In business, as in life, sometimes you just need a break.  Whether it is to step away for five minutes, 5 hours or even (yes, dare I say it) 5 days…sometimes you need the perspective that time and distance can offer in order to come back refreshed, renewed and reenergized.

As soloprenuers we are often given the advice to “never let up, even for a day.”  I recently attended a seminar on how to network through the summer months and a webcast on the importance of blogging constantly because “if you don’t someone else will and you’ll miss that opportunity.” I have even heard conversations that reference “How to remain effective in business even while on vacation.” Really?  Shouldn’t those two terms be mutually exclusive?  What is the point of a vacation if you are still trying to be effective in business?  You can’t do both well and more importantly, you shouldn’t!  The point of a vacation is to step away from the pressures of the daily activities related to your business so that when you return you will be better than ever.

This being July, there seemed no more obvious a time than now to remind solopreneurs that a break from your business isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s a necessity.  A break is an opportunity to take stock (literally and figuratively) to step away from day to day demands, to rest and rejuvenate.  If you do this properly – and by that we mean turn off your phones, close the laptop and shutter the store front – you will have no choice but to fully immerse yourself in the business of having fun with your family, relaxing on the deck of the cottage or at least on your own front porch or balcony.   While doing so, you’ll be gaining a fresh perspective on the direction your business should take moving forward. No one is suggesting that on a vacation you can’t THINK about work but you certainly shouldn’t be DOING any.  Believe it or not, this is imperative to your long term bottom line.  A rest equals the opportunity for your body to take a time-out, to catch up on some sleep and really what is more important to your business than your health?  Without your health, how are you going to run your business at all?  If you’re a solopreneur there is only one you and you are your business so you must take care of you!

Now – no one says you have to give up the business completely.  You can plan for your vacation.  You can schedule your posts and blogs well in advance in order to have them appear when you want them to.  You could ask a trusted friend, colleague or business associate (solopreneurs should never actually truly work alone) to cover for you.  Work ahead.  Submit work contracted by your clients ahead of time or negotiate for a longer deadline.  Chances are your client also wants to take a vacation at some point this summer so they will be happy to negotiate deadlines with you.  The point is, if you have planted the seeds properly, nurtured and cared for them, watered and weeded, you should be able to reap what you’ve sown upon your return.

Everyone, whether a corporate employee, a part timer working to help supplement the family income or a solopreneur – everyone needs a vacation and everyone is looking for an appropriate work – life balance.  So what’s the bottom line for your bottom line?  Take a break!

As Owner and Principal partner of “Writing Right For You” Sheralyn is a Communications Strategist – working together with entrepreneurs to maximize profit through effective use of the written word. Looking for web content that works, blog articles that engage or communications strategies that help you get noticed?  Contact Sheralyn today. Sheralyn is also the mother of two children now entering the “terrible and terrific teens” and spends her free time volunteering for several non-profit organizations.

Sheralyn Roman B.A., B.Ed.

Writing Right For You

Communications Strategies that help you GET TO THE POINT!

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