I’ve been doing sales and running businesses long enough to know that you or I are not good to anyone if we’re tired, sick or burned out. That’s why, I require all sales reps and staff to take their vacations. Our use it or lose it policy also helps. The goal by making vacations required is partially selfish but benefits staff. If staff are unplugged and rest, they are more productive upon return. Also, during their time away, new ideas come up that will help them up their sales game. Additionally, those creative juices will spur ideas to make our operations better. Rest, Refresh and Renew
I try to go away a few times a year as well. This allows me to rest, think, plan and create opportunities.
I often tell staff not to check in or check email when away. It can wait till they return. With me, I tell managers not to call me unless it’s a 911 type of emergency. Example, someone is bleeding in the street. Other than that, it can wait. We are a contract sales firm. We are not a hospital or EMS. That so called emergency can wait a few a day or two for someone to respond on behalf of a team member.
Take the vacation. Unplug. Rest, Refresh and Renew. Rinse and repeat.