Last week I wrote about my trip to Mexico and how I went without really being prepared to work while I was gone. Yes, I did think about my business while I was gone, and I did make connections with business owners and entrepreneurs. Connecting with entrepreneurs was one of the main reasons I went to Mexico, in addition to spending some time with my Mother.
What happened though, was that when I got back from all my travels I spent a few days feeling out of control and then another week trying to catch up and regain the momentum I’d been working on before I left, and that’s where this topic comes into play…
What could I have done differently?
- Be realistic about what I actually wanted to accomplish. Realizing this was a working vacation and that I wasn’t going to spend all day working.
- Decided how much time I was going to work while I was gone. What would have been reasonable based on a working vacation?
- Decided what I wanted to accomplish while I was traveling. Again what would have been reasonable?
- Decided what tasks need to be done while I was traveling. What needed to be done and what could I delay until later?
Once I was clear about how much I wanted to do, here are some additional things I could have done.
- Ensured my marketing calendar was up to date for the period of time I was gone.
- Blog topics listed.
- Write a couple of blogs to have in reserve – just in case.
- Had the social media content for the blogs ready.
- Had additional newsletter content ready to go.
- Documented tasks that I wasn’t going to do while I was gone and what needed to be done next.
- This would have allowed me to step right into them when I returned.
- Planned and put on my calendar the tasks that I wanted to do while I was traveling.
- Blocked off two or even three days on my calendar for re-entry.
I truly believe in the importance of totally disconnecting from work and I also know there are times that we’re going to choose to take working vacations. These tips will help you with whichever one you are going to do. Additionally, if you’re going to disconnect you’ll need to have your blogs and social media either done by someone else or written and scheduled before you go. Plus, don’t forget to clear your calendar of any client obligations.
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Jane works with CEOs, Partners, Principals and Executives who are looking for Clarity, Focus and Release. My clients and colleagues call me a thought provoking Business Therapist. My focus is helping overwhelmed executives regain clarity, let go of ambiguity, uncertainty and fear, while bringing focus to their goals and objectives. I ask the hard questions knowing that you’re ready to answer them.
The Sage Mentor – Grow Your Business program is designed to help women entrepreneurs increase sales and expedite growth of their business.
Jane is also the author of Put Your Big Girl Panties On and Kick Your Fears in the Ass.
Additional information is available at www.lovasconsulting.com. Contact Jane by email jlovas@lovasconsulting.com or by telephone at 703.981.3157