How to Grab Vacation Time as a Business Owner

As a business owner, how many vacations do you take a year? Do you plan out week-long jaunts or do you grab time near holidays and long weekends when you can?

I know the reality of trying to take time off work when you're the only one (or one of a handful of people) who is in charge of making sure business runs smoothly. In fact, I'm doing just that this week. I'm not saying it's easy, but it can be done and it is oh-so-important to take that time for yourself.

Here's how:

1. Plan ahead

I've had my vacation week marked on my calendar for a good year. And while I couldn't control every deadline that keep creeping near the dates I would be gone, I did my best to keep that week free and clear of anything major. Do the same. Even if you don't have a destination in mind, choose a week each year that you'll take off and mark it on every calendar you've got.

2. Assign a back-up

A few days leading up to my vacation, I was sure to copy a member of my staff (who would be around during my leave) on emails I sent. That way, if something came up, both she and the recipient of my emails had one another's contact information and could correspond directly. I sent out a list of weekly assignments to those who would be in the office when I am not and how to get a hold of me in an emergency. Assign your "mini me" while you're gone and have a quick meeting before you leave so they know what to expect. (If you're a one-person shop, see my next suggestion for your best move).

3. Communicate your leave

Set your email to an out-of-office response. If that is not an option, put a bold note in your signature line that says something like "I will be out of the office from x date to x date and will return messages as soon as I am able." Do the same with your voicemail or cell phone. This is very important if you are the sole person in your business; your customers won't feel ignored if you don't get back to them right away. As issues come up close to your vacation date, don't be afraid to let people know when you are going out of town and when to expect follow-up answers to said issues.

4. Set your tasks

Since you've already planned ahead (see step 1) then it will be easy to plan your tasks for before and after your vacation. Ok, maybe easy isn't the best word (case in point, it's 8:30 p.m. as I write this post and I'm still trying to finalize my tasks before leaving on vacation). Make a manageable list of things that must get done before you leave and things that can wait until you return. And do not keep adding to your list...you'll never leave!

5. Stick to your guns

If you say you're taking a vacation, take a vacation! If you say you will have limited access to email, make yourself have limited access to email. It is OK to step out of the working world for short periods of time and relax. Yes, it is hard but it is such a healthy thing to do. Make a deal with yourself; tell someone about your plan. Hold yourself accountable just as you would with any business decision or goal. Do it for you.

Melissa Harrison is principal at Allée, a strategic communications consulting and design firm in Albertville. She will be enjoying her vacation time on the family farm in Wisconsin for the remainder of this week. Leave her an email message and she'll get back to you when she is refreshed...next week.