Well if this isn't a relevant subject for me personally right now then I don't know what is!
It's highly likely that we all, as small business owners, will need to take some form of extended leave from our small business at some point. It could be a family holiday, a personal crisis or like me, a planned surgery.
I've spoken to fellow small business owners about this topic in the past and the general consensus was that, before finishing up, most folks finish any outstanding work (usually to the point of feeling pretty frazzled) put an out of office on, stick a post on social media and then they're off.
There's nothing wrong with this approach, and it's certainly better than doing nothing, but I have two concerns. First is whether you would be able to fully relax whilst you were off knowing that enquiries were going unanswered and your social media platforms were gathering dust, might this even persuade you to jump back on socials with a few quick posts which is the opposite of the time off you hoped for/needed? Then, there's the worry of what you might return back to, perhaps a completely empty inbox/diary/bank account, OR, the opposite? A completely overwhelmed and unorganised inbox that will take hours upon hours to get on top of.
As I write this, I'm sat in bed recovering from a hysterectomy. It was planned in that I knew I was on a waiting list for it but the reality was I only had 3 weeks from receiving the date to being in theatre! I had just returned from an epic trip to Iceland for my 40th birthday so had already had some time off oh and the surgery date fell on my Husbands birthday. Never rains but it pours as the saying goes eh!
There was nothing else for it but to get planning and well, so far so good. The only pieces of work I've had to do whilst I'm recovering are the ones I want to, like writing this blog. I knew I would have been compos mentis by the time it was due to go out, and I love writing pieces like this, so I planned that into my bed rest.
Image of my wonderful client Leanne of Phoenix Rising Yoga on her recent brand shoot
Here are some other things you can consider if you're going on extended leave from your small business that can help ensure smooth sailing until your return:
Have systems in place: Check out episode 2 of my podcast, The Growth Addicts Podcast, where I discuss this very topic with Sheryl Mauchlen of GYST Virtual Assistance. There are so many systems and automations you can set up (for free!) to help manage your workload whilst you're offline but definitely at least start with the humble email out of office
Keep clients in the loop: First and foremost, get in touch with any clients who will be impacted by the timing of your leave. I had to do this and was met with nothing but kindness and accommodation. Also, it's a good idea to let any other clients know who may be on the outskirts of your time off/return time. You don't want them to see it on social media then leave them hanging with unanswered questions about whether you are still able to fulfil contract once you're back at it
Create content in advance: I had a few channels requiring this, my written work (email marketing, blogs that fell in the time I knew I wouldn't be able to work) my podcast and my Instagram content which includes my brand photography work too. Instagram to me is my shop window, it's often the first glimpse someone will have of my business. There was no way I was going to leave it empty and without a sign on the door. I posted in advance to announce that I would be quieter for a while as of x date and then created and scheduled enough content to see me through the toughest part of my surgery. Glad to report I've seen no drop in my reach or engagement whatsoever. Yay!
Consider outsourcing: A Virtual Assistant like Karen of Clockwork VA could be worth their weight in gold during a time of extended leave. Karen says "A freelance virtual assistant (VA) can be a crucial asset for any business owner who is taking a period of short or extended leave, whether that be a well-deserved holiday or necessary medical leave. Having a VA, like myself, on board during these times is like having your right-hand person keeping things ticking over smoothly whilst you’re ‘Out of Office’ is on.
A VA can maintain regular communication with your clients, handle administrative tasks, keep your diary up to date and stay on top of your emails to avoid the overwhelming mountain of messages waiting for you when you return to work. Nobody wants to face the daunting task of sifting through a thousand emails!
Additionally, a VA can ensure that daily operations run smoothly, acting as a point of contact for employees and addressing any urgent matters that arise. By entrusting responsibilities to a capable virtual assistant, business owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their business is in capable hands while they're away"
Keep a notebook with you: I find this is always handy for the inevitable brain dumps that small business owners need. If you have a notepad and pen available at all times during your time off you can jot it down. Once it's out of your head and on paper it's much easier to assess it's importance.
Don't promise what you can't deliver: If you need to reschedule clients then do so realistically, do not agree to deliver anything whilst you are off if there is any chance whatsoever you may not be able to. That would be highly disrespectful of your clients time and business and reputational suicide for you. Get all of your client work up to date before you go off if possible, if not, ask for and agree new timescales for once you are able.
Last but not least... get your husband a cake if it's his birthday and you're in hospital, even if it's a rainbow unicorn cake because that's all that was left in the shop.
Hope that was helpful! As always, just drop me an email hello@shotbyamanda.co.uk or a DM on Instagram if you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you, especially while I'm laid up!
Speak soon,
Amanda