Tomorrow afternoon, most of the young people in Middle Tennessee will emerge from their schools knowing that they will not have to go back til a week from Tuesday.
That's TEN FULL DAYS OUT OF SCHOOL - A veritable challenge for any parent who must continue to work to keep food on the table.
If you're one of the lucky ones, and the planets have aligned, and you had the presence of mind while planning your year (in Dec of 07), you might have the whole 10 days "covered" with a variety of trips, play-dates, baby-sitters, in-laws in from out of town etc. At least these folks have some notion as to what to expect.
And those whose planets did not align?
WHEW!
Flying by the seat of your pants with your business for 10 days with 1-5 energetic young people at your feet can unsettle even the most even-keeled Spirits. Just the thought of having to care for the kids AND continue "Normal Business Activities" can scare any sane adult into denial and inaction.
I have a few thoughts:
- In the perfect world, find a good and reliable agent in your office to handle your business while you are gone. Develop a long term relationship with this person - "I cover you when you're out of town and you cover my business when I'm out of town." Our mutual goal is to NOT have to call the vacationing partner with ANYTHING while they are away. There are no strings attached - No expectation of referrals when the one handling the business transacts a deal . . . What comes around will go around. I like this one best. It's simple and respectful.
- You could simply "Hire" someone to watch your business and pay them a fee or construct a referral fee arrangement for any business that happens while you're away. What I don't like about this one is that it sets y'all up for a fall unless your agreement is CRYSTAL CLEAR. What if a Sign call generates a sale that comes to fruition after you have returned? This can be an explosively tricky way to fly.
- Hire a 10 day "Nanny" - Perhaps a High schooler who would be willing to care ($10/Hr) for your young ones while you work through the week . . . You could then get a full week of work done and would be able to enjoy the "off-hours" with your family . . . Perhaps add in a couple of week end trips . . . This would be the least disruptive option for your work . . . What I don't like about it is that I have this feeling that by doing this, you are really putting your work before you family. Something about that doesn't sit well with me . . .
First God (Faith)
Then Family
THEN work
- OK - There are many permutations of all of the above, and it would be nausious for me to explore further. My point is:
PLAN FOR THESE BREAKS so that you can (Guilt Free) enjoy your family. As Gary Keller said: "Unless you have your own personal deal with God and you already KNOW when you are going to die, you MUST live as if today could be your last day amongst us." Suck every last drop of this succulent juice that life with your family has to offer without compromise.
What about your business?
Yeah - There are things you can do before you leave to keep the Lead Generation Machine working:
- Beginning a month before leaving town - Order enough post cards from a store in the town that you will be visiting while you're away (The Beech) - HAND WRITE a personal note to every person in your personal database "From the Ski Slopes or Beach" - Stamp all of the cards, and put'm in your suitcase. When you arrive at your hotel, mail them. All of your mets will get it a few days later while you're still out of town. Be sure to let them know when you'll be back in the office so they don't try to reach you before then.
- If you want to be REALLY aggressive, bring with you one sheet of paper for every day you are away. On each sheet should be 15 names and telephone numbers . . . These folks should be your Core Advocates, Advocates, Allied Resources, and Current Clients . . . Each day, step away to a quite place for 45 minutes and DIAL. Have a script in mind - "Just a quick call while we're at the Beach. I hope you'll be thinking about folks you know who might be interested in Buying or Selling within the next 6 months . . . I'll be RE-CHARGED and READY TO SERVE when I return on the 25th"
- Schedule a few appointments with REALTORS at your vacation spot early in the trip. Pick their brains as to where are the best places to eat - Where to take the kids when the weather isn't cooperating . . . What do the local do and where do they hang out? What's happening in their Real estate environment. These agents can become good referral sources in the future, their knowledge of the area can enhance your experience, and you can likely write off some of travel expenses as "Business Expenses" on your Tax Return.
Mostly though . . . PREPARE for your trip, so you can feel good about leaving your business at home. Spring Break should be a time for your family to bond and enjoy each. That's tough to do if you feel obligated to your business 24/7/365
Just a few musings on this beautiful Springlike day in Nashville, TN
PS - We're Headed to Seattle - Gotta get back to post card writing :-)
Best,
b
Barry Owen
Productivity Coach and Principal Broker
Keller Williams Realty - Nashville, TN - Green Hills
www.creatingspaces.blogspot.com
Simply& BOLDLY living the FourFold Way in Open Space!
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