Blueprint for Design

So, you started your own business. You went out and left corporate America. Ventured into open waters. You can do it. Stay focused. Get clients. Meet deadlines. Get paid. If all goes well, but what happens if you get sick? Catch a cold or the dreaded flu and you’re out. Or, you have an accident. Maybe learning to juggle just didn’t pan out. What do you do when you need a time out?

Before Independence

Back when you worked for someone else, it was easy. Okay, maybe not easy, but you were covered. Call in, someone picked up the slack and got it done. Maybe you got an uneasy call a few hours after calling in, asking questions, but someone was there.

After the Leap

Now, it’s all you. You take the calls. Answer e-mails. Sharpen pencils. Make appointments. Networker. You’re head of production and design. You oversee finances. And, sign your own checks…figuratively.

What happens when you need a timeout? Either for yourself or to take care of someone else. If YOU aren’t working, who will? How can you handle the unexpected?

Sick Plan

Though I do refer to some of my plans as being “Sick.” In this case, I’m referring to all the self-employed to have a backup plan…a Plan B.

Depending on your profession, find someone you can rely on. A colleague who has your back. Someone you can trust to promote and defend you while you’re out. A person who won’t back stab. Who won’t look for an opportunity to take over a client. Just come in, do what’s needed and keep you INFORMED. Don’t forget, knowledge is key. So, make a friend out there.

Have consultants lined up, just in case you need to call them in to help at a moment’s notice.

Honesty

Be honest.  Communicate as much as you can to your team and clients! If you disappear, make sure you physically speak to a colleague as soon as you can. Sometimes, we have to miss meetings and deadlines. Finding out why after it happened can be harder for someone to take than just letting them know beforehand.

Stay Healthy

If you can help it, stay healthy. Improve your odds of not getting sick or hurt in the first place. Get rest. Eat sorta right. And all the other stuff people way smarter than me say about being healthy.

What do you do when you have to take a sick day?

photo credit: Scuddr