Give yourself - and business - a vacation
Recently, on my radio program, one of my guests, Paige Arnof-Fenn, talked about the importance of small business owners taking vacations. But here’s something she proposed that might surprise you: Paige said your business could probably use a vacation from YOU.
Indeed, time away gives any leader a better perspective, plus it exposes organizational weaknesses that need attention, as well as strengths you may have overlooked.
Regardless of your motivations, here are four ideas to consider that should help you take more time off.
1. Define success. Webster defines success two ways: 1) a favorable outcome; 2) gaining wealth and fame.
Embracing both definitions as having equal value will help you recognize that living long enough to enjoy the fruits of the second definition – with your loved ones – must be part of your success definition.
2. Hire quality. Taking time off requires being able to leave your business with a team that is trustworthy.
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of leaving your baby to the care of others, your instincts are probably good, but your hiring practices may not be. Part of your interview process should include whether this prospect is the quality of individual you would trust your company with in your absence. By the way, this is one of the best times in history to acquire high-quality talent. It’s a buyer’s (hirers) market.
3. Delegate. If you’ve already assembled that trustworthy team, their usefulness is limited by your ability to delegate. Delegating isn’t easy for entrepreneurs; you’ve done all of the jobs, and you know how you want them done. But there’s an old saying that successful delegators must embrace, “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” If you cringe at the thought of how things won’t be perfect in your absence – get over it.
4. Leverage technology. No one has to be completely unplugged anymore. There is plenty of affordable technology that will serve as your security blankie by helping you “mind the store” without actually being there. And if you practice, no one will notice that you checked email on your smart phone while rolling over to tan the other side.
Finally, your business weaves a fine seam between it and your personal life. If you’re not intentional about living a balanced life, you may accomplish the “wealth and fame” part of success, but the big celebration may involve others toasting you posthumously.
Write this on a rock... Give yourself - and your business - a vacation.
Jim Blasingame is creator and host of the Small Business Advocate Show.
Copyright 2010, author retains ownership. All Rights Reserved.
