Do you own your business or does it own you?
It's a simple question, but the answer can get complicated. One of the most accurate tests is whether you can take a day off and have the business continue without your input. Can you take a week off? More?
It's not a question of whether you would take the time off. That's a decision you'll have to make for yourself. It's a question of whether you have the people and procedures in place to continue running your business if you are not there. It might not be an issue for you right now, but what if you were injured in an accident or were hospitalized? What would your employees do? Who would manage the business?
Some people I've talked to enjoy their business so much that it's like being on vacation every day. For the rest of us, though, it's important to take some time off. It's one of the few ways we can gain some perspective. It's the difference between being stuck in urban traffic and flying at 30,000 feet.
In traffic we are unable to see the whole picture, our focus is on the time that is passing and the vehicles in our immediate vicinity. But, from the higher vantage point we are able to see this congestion as just a small area on a much larger landscape that is mostly open space. In the day-to-day grind, it's hard to see that landscape of opportunity.
From a higher vantage point, you can look at what other businesses, including your competition, are doing. You can begin to see your business in a larger context, just one among many. They might be doing some things you would like to try or some things you thought about doing and see no need to try. Either way, it will save you time and money.
But, how can you take a vacation if it feels like you can't get away? Step one is to commit to the idea that you can. Begin by setting a date, one that allows you enough time to manage the expense and put procedures and people into place to keep the business running while you are gone.
Once you have these ready to go, test them by taking a day or two off. You will be able to see what works and what doesn't. It will give you the time to tweak the plan and it will make you more confident that it will work. Even for a sole practitioner in a service business, it could be as simple as deciding when you will be on vacation, letting your customers know, and telling them what to do in an emergency.
Take the opportunity to get away and you will probably find yourself spending more time working on your business than in your business. You will have more energy, you will make better decisions and you'll probably have more fun.
Take A Vacation To Improve Your Results - To learn more about this author, visit Dave Ferguson's Website.
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Leanne Hoagland Smith
Are you or your business where you want to be? Are you facing constant struggles in business or life in general? Would you like to "unlock" those obstacles keeping you from greater business or personal success? As your results partner, we can work together to unlock those desired results by achieving tomorrow's solutions today. Let’s use your strengths for real change through proven and affordable solutions where the real problems are identified. Are you seeking loyal customers, great attitudes, increased sales, improved profitability or just some sleep filled nights? Then we should talk because my clients have experienced exactly those types of results. Learn more about customer loyalty at http://www.processspec ialist.com/customer-loyalty.htm Give me a call 219.759.5601 for a free strategy session. I look forward to speaking with you. P.S. If you are seeking a motivational speaker, sales trainer or small business expert that will leave your audience smiling and remembering, please feel free to contact me at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland Smith's Website |
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Dave Ferguson
(Visit Dave's Website)
Dave Ferguson works with people in
business - owners, executives. managers,
sales teams and commissioned professionals
- to help them to improve their
performance and results. With a background
in corporate operations, working for
companies large and small and coaching
people for 20 years, he knows how to help
his clients confront real-world business
challenges.
He helps people to work smarter, not
harder; to be more effective, focused, and
strategic in their approach - to turn
their dreams into goals, goals into plans,
and then take the actions necessary to
implement those plans and reach their
goals. Through his workshops, his website,
www.LakeCountyBusinessCoaching.com,
his published articles and his
complementary monthly newsletter he
provides valuable tools and tips for
improving your results.
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