Q&A: Taking a Break as an Entrepreneur

Q: I really need a break. How can I take a vacation in the early stages of my company without losing business?

A: No one can work 24/7 without a break. Unfortunately, there are many people who try and suffer the consequences. But when you ask successful entrepreneurs when they thought of their best ideas, nine times out of 10, it doesn’t happen at the office. Creative thinking happens when they’re out for a run or in the shower. That’s a clue — regardless of how busy you are during the early stages of your company, you need to take a break. Of course, there’s the concern you’ll lose business. But in this day and age, there are very few locales where you can’t be reached if necessary. Put a vacation message on your e-mail and voice mail to let clients and customers know you’ll have sporadic access to technology, but will get back to them as soon as possible. Ensure you have an alternate person for them to contact, and instruct that person to stay in close touch with whomever reaches out to them. The importance of recharging your batteries will more than outweigh any business you lose from taking a few days off.