Out of Office, Not Out of Control
- Marie Robertson-King
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
How to Prep Your Small Business for a Stress-Free Holiday
Taking time off sounds fabulous in theory, right? But if you’re a small business owner, it can quickly feel more stressful than it’s worth. The mad rush before you leave, the anxiety while you’re away, and the chaos waiting when you get back. Not exactly relaxing.
But here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be like that. With a bit of planning and some solid systems in place, you can step away from your business without everything falling apart behind the scenes.
Let’s talk about how …
Start With a Plan
If you haven’t already, block the time out in your calendar well in advance. Not “when I get around to it” … if you haven’t done it already, do it now. Once you’ve locked in your time off, you can work backwards.
What needs to happen before you go? What can wait? What could be automated or handed off?
Be realistic. This isn’t about cramming in a month’s worth of work before you leave next week. It’s about being smart with your time and energy, and letting go of the stuff that can wait.
Keep Your Clients in the Loop
No one likes being left in the dark, especially when they’re relying on you. So tell your clients you’ll be away and give them a heads-up on anything they need to do, or expect, before and during your break.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple update in your next email, or a quick addition to your email signature, will do the job. Clear communication sets expectations and keeps everyone relaxed (especially you).
Automate the Bits That Don’t Need You
This is the time to love on your systems.
Get your social media scheduled. Set up auto-replies for emails. If you use an email marketing platform, line up a few pre-scheduled emails or sequences.
And if you’re using tools like Xero or Dubsado? Make sure your invoices and workflows are humming along without you. A little automation goes a long way, especially when you’re on holiday mode.
Delegate Like a Boss
Even if you’re just ducking out for a few days, you shouldn’t feel tied to your phone.
This is where a VA becomes your holiday BFF. They can check your inbox, handle client enquiries, send invoices, follow up loose ends – the kind of things that keep your business ticking along while you’re off the clock.
If you don’t already have someone, now’s a good time to find a trusted pair of hands. The Digital Mums Directory is a fab place to start.
Stick to Your Boundaries
It’s tempting to “just check in quickly,” but let’s be honest, we all know it’s a slippery slope.
Set your out-of-office reply, make it friendly but clear, and then log off. Let people know when you’ll be back, and if someone else is holding the fort while you’re away.
Your time off should be just that – off. You’ve earned it. So, enjoy it, fully.
Have a Re-Entry Plan
There’s nothing worse than coming home relaxed … and diving headfirst into a pile of chaos and overwhelm.
Give yourself a buffer. Block out a day (or two) before you start taking meetings or getting into deep work. Use that time to check in with your team, review your inbox, and ease yourself back into work with a plan, not a panic.
Ready to Actually Enjoy Your Break?
Taking time off isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. It helps you come back clearer, calmer, and with a whole lot more creativity.
And if you need help getting things sorted before you go, that’s literally what a virtual assistant is for.
Head to the Digital Mums Directory and find someone to help you get your ducks in a row so you can head off knowing your business is still in good hands.
Marie Robertson-King
After decades working in mining, aviation and oil & gas, Marie founded Empress of Order, a virtual assistant service, in 2018 and quickly became fully booked. With a background in operations and safety, focussing on processes, systems and procedures, Marie now supports busy business owners and helps them bring order to their lives!
She’s certified by the VA Institute and was named in the Inside Small Business Top 50 Business Leaders in 2020. Marie facilitates a coworking day each month in her hometown of Perth, where business owners get together to work and build connections. In 2022, Marie expanded her empire with the purchase of The Digital Mums Directory, an online membership and directory for female digital experts in Australia, with a biz friend. She lives in the beautiful Perth Hills with her husband Simon and fur-baby Jasper. She can’t function without her morning coffee and loves a glass of bubbles or a cocktail in the evening.
