When was the last time you took time away from your business? If you’re like many entrepreneurs, it has probably been years since the last vacation.
A national American Express survey of 500 small business owners showed only 46 percent planned to take a vacation this summer. That’s down from 67 percent in 2006.
Business coaches, however, can list several benefits to entrepreneurs who manage to take vacations. They add: If there’s a will, there’s a way.
“A business owner will have more flexibility to take a vacation … than if they work for someone else,” said Bill Dueease, president and founder of The Coach Connection, which links businesses with coaches around the world.
No one really expects you won’t think about your business during the getaway. It’s a great time to reflect “on what’s working, what’s not – to be strategic in your thinking,” said Heather Christie, CEO of ActionCOACH, Fort Myers.
More importantly, “a vacation helps you learn about the quality of (employees) you have,” said Dueease, who has owned and operated several businesses, including The Office Outfitters next-day supply service, which he sold to The Office Depot.
Photo by Bosdos