So, how was your vacation? Oops – did you forget? Entrepreneurs often skip vacations for a multitude of reasons – can’t afford it, reluctant to take time away, just can’t get their head out of work. Sound familiar? Vacation skipping is not unique to the self-employed. The World Tourism Organization reports that the average American takes just 13 vacation days per year, while Italians take 42, French 37 and British take 28.

This trend is probably magnified among small business owners. You started your business to have more money, freedom, flexibility. But what did you get instead? Worries about finding new clients, meeting payroll, paying taxes – you know the list and it can be daunting. Even when taking a few days off, the “vacation” message may not reach your brain – the stresses of entrepreneurship follow you to the beach.

Entrepreneurs can and do take vacations. A little preparation and change in attitude can turn your time away into a healthy and productive experience for you, your family and your business.

First, the mindset. Instead of worrying about missed business opportunities or not responding personally to top customers, use the time away to renew your vision or think creatively about a new direction for your company. There are volumes of entrepreneurs inspired by a change of scenery or a chance observation that occurred while on vacation. Did you know that Bill Gates takes an annual week in solitude on the Hood Canal? Why do you think he does this?

Second, planning. Let’s assume you do take that time away from work – part of the planning should include how you will transition yourself and your staff during this absence. It is often difficult for business owners to release control – and is therefore a prevailing cause of burnout and stress. Yet, taking a vacation affords your staff the opportunity to show you their colors. Delegate responsibility to them during your absence and you’ll see you have created an environment of trust and loyalty that brings rewards far beyond the length of your vacation.

Third, letting go. Over 40 percent of business owners check in with the office while on vacation; 29 percent do so every day. The fact is your business concerns will never completely go away. They will float along in the back of your mind while you’re floating in the pool. Decide ahead of time how often you really need to check in. Create a plan to handle special situations requiring your office to contact you. Most importantly, don’t undermine the environment of trust and loyalty you created when you delegated responsibility.

This summer I have vacation plans and know that through planning and delegation, my skilled staff will keep the show running and be proud of the work they do in my absence. No one ever said on their death bed, “Gee, if I’d only spent more time at the office.”

(Editor’s Note: Wendy Miles, Director of Customized Training and Special Programs at Olympic College, oversees the operation of the Kitsap Business Assistance Center (KBAC). For partnership opportunities, contact Miles at 360-475-7786. Business Development Specialist at the KBAC, Sharon Zerr, contributed to this article and provides individual counseling for businesses. For business counseling needs Zerr can be reached at 360-307-4220.).