Five Tips for Keeping Tabs on Your Business While You’re on Vacation

If you're a small business owner, taking a regular vacation is crucial to your health as well as the health of your company. If you're like most entrepreneurs, however, you might find that getting away is easier said than done. A survey taken last year, which polled over 1,200 small business owners, revealed that almost 50 percent of small business owners skipped their summer vacation in 2012. Perhaps one of the reasons that it's so hard to get away is because it's so hard to ensure that everything's running smoothly while you're gone. If you're hoping to spend some time away from the office (or virtual office) this year, here's a quick guide to keeping tabs on your business while you're gone.

Delegate Wisely and Appoint a Strong Office Manager

The best way to ensure that your business is under control is to prepare your staff properly for your absence. If you delegate your tasks wisely, you shouldn't have to worry about checking in too often. The most important part of preparing your staff is to appoint a strong manager. Invest the time into training your manager, and you'll be free to enjoy your vacation knowing that your business is in good hands.

Take a Wi-Fi Connected Vacation

If you want to be sure that you'll be able to check in on your business once in a while, it's a good idea to add Wi-Fi into your vacation plan. Do you want to be able to videoconference with your staff right before a big meeting? Make sure you'll be in an area with a good Wi-Fi connection when the time comes.

Make Use of the Cloud

With the advent of cloud technology, you can access any information you need from wherever you are (as long as there's a Wi-Fi or data connection available). A good way to prepare for your trip is to ensure that everything you'll need to access is backed up on an encrypted cloud-based network.

Take Mini-vacations as Practice

Not ready to fully turn over the reins of your business quite yet? Try taking a few mini-vacations to get your staff used to running the place when you're away. After a few long weekend trips, everyone will feel more comfortable with sending you off on a proper vacation.

Don't Forget to Relax

As a businessperson, your first priority for your vacation should be to rest and recuperate. You'll do a much better job of running your company if you're intentional about taking the time to put your laptop away and properly enjoy your vacation once and a while. Those who run their business from a virtual office should have an advantage when it comes to taking vacations. If you're used to running your office from wherever you are - whether it be your home, your virtual office, or your kid's soccer practice - then it shouldn't be too much of an adjustment for you to run your office from a tropical island (as long as that island has Wi-Fi). By planning ahead and using the technology at your disposal, you can take a restful vacation while still staying on top of your business.