries will differ depending on the nature of your business. Maybe your team can only contact you in an emergency. Or, maybe you need daily updates. Whatever the case may be, stick to your boundaries. Don’t check your emails more than you said you would.
5. Set Expectations
Setting expectations is just as important as setting boundaries.
For instance, you said your employees can only contact you during an emergency. What constitutes an emergency? Does the person you left in charge have the authority to make big decisions?
Also, establish how often your team can contact you (and how soon they can expect a response).
6. Start Small
Although vacationing as an entrepreneur is perfectly possible, don’t jump into a two-week vacation just yet.
Start small. This will gradually prepare your employees for when you take longer trips. Some ways you can do this include:
- Take a weekend-long vacation with scheduled check-ins
- Tack on a vacation day to a scheduled business trip
- Take a short time off during your business’s off-season
Bottom Line
Business owners are people, too, as you well know! Even the boss need breaks to stay refreshed and motivated – probably most of all. As long as you follow these tips, you will be able to have the relaxing vacation you deserve!
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