Access Profiles, Inc.

As we take a week off after the holidays, it is time once again to share our tips on how we manage to "break away" from our Small Business and how you can too......

Are You Planning to Take a Vacation? Many “Solopreneurs” would answer with a resounding “No”! And just as many would probably continue that by saying “and I don’t plan to”!

The reality is that any steps you take now to reduce your workload and pre-schedule what is necessary will help.

• Decide When 

The important thing is to choose a time that works well for you and your business. You can lessen the impact of taking time off by opting for a slow time of year.  Our best time usually happens to be summer and major holidays. That is traditionally when businesses are not interviewing or hiring. No matter what time you choose, put it in your calendar. Treat it as you would an important appointment.

• Defer and/or Complete Outstanding Projects 

Any projects that are not vital you can choose to put off until your return. Those that are important, or near completion, will require extra hours to finish before you leave. Besides freeing your calendar, this also helps lessen your stress so you can relax during your vacation.

via Kimberly Kline, Access Profiles, Inc.

• Organize 

We suggest you notify your clients at least 2 weeks in advance of your vacation if at all possible. Offer to do what you can before you leave and reconnect with them when you return, with ample notice this should not be a problem.

• Hire a Virtual Assistant or Contract Employee  

At API we have never utilized this tip, but it can make sense if your business requires it. Keep in mind that hiring either a virtual assistant or “seasonal” employee would require you to take the time to rearrange your schedule and bring your hire up to speed.

• Pre-Schedule Your Social Media Posts or Blogs 

Here is where using Hootsuite and Buffer has been invaluable. This will keep your “social media presence” active so you don’t lose ground. We also try to check in at a minimum while away. Remember, this is vacation!

via Kimberly Kline, Access Profiles, Inc.

• Pre-Pay Outstanding Bills  

We have found this gives us the peace of mind to enjoy our time off, and we don’t come back to a stack of bills to pay!

• Invoice for Completed Work  

This helps clear your desk and it is nice to have a check or two to return to!

• Make a Priority List  

Write down what you will need to attend to and when you will need to address it for your return. Having a “re-entry” plan is important for getting you back up to speed.

Maybe you can arrange to get away for a long weekend or two. The key is to find what works for you. Most importantly, with the right prep work you can and should enjoy your time away.

via Kimberly Kline, Access Profiles, Inc.

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