By the time you read this, I am likely to be sipping a cocktail in a resort in a tropical location. I have managed to escape the winter cold and am having a few well-earned weeks off.

I mention this partly to make you jealous! But mostly because, as all business women are fully aware, taking time off is not generally something that can be done easily. You are the backbone of your business, and there is always something to be done and deadlines to meet. Sadly, too many business women will report that it has been years since they have taken a substantial break.

Ultimately it comes down to whether you are committed to taking a break. Believe it or not, the world will keep turning if you are not there! But you do need to factor holidays into your business plans and plan ahead.

One of the ways I created an opportunity to take leave, was to inform my clients well in advance. I gave them options and deadlines – and importantly, I stuck to those boundaries! This enabled my clients to also plan their requirements, and they were all willing and able to do so.

Your business may not be as flexible with deadlines as mine, and may involve employing or outsourcing someone to continue your work while you are away. Do not use this as an excuse not to take a break! There are always ways to ‘replace’ you. And ultimately, your aim should be to make yourself expendable. After all, the goal of most business owners is to work a little less, rather than be chained to their business.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender

This week I’m speaking just to the numerous home based businesses, the overwhelming majority of which are run by women. There are a few ‘essentials’ when working from home – some you may be aware of them but need to reminded again!

A schedule is really important. Even if you are more of a ‘go with the flow’ type of person, you need to ensure that you have times for professional and personal. Make decisions about when you will stop answering business calls – and stick to it!

Wherever possible, have a dedicated office space that you primarily only enter when you are working. It needs to be a place that you want to go. If it doesn’t inspire you or enable you to operate effectively then you won’t be productive.

Write out a plan for running your home based business. Even though you are not a large company, it is still imperative that you have a path to follow and goals you are aiming for. This also helps you to think ‘big’ and stay focused as your business grows.

Use your status as a home based business to your advantage. Promote the fact that you are flexible and can often respond more quickly than larger enterprises that are beholden to company structures and procedures. Think of other advantages that distinguish you and explain that uniqueness clearly in your promotional activities.

The power of technology has dramatically shrunk the gap between micro and large business as far as service provision and you can be a formidable competitor in the world of business!

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender