When you started your business, you might have heard statements from colleagues and other business owners such as, “Say goodbye to your vacations!” It is true that those who run their own businesses are hard pressed to find time off, particularly in the first few years of your company’s life. Those first years are highly precarious, so many founders decide to stay close to the day-to-day operations and oversee every detail in that time.
Nevertheless, you are only human, and just like everyone else, you deserve a break once in a while. Leaving others to take care of your company while you take a vacation can be nerve-wracking, particularly if the business is small and very special to you.
In this article, you’ll find helpful tips for keeping your business running while you are on vacation.
Automated/Managed IT Services
One way to ensure your business is in good hands is to put it in the hands of software. While we inherently trust human beings better than computers, automated IT services remove human error and run the business 24/7. Plus, they never complain!
Companies such as XBASE Managed Cloud Services take over the running of your business’ IT day-to-day. Using highly reliable online databases, the support team only gets involved if there is an issue. This is a great way to leave your business in the reliable hands of IT experts who can solve any issue your online operations face while you’re away!
A Close-Knit Team
Aside from your IT operations, it is important that you feel confident in leaving your team to handle things while you are abroad. There’s nothing worse than being on vacation, but constantly checking your phone and losing sleep over work. You want to be able to fully switch off from office life, only getting in contact if there is a big emergency.
Having a close-knit team that you trust is the only real way to achieve this. When hiring new staff, make sure you feel confident that you will be able to trust them in your absence.
Timing Is Everything
When planning a vacation as a business owner, make sure you plan well in advance. If you book a last-minute trip during a busy period, your team may struggle to cope with this sudden absence of a boss at work. However, if you plan far ahead, you can time your vacation to happen during a convenient time for the company. This means being present for the big events of the year, such as end of quarters, deals and corporate events you should attend.
Going away during a “quiet time” at work is the perfect way to ease your mind and fully trust your team to keep things going while you are out of town. By doing this, you will minimize the risk of your absence having a big effect on the company.
Final Thoughts
Leaving your business in other people’s hands can be anxiety-inducing, particularly if you tend to be a little controlling when it comes to your company. Use this guide to help you accomplish a relaxing vacation without putting your business in jeopardy.
P.S. This post is a partner collaboration.
