Are You Taking a Christmas Break From Your Business?

The Christmas holiday can be a happy but stressful time. With the personal demands of socialising, gift-buying and hosting family, the thought of keeping your business going at the same time might feel daunting.

For some business owners, taking a break feels like a luxury you can’t afford, but the truth is, the greatest gift you can give yourself (and your business) is a break from the day-to-day operations.

The Benefits of a Break, For You

By the time the holidays come around, you’ve likely spent the majority of the year working in an effort to build your business. You’ve had long hours and stressful days. Burnout can happen to anyone in your situation, which is why taking time to enjoy the holidays is especially important.

When you don’t take the time to relax, work on personal goals, or spend time with friends and family, your business can suffer. Taking a step back will allow you to come back renewed and refreshed, ready to take on new challenges.

A Useful Exit Exercise

A common problem for business owners is the worry that the business simply cannot run without them. Even a short break or weekend away is enough to raise concern, but taking a Christmas holiday isn’t just a good idea for you; there are business advantages to ensuring everything runs in your absence.

In fact, you can look at a Christmas break as a useful preparation exercise for your eventual exit.

Think about this:

• Many business owners feel the business can’t run effectively without their involvement, but if you’re so intrinsic to the running of your business, you could actually be compromising your business value.
  Potential buyers want a secure purchase and smooth ownership transition, which protects their investment. If you regularly service your main clients, have sole financial decision-making powers and are heavily involved in daily operations, you’ll be taking all this influence and knowledge with you when you go.
• A break affords you the perfect opportunity to strategise your next moves. Perhaps you want to create new or improved products and services, or spend some vital time on your business strategy. More importantly, spending some time with your family at Christmas may inspire you about what you’re working so hard for, and inject your plans for the business with some personal ambitions.
  If you’re so engrossed in managing the business day-to-day, it leaves little time for innovation and thinking of new ideas. Business can stall. A break during the holidays is a great way to re-energise and refocus.

Small, frequent breaks from the business will give you a low-risk opportunity to glean valuable insights into where your business can improve and what it needs in order to run without you.

Enjoy Your Christmas Holiday

Many people go into business for themselves because of the personal freedom it allows, so take advantage of the season and take a break from your business for Christmas.

We understand that taking a well-deserved break during the holidays is easier said than done.  But after a year of hard work, you’ve earned the ability to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

The best thing you can do for your business is come back refreshed and ready to take on the year ahead.