Achieve Your Best…Even While On Vacation

Guest post by Ellie Nieves

Summer is here and we’re all looking forward to taking some much needed time to rest and get refreshed. Whether you are a business professional or an entrepreneur, keep in mind that how you plan and prepare for your vacation is also a reflection of how you do business. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your vacation planning without negatively impacting your bottom line.

Before Your Vacation:

• Determine your availability: Determine how available you will be during your vacation and communicate it to all relevant parties. Will you be checking in periodically? Will you not be checking in at all? In either case, make sure that you manage the expectations of those who work with you.

• Communicate your plans: Six to four weeks before you go on vacation, communicate your plans to your management and/or clients. Once you’re gone, make sure that you leave a recording on your voicemail and enable your “away” message on your e-mail. Be clear as to when you expect to respond and provide a name and number of someone who will handle matters in your absence.

During Vacation:

• Take notes: Often times, when we try to wind down we start to think about things to do or we come up with new projects that we want to implement. While you’re on vacation, resist the urge to work. Instead, carry a pad and a pen — when you think of these things, write them down and forget about them until after your vacation.

•Enjoy your time off: Refresh, relax, renew and have a good time. This is an order!

After Your Vacation:

•If possible, keep your calendar clear for the first two or three days after your vacation. Give yourself a few days to ramp back up, catch up with e-mails, return calls, get status reports from colleagues, etc.

• Don’t forget to change your voicemail message and disable your “away” message.

This summer, take the time to enjoy your time away from work and/or business. With proper planning and preparation, not only will it be a pleasure to go on vacation, it will also be a pleasure to get back to work.

Ellie Nieves is a women’s leadership speaker.Through her keynote presentations, breakouts, retreats and workshops she helps women to develop leadership skills, set strategic goals, bolster effectiveness and create a personal brand. For more information visit www.EllieNieves.com.© 2009 by Ellie Nieves. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.