Taking time off from work in December Here's how we do it + still earn income in online business.

Introduction

December is a month filled with festivities and family time, but for many online business owners, it also brings the dilemma of balancing time off with the need to maintain income. This article will delve into practical strategies for taking time off during December while ensuring your business continues to run smoothly and generate revenue.

Defining Time Off

Taking time off doesn't necessarily mean completely disconnecting from your business. It can range from completely stepping away to engaging in backend tasks that keep your operations flowing. Many business owners, like myself, find it particularly challenging to unplug entirely, so I plan partial disconnection periods and activities to keep myself occupied.

Planning for Time Off

Planning starts well in advance, ideally two months prior to your intended time off. October is the perfect time to set everything in motion. Here’s how I categorize my planning:

Delivery: For ongoing clients and students, ensure that all critical tasks are completed and appointments are scheduled in advance. For instance, blocking off your calendar for the entire month allows you to manage expectations with clients who might need your support.
Marketing and Visibility: To keep the business visible, I pre-schedule content and engage in marketing activities that will run during your time off. This may include new blog posts, social media engagement, and automated email sequences.
Automation: Establish automated systems that can keep your marketing efforts going in the background, maintaining lead generation and customer engagement even while you're away.

Practical Strategies for Time Off

Delivery Preparation

When taking time off, it’s essential to manage client expectations upfront. Let them know your availability ahead of time. Here’s what I like to do:

Block your calendar completely for new bookings.
Schedule key support days where you can check in on client needs without being fully engaged.
Automate common responses and use scheduled posts in private groups or via email to keep clients informed.

Many service providers worry about losing potential revenue during the holidays. By informing your clients early and offering to take any new projects in January, you'll likely find them willing to wait for your return.

Marketing and Visibility

Staying visible while taking time off is achievable through intentional marketing strategies:

Blogging: Publish one or two blog posts in November to keep your content fresh. Repurpose this content across different platforms, maximizing its reach.
Email Marketing: Pre-schedule emails that will be sent throughout December. Promote any upcoming offerings, even if they are mean offering your services for the New Year.
Social Media: Utilize scheduling tools to arrange regular posts throughout December. Automated engagement tools can ensure your accounts remain active without the need for your direct input.

Emphasizing Automation

Automation will be your best friend when taking time off. For instance, if you have an automated webinar that keeps generating leads, utilize that. Many online business owners, including myself, find that automating webinar funnels and email sequences provides a constant influx of leads, even when we are not physically present. Additionally, leveraging platforms like Buffer can help automate social media posts, maintaining your visibility while you enjoy your time off.

Conclusion

It is entirely feasible to take time off from your business in December without sacrificing your income. Through proper planning, delivery preparation, effective marketing strategies, and automation, you can enjoy the holiday season while your business continues to thrive. By being proactive now, you can ensure that you enjoy a less stressful, more rewarding time away from work.

Keywords

Time Off
Income Generation
Delivery Preparation
Marketing
Visibility
Automation
Pre-scheduling
Client Management

FAQ

1. How can I take time off in December without losing revenue?
By planning ahead, informing clients of your availability, and automating key business functions, you can maintain income while enjoying time off.

2. Is it essential to fully disconnect during my time off?
Not necessarily! You can choose to remain partially engaged through backend tasks, but it's crucial to set boundaries and manage your commitments.

3. What types of content should I prepare in advance?
Consider blog posts, email sequences, and social media posts. Pre-scheduling these can help maintain your visibility.

4. How can automation help in maintaining my business during the holidays?
Automation allows your marketing and client engagement efforts to continue without requiring constant oversight, freeing you to enjoy your time off.

5. What if clients want to start working with me in December?
Let them know in advance that you will be unavailable for new projects until January but offer to reserve a spot so they can secure your services.