Hello,
Welcome to Team B’s August blog, it’s been a busy month so far, and with school holidays underway many of you are taking some time out to enjoy the sunshine (if it happens) with the family. I never appreciated the juggle of work and children until I had my son, who now enjoys strolling around eyeing up anything that isn’t his to play with. For all the parents juggling both children and work, keeping an eye on the calendar for school restarting, you have got this!
Taking a much-needed break
So recently we took some time off for a holiday in the Peak District which is an area we have not been before. Although the weather wasn’t the best, in fact it rained most days but we still made the best of what we could, and like any Brit, we always go prepared!
Staying near the town of Bakewell, we enjoyed exploring the area and of course, trying the original Bakewell tart, and sorry to say Bakewell I’m going to stick with the newer version and keep the icing on top. Whilst we were away I managed to put down the laptop and the work phone and enjoy some time with the family which is very much a needed requirement for all business owners. Although I did keep my phone ready for any opportunities to assist with social media pictures, I know we never really switch off!
Whilst taking a break and having a child-free day which is a rarity, we had a date day out and decided to venture to Alton Towers. I’ve never been a lover of roller coasters and going back to Alton Towers after so many years only emphasized that I still don’t like them particularly, I enjoy watching other people getting the adrenaline rush instead. But if you haven’t been, and like me are not a lover of rides, then I would recommend checking out the gardens. It was amazing and I wish I had more time to explore them without waiting over an hour for a 2-minute thrill, oh and selling my soul to the Wickerman. So, coming back from a break and conquering a fear of some scary roller coasters, I can enjoy my coffee whilst planning in some networking and ready to tackle admin for my clients.
Holiday Cover
Whilst I’m back from my holiday and hopefully you’re due to be on your soon what plans do you have in place for keeping the company ticking over? After all, you are entitled to a break, but you don’t want to come back to a mounting pile of emails and tasks to resolve. VAs are more than happy to support clients whilst on holiday and it often means the clients can hit the ground running on return without the panic of what awaits them on their return. If you’d like to know more about how a VA can support you for times of sickness or going on holiday then please get in touch.
Surviving the Summers
Carrying on the theme of holidays six weeks can feel like a long time for parents trying to manage their children as well as their work. Although I’m not a veteran for surviving the summer holidays as a parent, but I do juggle toddler tantrums and work on a daily basis. I can at least point you in the direction of some work practices to help keep your sanity for those long six weeks, so to begin with if the sun ever does return try and get yourself outside. Even if it’s to take a couple of calls or a thinking space, having some fresh air will do a world of good.
Secondly, work when you can. Sounds easy right? What I mean is to work when your focused, so if it’s easier to work early in the morning get yourself a cup of coffee and crack, or if you find the evening better then maybe avoid the coffee. By doing this you can focus on the work without the interruption of children and your coffee going cold!
Thirdly if you haven’t already got systems in place, look at automation to stop the bottlenecking of tasks. Whether it’s updating the CRM system or responding to messages having something in place will give you time to respond later.
Fourthly, schedule your social media posts, I know some social media managers are against it but when it comes to having more time with the family get some scheduling done. You can go back to organic posts once you return, but whilst your away having an active account will keep the social media cogs turning for you, without you being glued to a phone.
Six weeks may feel like a long slog for some and for others it could be a walk in the park, whatever your methods make life easier for yourself this summer. If you want to know more or would like assistance with something drop me a note.
As I conclude this blog and let you get on with your summer holidays, even if it doesn’t feel like summer! I just want to remind you that if you fancy a one-to-one or would like to know more about the VA services then I’m just a call away. Have a great summer and I’ll see you back here in September.
Take care
Rachel