How to Prepare Your Business for a Holiday
When did you last take a proper holiday?
Not a working holiday. Not a "I'll just check emails in the morning" holiday. A real one — where you actually switched off, recharged, and came back feeling like a human being again.
If it's been a while, you're not alone. For many self-employed business owners, the idea of taking time off brings more anxiety than it does relief. The good news is that with a little preparation — and the right support — you can go on holiday with complete confidence that your business is in safe hands.
1. Plan Ahead — Further Than You Think
Two weeks' notice isn't enough time to prepare your business properly for your absence. Start thinking about your holiday at least four to six weeks in advance. This gives you time to wrap up projects, set expectations with clients, and get your support arrangements in place.
2. Tell Your Clients
Send a personal note to your key clients letting them know you'll be away, when you'll be back, and who they can contact in your absence. Most clients appreciate the heads-up far more than discovering it via an out-of-office.
3. Prepare Your Out-of-Office — But Don't Rely on It
An out-of-office is not a business continuity plan. It tells people you're away; it doesn't help them. If you have a VA covering for you, your out-of-office can direct enquiries to them — which is a much more professional and client-friendly approach.
4. Brief Your VA Thoroughly
If you're using a virtual assistant to cover your absence, invest time in a proper handover before you leave. Cover which emails to respond to independently, any ongoing client situations to be aware of, how to handle new enquiries, what to do in an emergency, and where to find the information they might need. A good VA will ask the right questions.
5. Set Boundaries With Yourself
This is the hardest part. Even with everything in place, the temptation to check in can be overwhelming. Decide before you leave what your boundaries are — and stick to them. A daily five-minute check-in is very different from spending your holiday glued to your phone.
6. Come Back to a Clean Handover
A good VA will prepare a summary of everything that happened while you were away — enquiries received, issues handled, anything that needs your attention. You come back informed, not overwhelmed.
You work hard all year. You deserve a proper break. And your business deserves to run smoothly while you take it.
If holiday cover is something you'd like to put in place, I'd love to help.
MI Virtual Services offers virtual assistant support to UK business owners, from email and diary management to social media and invoicing. Get in touch at megan@mivirtualservices.com or call 07397 564904.
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