SOUTHBURY, CT--(Marketwired - Jun 17, 2013) - Vacations are supposed to be all about letting go, getting away from everyday problems, and enjoying the company of friends and family. However, for small-business owners, taking a vacation can cause more stress than relaxation. In fact, a recent survey on vacation time commissioned by Sam's Club shows that nearly half of all small-business owners restrict vacation days to major holidays only, if they take any time off at all.
Business owners lose all of the physical and mental health benefits of taking a vacation if they spend most of the time worrying about work. Knowing this, AdviCoach, the premier source for business coaching and advisory services customized for small- to mid-size businesses (SMBs), shares five key tactics business owners should keep in mind to prepare clients and staff ahead of time so they can enjoy a worry-free vacation.
"Even small-business owners who wear many hats can and should unplug. Having a leader who is overworked, and hasn't taken a vacation in nearly a year, is not effective for a company and actually hinders its growth," said Brian Miller, COO of AdviCoach. "Vacations are vital for maintaining work-life balance and can actually increase job performance post-trip. Plus, AdviCoach has found that when entrepreneurs empower their staff, the staff is more productive when their boss is gone."
To take a summer vacation with ease, AdviCoach suggests deploying the following tactics:
Plan around slow periods and typical 'non-business' days: Timing a vacation correctly minimizes the possibility of missing business opportunities and allows a business owner to be more relaxed. No matter the industry, always plan for vacations directly after the busiest times or during slower months. If the business isn't seasonal, consider taking a vacation around holidays -- such as Thanksgiving or the week between Christmas and New Year -- when clients might have a less urgent need for your services. Above all, don't forget to include weekends and holidays, such as Memorial Day or Fourth of July, in a trip so that at least a few vacation days will be typical 'non-business' days when customers or clients do not expect a response.
Franchisitize® your business: The key to creating an efficient operating system in which the business owner is not mired in day-to-day activities that don't generate revenue-producing results is to "franchisitize" the business. Franchises are successful because they create systems that are repeatable and can be duplicated easily. In doing so, it doesn't require the day-in and day-out, hands-on efforts of just the owner. Putting these systems in place early on will not only make it easier to take a relaxing vacation, but it will also establish a solid foundation for the business to thrive.
Prepare your team: In order for the business to function properly while the owner is away, employees have to be able to make the right decisions. If an employee is assuming the business owner's role on a few projects or assignments, then let the employee take the lead at least a week before the vacation. This allows the employee to ask questions ahead of time and the owner to gain a sense of relief, seeing first-hand that the employee understands how to manage the project while away.
Be transparent with clients and manage their expectations: When notifying clients of a planned absence, reach out a few weeks before the vacation in case there are any concerns. Clients should be reminded again a week before the vacation with details regarding who their main contact will be and which employees will be handling what tasks while the business owner is away. It's crucial to reassure clients that the same level of work will be completed and that staff may reach them directly, if there is an emergency. Follow-up with clients again the day before a vacation to make sure they are comfortable with everything; doing this will put both parties at ease during the owner's absence.
Tie off loose ends: One of the best things a business owner can do for themselves, before heading out of town, is to tie off as many loose ends as possible. This will minimize the number of emails and voicemails they will receive while out of the office. Plus, nothing beats coming back to a clean slate after a relaxing vacation. Start by reducing the number of meetings a week before a vacation so there is ample time to focus on projects that can be completed.
To help business owners evaluate their business and take it to the next level, AdviCoach is hosting an educational webinar on Friday, June 21, 2013 at noon EDT. Attendees will learn how to develop a focused plan after evaluating their company's dangers, opportunities and strengths, among other topics. Coaches will also be present to answer any questions. Registration is free at http://vshow.on24.com/vshow/franchisitize/registration/4407.
To learn more about AdviCoach services, please visit www.advicoach.com.
About AdviCoach®
With more than 25-years of experience in business coaching, AdviCoach is the premier source for business coaching and advisory services customized for small to mid-size businesses (SMBs). The AdviCoach business model is designed to empower SMB owners to increase the productivity and value of their businesses through unique coaching methodologies and the deployment of "Rapid Impact Strategies," ultimately reaching long-term Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals. Part of Franchise Source Brands International™, AdviCoach and its sister company The Entrepreneur's Source® dominate $1.5 billion industry with a commanding 33 percent of the business coaching and consulting franchise market in North America. For further information, visit http://www.advicoach.com/.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Jayne Levy
Fishman PR & Marketing
(847) 945-1300 ext. 225
jlevy@fishmanpr.com