Danielle Guerin

Archive for June, 2010

Note : This post was written last year on another blog that I removed from the web. I’m sharing it now because I think it’s still good advice.

When was your last vacation? Can’t remember? OK. When was the last time you took a few hours to yourself to do only what YOU felt like not what you SHOULD do? Can’t remember either?

Please read the next line slowly.

Beware, while you take time off, the earth will continue to turn and your clients will be there when you come back.

Actually, your clients need you to take time off. Not because you’re getting on their nerves but because when you’ll come back, you’ll be more productive, more creative. Everyone can profit from your time off.

Taking time off doesn’t have to be 2 or 3 weeks of vacation. It can be taking the afternoon off for a walk in the park or lounging around on the beach. This is what I like to call a mini-vacation. When you do this, you’re giving your brain a break from the “busy work” thinking. It can then access the creative part and often, this is when you get some of your best ideas.

If you feel it’s impossible to take a few hours off here and there to get the creative juices flowing, you might want to consider hiring a VA to take on some of the workload. And if you’re afraid to take a vacation, read this post.

This post was inspired by a conversation I had with a VA friend via Twitter’s Direct Messages. At one point, she wrote:

I don’t know about you, but I need down time to keep creative.

I thought it was a great idea for a post so I wrote it. Thank you Pat for the inspiration!

Many business owners find it difficult to take a vacation. Their excuses range from “There’s no one to replace me while I’m away” or “I can’t”. Could it be fear talking? Fear that we’ll lose business while we’re away?

If you provide an excellent service and you have created a wonderful experience for your clients, your hard earned vacation will not compromise their loyalty.

You can prepare your business for your time away just as you prepare for a trip. Here are a few items to add to your list:

• Inform your clients that you will be going on vacation. You can send an email.
• Create an Out of office autoresponder for your email account(s). If you don’t know how, your virtual assistant (VA) will help you or do it for you.
• If your email doesn’t allow for autoresponders, until you switch to a better service, you can ask your VA to check your emails for you.
• Prepare your Out of office voicemail message and ask someone to check your voicemail while your away. (Hint: your VA can do this)
• If you have a colleague who delivers good quality work, hire them as a subcontractor to handle any emergency while you’re away.

When you come back from vacation, your workload will be reduced if you delegate your email and voicemail management. Your VA will handle any message that requires an immediate response, delete any spam in your inbox and leave what needs your personal attention for your return.

What if you could leave for 2 or 3 weeks knowing your business will still be there when you return?

Enjoy your vacation!

I just received this very important 18-minute video for you from Craig at VAClassroom entitled: “Ten Ways to Create Ten Income Building Opportunities for Your Virtual Business in 2010″. This video will give you some keen insights and ideas on how to expand your skills and the services you are currently offering in your business. Plus, it will also give you a nice preview on the types of skills we will be covering in the upcoming VAClassroom Summer Skill Camp starting on July 6!

In business, it is important to have an edge or some relevant, in-demand skills that set you apart and enable you to play a bigger role with your clients. I think this video will definitely stimulate some ideas on how you can grow your business and income opportunities for the last half of 2010!

Check out the 18-minute video here:

VAClassroom Summer Skill Camp starts July 6. Click here to get more details and check out the early-bird registration special.