Tips & Tricks Busy Professionals Can Use to Simplify Their Lives

Compliments of Ribary & Associates, LLC

www.tiaribary.com

April 2007

PLAN for vacation without pushing yourself over the edge

Finally, you've planned a (much needed!) vacation. So, why do you feel more stressed than you were before? You're planning time away, daydreaming about time off and all the while your mind is reeling with the multitude of things that MUST be done before you leave! That's a lot to add to an already full schedule.

Is going on vacation too much work? It doesn't have to be, if you plan well. Read on for tips on how to plan for vacation, without pushing yourself over the edge to insanity.

I'm currently planning my own vacation - two weeks in Maui at the end of April. And, I'm talking about a REAL vacation. No phone and no email. At times, it can feel so overwhelming, I think, "Why am I going away? It would be much easier to stay here and catch up on all this stuff'." However, I know from experience, that our vacation will renew my health, my spirit and my work-mind - which will ultimately help my business.

The key to planning a great vacation away from the office is thought and preparation.
Here are a few things to consider:

•  30 - 60 days before your trip:
  
  Create a timeline for what needs to happen while you're away.
  
  Consider the following: What bills will be due; what employees/contractors will need to be paid; which client's have high-peak volume while you're gone; what organizations do you volunteer for that might depend on your time; what events are occurring just after you come back that you'll need to be ready for?
  
  Think about how to handle this while you're away. Can you write checks early; can you schedule extra time to work with clients who need it; can you do early preparation for the event? Get it all on your calendar.
  
  Although I regularly use a digital calendar, I find it helpful during the planning process to print out a month-at-a-glance page to map out my time. Then, I schedule things onto my digital calendar based on my monthly map.
   
•  30 - 45 days before your trip:
  
  Notify clients AND employees/contractors that you'll be out of the office. This helps them plan their projects.
   
  Set time aside to catch-up after your return.
  Think of how relaxing your vacation will be and how much longer the effects will last, if you know you're coming home to a day or two of in-office time. Use this time to catch up on email, voice mail, check-in with clients, etc.
   
•  Before you leave:
  
  Update your voice mail with the dates you'll be gone, whether or not you're checking voice mail and when you plan to return calls. Consider hiring someone to check your voice mail and schedule appointments for you while you're away.
   
  Set up e-mail auto-responder. Include the same information as your voice mail. You can also hire someone to handle your email while you're away. This can make a big difference in how much work there is when you return.
   
•  Finally, anytime your mind starts reeling about all there is to do before you leave or what awaits your return - stop and make a list (brain-dump as I like to call it). This takes you out of your own head and allows you to prioritize and schedule accordingly.

What's left to do after you've planned so well? Have a fabulous vacation!

If you're planning a vacation and would like assistance scheduling items, need extra help or would like your voice mail and e-mail handled - Ribary & Associates can likely assist you. Just ask!

Wishing you endless success and happy vacations,
Tia Ribary

Read on for valuable community and business information:

Part time Office Manager needed!
One of our clients, a small successful real estate firm, is looking for a part time office manager. Real estate experience is preferred. A flexible schedule is one of the many benefits of working for this firm. Please contact Ribary & Associates if you know someone who is interested.

Women in Business Party and Expo Thursday, April 26th!
The Business Journal sponsors this party each year - it's a great event! Network, eat, talk and meet new vendors and prospects. Also, enjoy the Orchid Award Ceremony. Hope to see you there!

The Returning Veterans Resource Project Provides free counseling to veterans and their families.
Many of us know someone going to, currently in or returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. A grassroots effort to support these veterans is underway and I find it a worthy enough cause to pass on. I hope you will in turn, share it with others. Please click here for more information.

If you're a realtor and use networking as a means of marketing, read this!
Announcing Networking For Busy People: for Real Estate Professionals
Thrive in any market!  The secret lies in your network.  Connect. Grow. Get Results.
Introductory Webinar launching May 7th.  Check the NFBP website for details.

National Women's Business Council June 5, 2007
This half day event will allow women business owners to speak directly with the National Women's Business Council about their priorities, challenges and concerns. Participation is free, but advance registration is required. Click here for more information.

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