Business-mindset

Is Your Business Stuck In A Rut?

by BlogCommunications

Business-mindsetDo you often feel you are in a rut? You do the same thing over and over with less than desired results? The sales and promotions you ran in prior months no longer have the same effect. When your small business gets stuck in a rut, you need to find a quick way to snap out of it. This can mean finding a new source of inspiration, following some new trends or kick starting your marketing efforts.

What stops you from moving forward?

  • FEAR. Are we doing the right thing? Going down the right path? What will others think? INDECISION is the seedling of FEAR! Indecision crystalizes into DOUBT, the two blend and become FEAR! The “blending” process often is slow. This is one reason why these three enemies are so dangerous. They germinate and grow without their presence being observed.
  • PROCRASTINATION. It’s easy to always do the simple tasks of being busy. But what happens when you have a large project, or need to focus on something new? Do you spend your time being busy, or block off time at the front end of the day to tackle the project? Try breaking the project into smaller chunks so it seems more manageable and schedule time to accomplish those chunks
  • I CAN DO IT ALL. Often this is where I see business owners get stuck. They have the mindset that they can do everything themselves, yet by not releasing tasks to either outside consultants or employees the business owner is the bottleneck in their own growth.
  • DECISIONS. As you move about your day decisions pile up. Interruptions occur and your head becomes full of deadlines and stuff. Make the most important decisions early in the day while you are fresh. By giving yourself 24 hours, it allows you to “Sleep On It” with a fresh look first thing the next morning. You will find it easier to be clear on your decision.
  • TIME MANAGEMENT. How often do you c heck your email? Do you make a plan and/or a list for tasks to be completed with a due date? Do you assign tasks to others and hold them accountable? There are a variety of project management tools to do that. Asana is a tool that I use with members of my team.

The first quarter of 2018 is over. As you review your marketing plan going into spring/summer, what are you going to do differently that will yield results? If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to put one together. If you don’t have time to create and execute the plan, let the Edmiston Group help.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

B2B-Marketing

B2B Marketing Tips

by BlogCommunications

B2B-MarketingOften when it comes to B2B marketing, some small companies have a hard time getting into the game. Let’s look at a paradigm shift. Many small business owners are used to marketing to potential clients, but not to other companies that could become a referral partner. As a business owner, you have colleagues that may call on the same market verticals as you. Perhaps you complement services and can create a bundle effect. You bring a particular skillset and your colleague brings a different skill. Individually your business is strong, but combined marketing of both businesses allows you to become a trusted resource by providing solutions to multiple issues. Here are essential B2B marketing tips to help with your B2B marketing effort.

Suppliers are a Great Resource

Do you treat your suppliers with respect? Not only is it the right thing to do, but these suppliers may also call on potential clients that could be a fit for your business. A good working relationship will allow you to get the best deals on your goods and when there is a problem, suppliers will be happy to work with you. It never hurts to ask who they might suggest you reach out to and if you may use their name as a warm introduction.

Become a Recognized Expert with Amazing Content

One of the first things I do before meeting with a potential client is look at their website and their social media channels. Have they updated them recently with relevant content that is easy to read and provides value? If blogs are months old and social media posts haven’t been made since 2016, these can be potential clients for the Edmiston Group. By regularly blogging on interesting topics and posting to the appropriate social media channels, you and your business remains top of mind.

Be Social

When working with a business owner, often I’m asked on which social media channels they should be active. Social media is here to stay and businesses that aren’t willing to adjust and participate will find themselves out of business in the not too distant future. Simply setting up a profile on LinkedIn is not enough. You need to be active in sharing articles, discussions and publishing relevant content. Advertising on social media and interacting with potential B2B clients is a great way to get your message across. These days everyone is on social media so it’s a great place to find leads.

B2B businesses tend to get the best results from LinkedIn and Twitter, but are present across a wide range of social networks. Personal branding, how the public perceives you, as far as your reputation, industry expertise and personality has become one of the most important marketing B2B strategies available today. Previously, executives focused more on branding their companies. However, buyers have begun to look more at the faces and voices behind the company logo.

In addition to content curation which is a great way to establish your personal brand, look for opportunities outside of your company, such as speaking engagements at industry events. Individualize your style and delivery according to your personality.

ASK FOR TESTIMONIALS

Third party validation by way of case studies and testimonials are a key way to break through the constant noise of advertisements, and reach B2B buyers. How often do you see in social media, “Do you know a good…?” People will buy from you based on a good experience of a satisfied customer. Use customer advocate and referral programs to reward those who sing your brand’s praises to others.

Grow B2B sales by: tapping your suppliers, seeking referral sources, becoming a content expert and sharing your knowledge socially. Let other’s sing your praises by asking for testimonials. To your success!

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

Use-Your-Email-Marketing-Results-to-Find-Your-Best-Customers

Tips To Find Your Best Customers

by BlogCommunications

Use-Your-Email-Marketing-Results-to-Find-Your-Best-CustomersDo you have loyal fans? Perhaps a family member always shares or likes your social media posts. Maybe you have colleagues who refer you quite often. Third party validation is the best. But did you know that current customers and people that subscribe to your newsletter may be the path to finding your best customer?

Your email subscribers already have expressed interest in the products and services you offer, and many of them are likely opening, reading, and acting on your emails on a consistent basis. Are you really analyzing your email reports to identify the people who are most interested in your business and look for opportunities to strengthen these customer relationships?

 

Here are some tips to analyze your email list data and tap into your best customers:

Opens

  • Who opens your emails the most? These are the people who are most interested in what you have to say and have the potential to become loyal advocates for your business. Look at prior month’s topics to see if your open rate was higher or lower in previous months. Remember – each month will be different.

Click-throughs to product introductions or features

  • Next, review which customers are consistently clicking through to the content you put in your emails. This could be a blog post about a new product or service, a coupon or special offer.
  • There’s a good chance many of these people have already made a purchase or signed up for one of your services, consider reaching out to them with an online survey or a special offer to further that relationship and learn more about what they’re most interested in. If you include links to your website or social media accounts in your email campaigns, your reports will review who clicked on these links.

Coupon redemption

  • Coupons are a great way to look at a measurable action that people can redeem online. This is a great way to identify people who are not only clicking through to learn more, but are actually taking the next step to redeem an offer. Make sure to list an expiration date on your coupon so it doesn’t appear to be open ended. This helps to create a sense of urgency.

Social follows

  • If you’re using email to promote your social channels, look to see who is taking the next step to like your Facebook Page or follow your updates on sites like Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Are you taking the next step to also share your newsletter on your channels as an additional way to reach new followers?

Current customers and business colleagues can be your best brand advocates. By utilizing your email list and doing a little bit of simple analysis, you’ll be on your way to asking these involved, devoted customers to help increase the power of your marketing in no time!

Do you have questions on reporting, or are you interesting in learning how email marketing can be a cost effect way to reach potential customers? Give us a call at 724-612-0755.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

Social-Media-from-Off-Hours-Activities-and-Your-Online-Reputation

Off Hours and Online Reputation

by BlogCommunications

Social-Media-from-Off-Hours-Activities-and-Your-Online-ReputationI’m a big proponent of Social Media. After all, that’s part of my business offerings. However, there’s a fine line between what I share personally, socially and from a business sense. Did you ever follow people on social media that had to share absolutely everything? I’m all for sharing, but sometimes sharing too much can be a detriment. Airing dirty laundry on social media for all to see is not the way to handle a situation.

You may think…well that’s what social media is all about – being social. As a business owner when a company contacts me, one of the first things I do is check out their web presence I look at their website and any social media channels the company may have. If they haven’t posted anything on their Facebook page for 8 months, and I can’t find a solid LinkedIn profile – they may be a good target for me.

But Social Media is also plays a role in finding the right employee. These two situations are true stories. One business was looking for multiple employees in the service industry and the other business was looking for someone in the professional field.

  • Let’s start with the service industry. The business owner posted an opening on the website and various social media channels. She had an individual reach out to her for a potential job. Upon a search in social media, the business owner found the applicant and reviewed her online profile and postings. Not everyone has their settings set that only allow their friends to see what they post. What happens if that friend shares something in their feed about you – or you’re tagged in someone else’s photo? What the owner found was that a potential candidate’s posts were filled with cuss words and inappropriate images. That candidate never made it to the interview phase due to everything she shared online.
  • The second candidate interviewed for a professional position with a prestigious company. The candidate had gone through multiple interviews and felt he would be selected for the position. He thought he had nailed his next job opportunity. However, another individual was selected. The candidate reached back to the person who interviewed him and asked if he could buy him a cup of coffee. Since the candidate was relatively young in his career, he wanted to know where he missed the mark on securing the position. The interviewer met with the young candidate and told him that he actually was the top candidate, however when they checked his social media presence he was always partying, had a drink in his hand and was living the life. That wasn’t the type of individual the company was looking for. The interviewer said to the candidate, that he should clean up his online image. It’s one thing to party, but another to always have photos out there validating what you’re doing on your own time. The majority of his images were that of his activities in party mode.

So…is there a balance? I believe so. For companies – social media is about engagement, sharing ideas, stories and educating their consumers on the latest trends and product developments. For individuals, show diversity – family, friends and thoughts. What you say and how you act online may pop up when you least expect it and could cost you that coveted job! Companies will check your online personality before hiring you so do yourself proud in what you post!

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

blogging-and-social-media

Blogging Tips

by BlogCommunications

Part of marketing success comes from the ability to stay abreast of upcoming trends while using the latest platform to stay in touch with your customers. For many small businesses, you know all too well that your time is limited, as is your budget.

Blogging and giving your social media marketing a personal touch are a great place to start. By keeping your social media up to date with fun posts, while still being informative, can keep your followers engaged.

Company blogs have become an ever increasing trend throughout the business market. While keeping a blog can seem like an overwhelming process, it will help to generate revenue as your audience begins to view you as an expert in the field.

While blogging is time consuming, it is a method to drive traffic to your website and social media page. Research shows that over 50% of companies that blog have gained customers due to the blogging. Many businesses feel that their blog is crucial to the success of the company. Blogging can help to boost search engine rankings, keep your company in the public’s eye and be an industry leader sharing important information.

Target your market with your best content and don’t be afraid to bring in guests for interviews and/or a guest blog. It will add variety to your content and expand external links when posting on your website. Write in-depth, tantalizing tutorials to give away your most valuable ideas — because that’s how you gain leads and win clients.

Social media has become a very popular platform for advertising and reaching your consumers. You cannot afford to become complacent in your efforts on social media. An easy place to start is with Facebook. They offer advertising that can target a specified demographic. This can help you to target your advertising to a specific audience, age range or area where you are most likely to see results. Facebook is always changing their algorithms, so it’s important to create engagement and not just a push of information on your channel.

Depending on the type of business you have, Pinterest and Instagram work well for image heavy products or services. Twitter will work for many different types of businesses and LinkedIn is more focused on business-to-business. Each channel you work with will require you to build your followers. If you’re just starting out, pick one or two channels to start and stay active.

Create a blog and social media schedule and follow the plan. Be different, be opinionated, but most importantly be yourself.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

small-business-marketing

The Strike Zone

by BlogCommunications

The baseball season is fast approaching. Batters know when the ball comes into the strike zone and they take a swing. Home runs happen when there is a connection between the bat and ball. The strike zone never changes – it remains constant. What does change is the pitch. Does it hit the corner of the plate, slide to the outside or come right down the middle.

You may be wondering… what does that have to do with business? When applied in the business application, the strike zone is what causes your customers to open their wallets and purchase. What has changed is how you pitch your services that causes them to take action. Buyers have changed their habits. Look at online shopping versus going to a brick and mortar store.

With the market shifting from more brick and mortar to more of an online presence, it may be time to rethink your pitch. Consumers are becoming more educated than ever when it comes to purchasing new goods or services. Part of your new pitch should include a strong online presence that could also include blogging.

As new generations emerge and the baby boomers become outnumbered in the workforce, it may be time to change your approach as to how you sell business. In today’s economy, many consumers look to the web.

They do this for multiple reasons:

  • Feedback/Reviews. They are looking to see how people have responded to your goods or services. Did they like what they purchased from you or do they feel shortchanged? It’s important to address any negative feedback and attempt to satisfy the customer’s expectations. Acknowledge the issue, show empathy, apologize and then take the problem off-line to provide the customer with a solution.
  • Price Comparison. Many consumers in today’s market will use the internet to price compare. They are looking for product and service reviews along with pricing. Your company may or may not have the lowest price, but you won’t even be in the running if you don’t show up to the race.
  • Convenience. More people are doing the majority of their shopping, even grocery shopping, on sites like Amazon. Many grocery chains now offer online ordering that all a customer needs to do is show up to pick up their goods.

How the game was played a few years ago is different than it is now. If you ask any millennial, they will tell you that they heard about a product, or purchased something online in the last month. As new generations emerge as buyers, in order to stay in the game, it is important to be sure that you are throwing the right pitch to land in their strike zone.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

setting-goals

Are Your Ear Muffs On?

by BlogCommunications

setting-goalsHow well do you hear when your ears are covered? As we endure these cold winter days – are you listening or are you intent in trudging along with status quo? Perhaps you wear hearing aids and realize how much conversation you miss when you don’t have them in. The same is true with your customers. Are you really listening to what makes them buy from you? Do they have wants or needs that you could adjust your business services to meet? It is less costly to nurture your existing customer base rather than go out and find new customers.

With January marking the start of a new business year, there is never a better time to set goals for you and/or your company during the upcoming year. With new goals in mind, talk to your customers. Every business owner should have goals set in order to achieve success.

Setting goals can follow any number of different processes, however it is important to have short term and long-term goals, along with a path of how you plan on getting there. Not only is it important to look at your processes and internal operations, but also forecast sales, how to grow your current customer base and develop new business. Remember that the biggest part of arriving at your destination is knowing which roads to travel to take you there.

Identify your goals. These should be long term, as well as short term goals. Create a project timeline and assign tasks with outcomes and responsible staff. You may have a new service to offer current customers, but don’t have a way to reach out. Create a plan to accomplish that process and forecast sales expectations to go with the plan.

Write down your goals. Putting pen to paper, or marker to the white board makes it real for all to see. If employees are part of the vision for growth, they have more of a buy in to help you achieve the goal. Regular progress updates allow everyone to share in the success of the group effort. Be sure to include both short-term and long-term goals and by all means, cross them off when you accomplish them!

This process demonstrates success and will help the team to feel the sense of accomplishment with the overall company direction. Ultimately the workplace success and team buy in helps to make for a pleasant work environment.

Track your success. As you reach your goals don’t be afraid to celebrate. It can be something as simple as a free lunch, a hand written thank you, a gift card or maybe an extra bonus in the next month’s check. It is important for your employees to see that not only is what they are doing making a difference in the company, but that they will be rewarded when the company succeeds as a whole. By tracking the goal, it becomes more exciting to see that goals are being met.

So TAKE the earmuffs off and put your hearing aids in. LISTEN to your customers and your employees. HEAR what they are telling you. ACT when possible to adjust services to meet their needs. MAKE your company a place where employees want to come to work. ACHIEVE sales success through expanding your offerings to current customers and REACH new markets. BE REALISTIC in setting goals and CELEBRATE success.

We offer a business evaluation and recommendation package. To learn more, email us or call 724-612-0755. Wishing you the best in 2018!

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

business-networking

Network In The New Year

by BlogCommunications

As another year has come and gone it is time reflect and improve upon what you did as a business person this past year and set new goals for 2018. These goals should include steps to learning new things to improve services or personal skills. Networking is an area that is easy to overlook. There are so many events out there – you can network till the cows come home, but are you being effective? Are you involved in groups or events where your referral sources or potential clients may also be? Your sales reach expands by having a well-established network of referral sources both professionally and personally.

Have you ever needed a plumber, electrician, or even a carpenter? When you are in a pinch and don’t know a service provider yourself, who do you ask or what do you do? For most people, the answer is your friends, family, colleagues or more often I see this on social media. How often do you look at Google Reviews or Yelp before buying? Having a solid network of referral sources will help to ensure that you are the person they recommend for the job when the time arises.

Let’s be honest: networking isn’t always at the top of our priority list. Networking is WORK and at times can be awkward, time consuming and usually the last thing you may want to do after you finish up work for the week. In today’s world, third party validation is more valuable than you telling others what you do. When someone else shouts your praises buyers listen.

Millennials have grown up with the internet being just a click away and a cell phone in their hand. Socialization, whether online or in person is more common and easier than ever before. You need to take the time to connect with others, be outspoken about your interests and career goals and build relationships with people you might not otherwise have even met.

There are several things you can do to help make your next networking event a success.

  • Break the ice. It can often be stressful and overwhelming to walk up to stranger and introduce yourself. Have a line ready such as, “What brings you to this event” or “What do you do?” Can help to break the ice and make conversation easier. Truly listen to what they are saying. The initial introduction isn’t the time to “Sell Your Services.” Get to know a bit more about the person and if you think you might be a fit – set up a time to get together for coffee or lunch.
  • Have a purpose. You want to avoid simply collecting business cards. Set a goal for yourself and find a networking event that meets that goal. Perhaps an association or nonprofit event will put you in touch with potential clients or business contacts.
  • Share your goals. This allows you to connect with others who share the same ideas or thoughts as you. Working together with those who share the same goals allows you to benefit from each other, expand your network and reach. I’m certain a colleague will know people you don’t. I belong to a networking group and when someone posts a LinkedIn article, they ask others in the group to share their post. This expands the reach and views of the post.
  • Follow through. If you find that you have clicked with someone at a social networking event be sure to get their contact information and follow up. It never hurts to mention something specific you enjoyed about your encounter with them. I have a process with my digital marketing program that adds these new contacts to my newsletter list. I then touch them once a month with our newsletter.

As you take time to set new goals for the New Year, be sure to set a goal to network in the right venues. Be where potential clients hang out. Gain new referral partners. People do business with those they know, like and trust. Let that person be you!

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.

managing-business-growth

Seasons of Growth

by BlogCommunications

managing-business-growthAs spring changes to summer one of the biggest things you may notice is how all of the plants that were coming to life in April and May have reached their climax. The spring flowers have bloomed, then fallen, the plant has survived and stabilizing itself for the summer. As a business owner, I appreciate this process and feel as though it relates to not only my business, but to businesses everywhere.

The first few years as a business owner are usually pretty rough, struggling to turn a profit and build a client base. Once you do have the base, the flowers fall off and you’ve become stable, knowing that you made it. In my 10 years in business I can fully assure you that this is one of the most gratifying feelings you will experience as a business owner. But now knowing your roots are firmly planted in the ground and you are stable, has it become time to grow?

Every season your business grows or changes you will feel the excitement that you felt as a new business owner. You will realize and appreciate the process of getting through the spring season without getting nipped by the frost and coming out the other side bigger and better than you were prior to growth. Before making the decision to grow, you need to answer a few important questions and set a business plan in place.

This process is similar to how you trim back your bushes each year and let them grow in the areas you want to expand.

  1. Plan. What is the worst thing that could happen in growing the business, whether your growth involves a new employee, expanding your office or a whole new location all-together? Having a back-up plan for the “what if” is important to planning your growth.
  2. Expectations. What are your expectations for the growth you have planned? Be sure to lay out short-range, mid-range, and long-range goals.
  3. Outcomes. You need to be optimistic. Plan for how you will handle the potential growth and what you will do to keep up with growing business. Adding a new location is not the only part of growing business, you need to have a plan on how to keep your reputation up and handle the growth.

Building your team and getting them on board is the next step. Having the right staff on board will determine the level of your success. Share your growth plans with your team so they understand your dream, and have their buy in for helping you achieve your goals.

Planning for the growth both financially and by building the right team will help to ensure your success through your next seasons of business!

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.

Edmiston Group

Planning Your Vacation

by BlogCommunications

Edmiston GroupSummer time is quickly approaching, and the kids will soon be done with school. This means that it is time for your family vacation right? As many small business owners know this is easier said than done.

As a business owner myself, I find it challenging to go away on vacation and not be constantly checking my phone, or my email to make sure there are no emergencies. But, I have a good team and I have found with proper planning, you too can learn to enjoy your vacation away from work.

Preparing for your vacation well in advance is one the biggest steps to enjoying your vacation this summer. If you are like many small business owners with less than 10 employees, your absence may feel like an emergency is just around the corner. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Create a set of contingencies and give your staff the power to handle what comes up.

Prepare and train your employees.

One thing is always certain when it comes to emergencies, they will happen at the most inopportune moments, like… when you are away on vacation. These emergencies can be handled by your employees if they are trained and have all the information they need to know on how to handle the situation. The following information will help them to handle the emergency and prevent it from making its way into your vacation.

From A Physical Plant Perspective.
  • List of all contractors you use for plumbing, electrical, computer, internet, or other services that are pertinent to your business.
  • At what level of emergency do you wish to be notified? Simple problems such as a leaky sink are not an issue, however a major fire is something that you should be called over.
  • Name and number of your business insurance provider.

Empowering your employees to make not only simple decisions, but larger ones as well, will better allow them to handle an emergency when it arises.

Client Management.

Another step to being able to enjoy your vacation, is to notify your clients well in advance as to when you will be out of town. If you are your only employee they will need to know that you will be unreachable and how long you will be out of town.

The next part of managing your clients while you are out of town is to work ahead. Complete any work that can be accomplished in advance. This will help to reduce catch up when you get back to the office.

If you have a client that typically works with you over other employees, take time to assign an employee who you feel will work well with them and give the proper introductions to the employee. Also be sure the client knows when you will be gone, and that your employee is more than capable of completing the tasks you normally preform.

Lastly, always give yourself a few extra days after you get back. Having a day or two in the office while everyone still thinks your out will give you time to get caught up without the distraction of the phone ringing or your email pinging.

As a business owner it is important to take your time to recharge your batteries and unwind. Proper planning with not only your employees but also with your clients will help to make this possible.

It’s almost time for me to stick my toes in the sand! But don’t worry, I have things covered.

About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.