We have discussed the importance of taking a holiday on the Pro Tools Expert podcast. Our very own Mike Thornton is taking a well deserved break - as you can see from his picture above.
Being a self employed business person in the creative industry involves two things - long hours and tight deadlines. Long periods of work in a high pressured creative business without taking a holiday is a recipe for stress but many of us worry about leaving our businesses behind. This article shares 4 tips that will help you prepare your business for when you take an essential holiday for yourself - away from work.
Out Of Office
Inform your regular/most important clients of your holiday dates. Use automatic "out of office" replies within your inbox along with a recorded a voicemail message on our phone letting regular or potential clients know that you are unavailable. Don't be tempted to engage with your emails whilst on holiday as this can easily lead to mistakes and miscommunications.
Finances
The is simple business management. Ensure your business finances are in good order before you leave. You don't want to worry about your finances nor feel the need to work for cash flow sake whilst on holiday. If you have bills to pay during your holiday period then pay them before you leave or schedule wire transfers through you bank. Organise client invoices well before you leave so that you receive your payments on time so that overdue invoices don't distract you from your time off.
Prepare For Long Return To Work Hours
Set a date to return to work. It's good to put a day or two between your return home and your return to work so that you don't diminish your holiday vibe too quickly. This will also ease you back into your working rhythm thus preventing you from rushing your return to work duties.
Don't Work On Holiday
If you have planned the perfect holiday then it stands to reason that the same amount of planning should go into preparing your business for when you are away. Think of your holiday as an investment in you.
Let's Here Some Of Your Methods
Many self employed creatives may have already been on a summer holiday, many may have one booked later in the year. If you are a self employed person running a business in the creative industry please share some of the ways you prepare your business for when you go on holiday.