We're all going on a summer holiday - Time to take a break from your business

It’s summer time again. Time for that longed for and worked for getaway with family or friends. It’s time to recharge your batteries, spend time with loved ones and generally refresh and leave your world behind for a few days.

Sounds pretty straightforward doesn’t it? But, what happens when you own your own business? It can be quite daunting trying to arrange a break with the thoughts of leaving your business behind nagging at you. Will everything fall apart? Will all your customers desert you? What about the backlog of work? What about all the phone calls and emails you won’t be able to answer?

Well you could always take your laptop and phone and run your business from your sun bed, but you won’t get any thanks from your holiday companions and you won’t get a break either.

So what can you do to lose the laptop and maximise your time out?

Forward planning is really the key here.

Early warning Warn your regular customers that you will be away for a particular period. Make sure you allow for your absence when taking on work. Try and complete as much outstanding work as you can before you go away.

Set up systems to allow yourself to relax. Set up auto responders for emails to advise your clients when you will be back. Record an answerphone message to say you will attend to enquiries on your return. If it makes you feel more comfortable arrange for a call answering service to take your calls while you are away.

Natural breaks in business Think about when your quiet periods are and plan accordingly – if you have a natural downturn after Christmas, try and take your break then.

Delegate. To avoid coming back to a mountainous backlog, try delegating as much as you can during your absence.

Manage your mindset. It is vital you switch off during your break. Your batteries won’t be recharging if they are still in use. Make up your mind to relax and enjoy yourself, come back de-stressed, refreshed and raring to go.

Enjoy your holiday – after all you’ve worked hard for it.

Do you have any tips for leaving your business to go on holiday?