How to Take Time Off as a Handmade Business Owner: Tips for Success

The world of handmade business can be tough, especially when trying to monetise your passion. However, with the right strategies, you can take time off while ensuring your business continues to thrive. In this blog post, we'll explore how to prepare for time away from your business and maintain your profits.

The Importance of Taking Time Off

Taking a break is essential for creativity and mental well-being. Recently, I took a month off from my businesses due to my husband's job change, which allowed me to reflect on the importance of planning for time off. If you're considering taking a break—whether for two weeks, a month, or even longer—it's crucial to prepare your business to keep running smoothly.

Steps to Prepare Your Handmade Business for Time Off

1. Focus on High-Impact Tasks

To ensure your business continues to grow while you're away, identify which tasks generate the most revenue. Track the performance of different channels—like social media, podcasts, and YouTube—to see where your time and energy yield the best results.

• Analyse Your Funnels: Look at how much effort you're putting into each channel and what returns you're getting.
• Assess Effectiveness: If certain avenues aren't performing well, consider cutting back or eliminating them.

2. Cut Out Time Sucks

Identify and eliminate activities that drain your time without adding value to your business. For instance:

• Screen Time Audit: Use your phone's screen time feature to analyse how much time you spend on various apps.
• Eliminate Distractions: If you find yourself spending excessive time on social media or other non-essential tasks, set boundaries.

3. Stay Ahead of Your Schedule

To avoid last-minute stress, aim to complete tasks ahead of deadlines. This gives you a buffer in case unexpected situations arise, such as illness or personal emergencies.

• Plan Ahead: If you have a deadline in a month, try to finish your work two to three weeks early.
• Maintain a Buffer: Staying ahead reduces anxiety and allows for adjustments without the pressure of time constraints.

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4. Implement the Five Key Strategies

To keep your business running efficiently, focus on these five strategies:

• Delegate: Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant or asking family members for help, delegate tasks to free up your time.
• Automate: Use automation tools for social media, email, and order processing to streamline operations.
• Eliminate: Regularly review your processes and cut unnecessary tasks or subscriptions that waste time and resources.
• Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks together to maximise efficiency. For example, schedule a day to create all your social media content for the month.
• Book Everything: Use tools like Asana to schedule your tasks, ensuring you don’t forget important deadlines.

5. Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

While on your break, ensure your business remains operational:

• Communicate Clearly: Inform your customers about extended processing times and keep your shop open for orders.
• Daily Check-Ins: If it helps you relax, schedule short daily check-ins to monitor your business's status without overwhelming yourself.

My final thoughts

Taking time off as a handmade business owner is not only possible but can also be beneficial for your creativity and overall business health. By preparing in advance and implementing these strategies, you can enjoy your time away while ensuring your business continues to thrive. Remember, the world needs your unique creations, so take that well-deserved break!

Love Steph xox

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