Can you believe it? We're now officially in December, and there are fewer than 30 days left in 2013.
While you may be tempted to carry on working on your business over the upcoming Christmas break, it really is important to know when and how to switch off from your business. And I mean it in the most literal sense - switch off your office lights, turn off your laptop and smartphone, and take the time to completely devote yourself to your family.
I wrote about this in my blog about a month ago, and I'll bring it up again simply because it's so important. After being pent up in your office for the best part of the year, the least you can do is show your family a bit of love over Christmas!
Don't be afraid to let go of the reins for a while, and remember that with careful planning, you can enjoy a relaxing holiday while your business continues to prosper. It's all about knowing where you have a bit of leeway.
You can safely give social media a rest, for example. Nowadays there are heaps of content management systems available that can monitor your social pages for you while you're away. And if you're an avid blogger like me, why not pre-write a few articles and embargo them to be published throughout your holiday?
You should also make sure you're on top of your finances before you close up shop for the year. Make sure all your bills are paid before you leave for your holiday to ensure you won't be hit with any nasty surprises. Also, it can be worthwhile chasing up any outstanding invoices at the end of the year for that extra bit of cash flow finance heading into the New Year.
Lastly, remember to keep technology at bay while you're away - just heed my advice and remember to switch off!
Wishing you all the best for your week in business.