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Years ago someone told me the story of a successful business owner who, once a year, would pack his bags, leave the family home, and head off to spend a week alone with the business plan. I’ve emulated this ever since and every year I think it’s time well spent. Freshly back from this year’s break, here are my five tips on how you can reap rewards from taking a business break.
1. Head to a place that stimulates the senses – this place doesn’t have to be far from home but it’s important you travel to it as the journey itself gives a sense of separation. As the car drives away/train pulls out/plane takes off, you positively feel yourself moving farther from the detail of the business and heading towards a space and place that will help you focus on ‘the bigger picture.’ Ideally, choose a place with dramatic scenery; open seas, rolling hills, tall skyscrapers; essentially you’re looking for a landscape that’s different to the one you’re used to as this will stimulate the imagination and create the perfect setting for planning.
2. Get settled – you’re in the setting and a new place, get yourself accustomed to it; take a walk, have a drink, allow your mind to wander and people watch! Feel yourself starting to relax? Good. You’re in the right frame of mind to start planning.
3. Ask yourself two questions - how has the business performed over the past six months/year and where do you want to take the business in the next 6 to 12 months. Write down your thoughts .. on napkins ... in a notebook .. on your phone ..whatever is closest to hand. Be ambitious in your goals and make the most of being in a place that’s encouraging you to plan for your dream business.
4. Don’t rush it – it’s likely you will come up with a new idea for the business in a ‘eureka’ moment of ‘Ah! Why didn’t I think of that before!’ – allow time for this moment to come. You’ve certainly created the right conditions for innovation as your brain is finely tuned on the business and not distracted by detail.
5. And now for action – possibly the most important point of all. Take your notes, head home, and get started on turning plans into reality.
Business breaks don’t have to be a full week, or far away. What’s important is to place yourself in conducive surroundings. I do this alone as did the man I emulate but you may choose to go with a business partner or friend so you can vocalise your thoughts. Go with what works for you and know that taking time out may seem like an extravagance, but it will pay dividends.
Emma Jones is founder of Enterprise Nation, a business expert, and author of 'Spare Room Start Up' and 'Working 5 to 9'. You can buy Emma's books as a special discount price in the Saga Bookshop. Emma's opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional financial advice. This article was published on July 28, 2010.