Whether you operate as an online or offline small business owner, the following quoted information will be interesting to read. You can get the full details at the link stated below for further reading.
“SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ‘NOT GUILTY!’ ABOUT GETTING AWAY THIS SUMMER BUT WON'T ESCAPE WORRY-FREE, ACCORDING TO OPEN FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS SURVEY”
”Fewer Plan to Take a Week or More Off - First Drop in Four Years; Advice on Preparing Staff From Small Business Expert and Regional Data
NEW YORK, May 17, 2007 -- Fewer small business owners expect to take a summer vacation of at least a week this year (59% vs. average of 67% over last four years), but those who do plan a break aren't likely to feel guilty about it, according to the OPEN from American Express Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey of business owners. Though 72% say they get away guilt-free, the majority of those surveyed (65%) admit they worry about their business while on vacation.
What do nearly 60% of small business owners worry about? Their staff -- chief among their concerns while vacationing are that an important client or customer won't get the level of service they are accustomed to receiving (39%), followed by staff judgment calls (26%); slacking off (25%); and who will manage their business while they are away (22%). Interestingly, more women business owners are concerned about their staff's judgment calls than their male counterparts (30% vs. 21%), and more women owners worry about employees slacking off in their absence (27% vs. 20% men business owners).
"Small business owners are optimists by nature -- in fact, the survey shows that 87% see the glass as half full," said Alice Bredin, OPEN from American Express small business advisor. "But when they're not in the driver's seat, even if for a few days, they often can't relax."
On average, three-quarters of small business owners (75%) say they check in either by phone or email with their business while away. Thirty-two percent check in several times a day, with some touching base as often as once an hour. An impressive 21% are able to resist the temptation to check in at all.”
For further reading, please visit the following website:
http://home3.americanexpress.com/corp/pc/2007/open_summer.asp