Travel & Being a Business Owner
I love travel and I love my business.
Only 57% of business owners vacation, and 85% of them work during that vacation (according to the small business administration as of 06/19/19).
I had many fears of starting my own business and not be able to travel or vacation anymore. Would I work the whole time? Would my clients understand? What if...what if...WHAT IF?!
Well, I did it. And honestly, I worked LESS (about 1 hour grand total) on vacation than I did in my career as an employee. Not only did I not compromise service to my clients but I had a heartwarming amount of well wishes and emails/texts just asking how it was ❤️.
Here's how I did it, every business is different but I just want to share:
Sent an email to clients 1-2 weeks in advance informing them of the vacation and if they need me to touch base with me by X date.
Cleared my schedule for the week prior to leaving for actually being on standby for these last minute requests or needs that clients may have.
Made it clear in my out of office that I'd have a 72 hour turnaround time while away.
If that wasn't quick enough to contact my trusted operations specialist to step in and their contact number.
As an added stress reliever, I made sure I had data and service in the countries I visited.
Two Key Factors in all of this:
A. My clients are incredible. So much of this happened because of the relationship forward approach I have in business and I say no to the people that aren’t the right fit for this. I appreciate them, and in turn they appreciate and support me in needing a vacation. Simple right?
B. Expectations. Expectations. EXPECTATIONS! Get those communicated clearly so that your clients can get the best service possible and you can recharge!
Honestly, I think the only bummer about this trip was that I had my husband carry my heavy computer the whole trip and I didn't end up needing it haha.
All in all, I am OBSESSED with Vietnam!!!
