I recently was preparing to be OOO (out of office!) for a week. I got to thinking about my prep this time v. my previous prep - and what I see many business owners do when trying to take time off. So I thought it'd be interesting to look at this together as taking time off is mission-critical for every business owner so they don't burn out. 🧳✈️🏕️

Two common OOO business modes for entrepreneurs:

1. "Must keep things running!" half-vacation mode: Frantic scrambling to get everything ready before leaving and then taking only half of yourself on vacation - the other half is still plugged into work 1-2 hours a day answering emails, setting up newsletters, responding to client questions, etc. (Crap - did I remember to schedule that newsletter so it goes out? What about the social posts? Three messages from clients just came in!!!)

2. "Drop it and start up again later" mode: Frantic scrambling to get whatever can be done before you leave done and then ceasing all business activities until you get back...while worrying about it throughout your vacation. (Ugh - what won't get done while I'm gone? There will be a mountain of work waiting when I back. What is the impact to my business of taking time off?)

If you've been in either of these two modes (I'm raising my hand!), know there is no right or wrong, good or bad. Rather, there are different phases we'll find ourselves and our businesses in as both grow and change.

Let's consider another option: "Momentum + schedule out" mode.

This mode makes use of tools for automation + help and consists of preparing what you can in advance and then scheduling out what needs your personal attention for after your vacation.

Tools for automation

There are a variety of tools that can help schedule content in advance (as well as other tools that help automate consult, onboarding, and other client-related processes and more). Two tools I've found useful are Mailchimp and Later. I use them for newsletters and social media posts, respectively, and I can set up content in advance to post while I'm gone, which helps keep my online presence active while OOO. Head here for links to both of these tools (under the "Website & Marketing" section).

Help

Earlier this year, I hired a VA/OBM (Virtual Assistant/Online Business Manager). This has been a gamechanger. While yes - there is the added business expense, having an extra set of hands in and eyes on the business has allowed me to delegate things someone else can do, so I can focus more time on what I do best (and what helps the business grow!). And this time in preparing to be OOO, I've got help setting things up to run (so less frantic scrambling) and someone available to help if anything urgent comes up while I'm away. Win-win-win.

Gotta say, this time around has been a lot more fun! Rather than feeling stressed, I'm looking forward to my vacation.

So, a question to you: What could you start to put in place or start to consider now (such as a tool to help automate/schedule or perhaps seeing about help a couple of hours a week) to help offer support and ease the next time you're ready for a vacation?

I’d love to hear your thoughts - leave a comment below and let me know.

Here’s to time off…that is truly time off.

Header photo by Mojo Movies | @mojomovies on Unsplash