Are you Staying in Front of Your Clients during Vacation Season?
For a small business owner, taking a vacation often depends on staying ahead of clients’ needs. You can’t afford to let things slip or have radio silence reign in your absence. I’ve always found that clients appreciate an entrepreneur who makes every effort to maintain continuous service no matter what time of year it is. However, that doesn’t have to mean skipping your vacation(s)!
Some clients are wonderful, and understand that everyone needs a break now and then. Others may have (unrealistically) high expectations and not want to see any break in the service they receive from your business. You want to avoid them changing over to your competitors! With that in mind, I’ve come up with a few ways for you to go on vacation without your clients ever knowing!
[Tweet “Stay ahead of the curve in order to take a vacation while still satisfying clients.”]
#1: Getting Tasks Finished Ahead of Time
Take a look at your calendar and your to-do list. Figure out what projects are due during the time you plan to be away. Then work backwards to plan out your remaining time. If you can finish components of projects ahead of time and schedule emails with the files attached to go out closer to their deadlines, it will keep your clients happy. They won’t even know you’re gone!
#2: Automation
The easiest way to seem like you’re still in the office even when you’re on vacation is to have as many systems as possible automated. I’m a big proponent of automating social media presence for small businesses. There are also lots of other tasks a good virtual assistant can help you automate. Get your ezines scheduled ahead of time, and set up autoresponders for email lists.
#3: Outsourcing Client Care
If you’ve already outsourced things like dealing with your business mail (through brilliant services like Earth Class Mail), then you’ll know how helpful it can be! Client care is a little different, of course. You’ll definitely want a trustworthy virtual assistant handling your most important assets—your clients! Once you’ve been working with a virtual assistant (or virtual team) for a while, they’ll have learned your business inside and out. They will be capable of handling client care for you. Client care is one of my specialties. I love being able to provide competent, quick, and friendly care to clients of my clients!
#4: Check in When Needed
Leave emergency contact info with your virtual assistant so they can alert you if an issue arises which needs your personal attention. Check that phone or email address once a day. Only to make sure all is well, and reduces the work you bring with you. The less, the better, when it comes to relaxing and having a proper vacation!
[Tweet “Automation and outsourcing are a small business owner’s best friend when summer rolls around!”]
I hope these strategies serve you well this summer vacation season (or any time you need a break from work)! Are there any other tried-and-true secrets to taking a stress-free vacation for entrepreneurs that you use? I’d love to hear them, so please do leave a comment.
If you’re still uncertain as to whether you can manage a vacation this season, schedule a free consultation with me and we can talk it over! I’m always happy to discuss the unique needs of your business, and what Jennie Lyon Virtual Assistant Services can do for you.
