Does the idea of taking a break from your business seem like a pipedream? According to these stats, you’re not alone!
59% of entrepreneurs surveyed by Discover Small Business Watch, respond to emails and answer calls on their day off.
31% of respondents work at least 10 hours a day.
15% of entrepreneurs work every day of the week.
Unfortunately, statistics like these often lead to other statistics such as an increase in mistakes, extensive time spent on one task, lack of a sense of accomplishment, etc.
Before you reach that point, consider taking a time out to help you reboot and reconnect with your inner self. There are several advantages to taking a sabbatical from your business, including:
1. Giving up the control allows your business to grow, especially if you hand over the responsibilities to someone you trust.
2. Travel is an excellent way to find new opportunities for innovation.
3. Being away from your business will help you regain that old sense of excitement since you’re not entrenched in the slog all day for a while.
A change of routine will give you space to reflect on your life and contemplate where you’re going with your business.
How to Take a Sabbatical Without Letting Your Brand Suffer
Are you ready to take a break? Here are some great ways to take that well-deserved sabbatical without harming your brand.
1. Choose the Right Time
The best time to take a break is when your audience is also otherwise engaged, i.e., During your slow season. If you’ve been in business for a while, you will probably know when your slow season is. Make a concerted effort to unplug during that time, because you will feel less guilty about being unavailable.
2. Choose a Trustworthy #2
Find someone you can trust to see to your business while you’re away. Even if the person can’t perform your work (web design, development or online marketing, for instance), he or she can take care of the day-to-day aspects of your business, such as responding to inquiries or sending out orders.
3. Plan Properly
Once you have decided on when to take your break, then take time to consider the things that must be done while you’re away. For instance, if you know your office rental is due on the 1st, pay it in advance and send on the proof of payment. If you always order stock on the 15th, get it done beforehand, even if you schedule delivery only for the usual date. This way, there won’t be a crisis while you’re away.
4. Take Care of Any Unfinished Business
Don’t leave anything undone, as it will only put you under pressure while you’re away.
5. Let Your Clients Know What to Expect
Don’t leave your customers in the lurch. Let them know in advance that you will be away, and that someone else will be on hand to take care of important business. That way, everyone will know what to expect.
6. Leave All Contact Details with Your #2
Draw up a list of necessary contact information to leave with your second in command. This list should cover the all related contact information for your technical support teams, accountants, building cleaning, and maintenance company, and lawyers. Don’t forget to add your direct number to the list, too.
It can be difficult to take a break from your business, but it is crucial to staying focused, energized and in control of your business and workload. Even a short break from your business can help you recover the passion that got it started in the first place.