Playing Hooky // Are You Ready to Step Away from Your Business?
As the holidays creep closer, the idea of sneaking away for a bit R&R may be calling your name, but let’s be honest: can your business handle it?
Think of this as your “holiday readiness” litmus test. If you’re eyeing a chance to step out (even if just to binge-watch a series or have a last-minute stay-cation with your spouse), now’s the time to ask yourself: Is my business ready to run without me?
Why a business owner needs the break.
Taking intentional time off isn’t just good for your health—it’s essential for long-term business sanity. You’ve poured yourself into making this business run like a well-oiled machine, so let’s see if it can actually hum along without your hands constantly tweaking the gears. After all, a truly sustainable business can thrive without the founder at the helm every second. It’s not just about giving yourself a break; it’s about setting the stage for a business that’s solid enough to let you breathe.
What to ask yourself before you step away.
Think about these questions as a “ready-for-time-off” checklist. If you can answer “yes” to most, you’re likely on track to confidently step away for a few days (or more):
Who’s on First?
Do you have a right-hand person (or team) who knows the ropes? Identify your main players and ensure they’re clear on who’s responsible for what in your absence. Empower them to make decisions, and watch how they rise to the occasion.
Systems, Systems, Systems
If a client needs something urgently or there’s a minor hiccup, are there clear systems to handle it? Project management platforms, communication protocols, and basic SOPs are your new best friends. Make sure these are bulletproof before you take off so your team can rely on them in a pinch.
Automate What You Can
Any task that’s repetitive or predictable should be on autopilot. Scheduling software, invoicing systems, or automated follow-ups—take advantage of every tool to save time and reduce human error.
Communication Is Key
Let clients and your team know when you’ll be out, how to reach you (if necessary), and who to go to instead. This transparency keeps everyone in the loop and shows them you trust your team to handle things.
Run a Trial Day
Take a day off mid-week as a trial run. Think of it as a mini-hooky day to test the waters. See how your team does, where they ask questions, and what processes need refining. This “sneak preview” will give you a good sense of any adjustments needed.
Preparing for an owner’s holiday-ready business.
As you gear up for that year-end time off, your holiday “set-up-to-step-out” action plan should focus on four things:
Delegate the Details
Make sure each person knows their role. Nothing is worse than team members stepping on each other’s toes or a client inquiry falling through the cracks.
Streamline Communication
If you’re unavailable, streamline how decisions are made in your absence. Make sure your team knows who to contact for approvals or guidance.
Automate Key Functions
Use automation for anything repetitive, like social posts, scheduling, or client reminders. These small actions add up big time in keeping your business moving.
Preempt Potential Issues
Look back at the prior holiday seasons. Were there any hiccups that came up? Have a solution ready if they pop up again—show your team how you’d tackle these situations and empower them to do the same.
Setting your business free.
When you’ve got your business set up to step away, you’re doing more than just planning for a holiday. You’re building a sustainable operation that doesn’t need you to micromanage every little thing. And when you get back, you might find that your team stepped up, the processes worked, and you’ve returned to a business that ran like a charm in your absence.
So go on! Plan that hooky day—or better yet, a holiday week. The goal here isn’t just a break; it proves you can give yourself one. After all, weren't freedom and flexibility part of the reason you started your business in the first place?
