Enterprise Nation

For years, working for someone else, I'd been able to take time off and not worry about a work. Now, running my own business, going away is a different story. I think going away is imperative, if you can. It's so important to rest. By the time I went away, I was shattered, and by the time I came back I was raring to go and ready for the next 6 months! This will benefit my business, if I'm healthy and energetic. So I thought I'd share my experiences to see if this can benefit your business too.

Get a business sitting service

A real Godsend for me, when I went a way, and such a clever idea for a small businesses! I used Frankly Consult (@franklyconsult), which is a business sitting service that can look after everything while you're away - even your clients!

I had 2 meetings before I went away with its MD, Jo Whitehead, to tell her all about my business and my key clients. We agreed how much she'd update me and when I could check in with her. She looked after it so well that my clients have asked if me and my new assistant would like to come out for drinks! She's so fantastic that I'll continue to use her services!

Get the right technology

Thank God for technology. We have the resources to work anywhere now, and if you want to keep an eye on your emails while you're away you can. I'm a BlackBerry user and my network warned me about downloading emails whilst abroad, so I planned ahead a bought a package so I could receive unlimited messages and emails for a one-off fee. Do check with your provider in case something similar is available. Or else you could be in for a big shock when you get home!

Take the right books

Apart from the usual beach-reads, I wanted to with me books that would invigorate my business on my return. They gave me some great tips and idea. Here's what I took:

• The Real Deal: My Story from Brick Lane to "Dragons' Den" by James Caan
  Great book that's very inspirational and charts a James Caan leaving his family home at 16 to pursue his dreams and become Dragon, Tycoon and Philanthropist.
• Tycoon by Peter Jones
  Great advice, hints and tips and really good case studies. It was a good read and gave me a chance to write down goals and objectives for the business for the next 6 months.
• Anyone Can Do It: My Story by Duncan Bannantyne
  Another inspirational man, who went from selling ice cream in the North East to serial entrepreneur and Dragon. I read this in a day - I just couldn't put it down.
• Spare Room Start Up: How to Start a Business from Home by Emma Jones
  I still like to dip into this and I couldn't resist taking it with me. I love the lifestyle section and it helped me write what I wanted to do lifestyle wise when I got back.

Enjoy!

Pam Lyddon is founder and CEO of Bright Star Digital, which helps companies harness the marketing power of the internet www.brightstardigital.co.uk @brightstar24

Photo credit: Radioher