🎙 In this episode, I dive into the crucial topic of taking genuine time off as a business owner. While currently on holiday with my family in Manchester, I share my personal experiences and the six key techniques and systems I've implemented over the years to ensure I can truly disconnect from work and enjoy quality time with my loved ones. Join me as I offer practical advice to help you achieve the freedom you desire in your business. KEY TAKEAWAYS 💡 Consistent Marketing Systems: Establish a reliable system for marketing activities to ensure that your business continues to engage with clients even when you're on holiday. This can include scheduling content in advance or delegating tasks to team members. 💡 Effective Communication Management: Utilise a communications manager to filter and manage incoming messages across various platforms. This allows you to disconnect from your business while ensuring that urgent matters are escalated appropriately. 💡 Client Support Systems: Create a comprehensive FAQ and knowledge base for clients to access information independently. This reduces the need for direct communication and allows clients to find answers to their questions without your immediate involvement. 💡 Sales Management Automation: Implement systems that allow for the nurturing of leads and onboarding of new clients without your direct oversight. This can include decision trees and automated processes that guide potential clients through the sales journey. 💡 Proactive Time Management: Plan your schedule well in advance to avoid stress during holiday periods. Identify times of the year when you want to take time off and ensure that your business activities are aligned with those periods to maintain a healthy work-life balance. BEST MOMENTS 00:07 - 💬 “Do you disconnect entirely from your business so you can focus on your family, so you reconnect with them? Or are you actually worried half the time about what your staff are up to or what your clients are thinking?” 07:54 - 💬 “I let my clients know that I'm going to go on holiday and I'm very open and transparent about it. And I let them know how to contact the team in my absence.” 10:13 - 💬 “I set things up and make sure they feel supported, even when I'm not actually there.” 17:05 - 💬 “It's all these things in place. It's having good systems. It's having a marketing system. It's having a sales progression system.” TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW 00:00 Systemise Marketing for Consistency 04:26 Effective FAQ and Sales Management 06:49 Automating Tasks With Decision Trees 11:29 Balancing Work and Family Timing 13:18 “Balancing Work While on Leave” 17:42 Disconnecting for True Relaxation VALUABLE RESOURCES Our Best Guides, Frameworks, and Templates—For Our DIDACT Method Framework: https://sys.academy/guides Systemize Your Success Academy: https://join.sys.academy/ LINKS TO CONNECT WITH THE HOST Podcast: https://www.systemizeyoursuccess.com Website: https://systemsandoutsourcing.com/ Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/systemsandoutsourcing/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/systemsandoutsourcing/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/systems_and_outsourcing/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drsteveday42 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsteveday42 ABOUT THE HOST Steve moved to Sweden in 2015 and transformed how he ran his businesses—switching to a fully remote model. A former NHS doctor, with a background in computing and property investing, he now helps overwhelmed business owners systemise and outsource effectively. Through his courses and coaching, Steve teaches how to automate operations and work with affordable virtual assistants, freeing up time and increasing profits. He runs his UK-based businesses remotely with support from a team of UK and Filipino VAs, and is passionate about helping others build scalable, stress-free companies using smart systems and virtual support.