You have worked really hard getting your business up and running. You may have clients that rely on you for your services. Congratulations! But how the heck do you, a solopreneur, find time to take a vacation without upsetting your clients? Here are a few suggestions:

For some people it may be as simple as saying, I’m going to be gone during this time. Coaches and speakers don’t need to worry overmuch about their clients depending on them to be there all the time. However, if it is a long vacation it’s a good idea to find some way to stay in touch. I’ll discuss automation in a minute.

If your clients depend on you regularly, you might want to mindful of your their priorities when scheduling a vacation. If this is their busiest month in the year and when they count on you most, maybe next month would be best for maintaining a healthy relationship with them.

While you do want to maintain good client relations, it is also important to realize that you are a business and you can close for vacation any time you like. Clients can get by without you for awhile – they, not you, are responsible for their own businesses. To maintain good client relations, however, you can always ask a colleague to help out. Remember, that is a courtesy, not a necessity! Think of it this way: When was the last time someone seriously quit shopping at a favorite place because they closed for a remodel or for inventory?

Automate as many processes and procedures as possible. This will streamline things for you even when you are in the office. Use an email maketing service to keep in touch with your clients. By creating letters and scheduling them to be sent out while you are gone, you keep that professional “High Touch” feel, even if you leave the laptop at home.

Let clients know your schedule with as much advance notice as possible. If you are only taking a few days and extending your weekend, this may not be necessary but for longer periods of time you need to give them a little time to wrap their brains around the idea For example, as a VA I may regularly put together newsletters or blogs. By planning ahead, my clients can gather the necessary information early so the work can be completed ahead of time and sent as normally scheduled.

Another, less appealing, option is to take your work with you. Carve out a little time every other day and work while on the road. Keep work to a minimum – just the necessities.

Be sure to let your clients know this is just a vacation and you will be back. Let them know when to expect a call or email after you are back in your office. Follow through when you say you will.

By planning ahead, being courteous of your clients and mindful of your own needs you can carve out time just for you. So shut down the office and head off for your favorite vacation destination and just enjoy. Your office and clients will all be there when you get back!

Cheryl Harless is an administrative expert with over 20 years experience working in Government, Corporate and Non-Profit Organizations. She is a very capable creative thinker: versatile and self motivated. Cheryl brings her unique perspective and sense of humor to everything she touches, and is a valuable asset in any collaboration. To learn how her services can help you, visit CH Enterprises at ch-enterprises.com to schedule a consultation today.