One of the best things about travel is that it reminds you of what you love about home. When you come back, you see everything familiar through fresh eyes.
You can assess the good and bad aspects of your environment compared to others, making changes where needed while developing a deeper appreciation of the good things you have.
This can be applied to work, too.
Getting away lets us see things with fresh eyes. We can be more creative when pulled from our norms.
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, putting out fires, managing teams, dealing with clients — it's constant work. But when was the last time you stepped back and really looked at your business with fresh eyes?
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That's where vacations come in. And I'm not just talking about sipping a cool drink on a warm beach (although that sounds pretty great right now). I'm talking about the benefits of time off on your creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Science of Recharging
Numerous studies have shown the cognitive benefits of taking breaks. When you're constantly focused on a task, your brain gets tired. You start to lose focus, make more mistakes, and feel burned out. But when you step away, even briefly, you give your brain a chance to recharge.
During periods of relaxation, your brain switches into a different mode. It starts to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This is often when those "aha" moments strike — in the shower, on a walk, or even on vacation.
My husband and I love the "aha!" It's one of the joys of life— that moment when we know we're on to something special.
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Vacation Eureka Moments
Some of the world's greatest inventions and business ideas were born from vacation insights. Did you know that the idea for Instagram came to co-founder Kevin Systrom while he was on vacation in Mexico? Or that Lin-Manuel Miranda came up with the idea for Hamilton while reading a book on a beach vacation?
These are just a couple of examples, but the point is clear: stepping away from the daily grind and immersing yourself in new experiences can spark innovation.
Structuring Your Vacation for Inspiration
So, how can you increase your chances of the vacation "aha?" Here are a few tips:
- Choose a destination that's different from your norm. If you usually vacation at the beach, try a city getaway or a mountain retreat. New environments spark new thoughts.
- Unplug as much as possible. Resist the urge to check email or take work calls. Give your brain a proper break.
- Engage in activities that let your mind wander. Take a long hike, swim, or sit and people-watch. Let your thoughts flow freely.
- Keep a journal or note-taking app handy. When ideas strike, jot them down. You never know which one could be your next big breakthrough.
The VE Vacation Safety Net
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "This all sounds great, Anne, but I can't just abandon my business for a week!" I hear you. The thought of stepping away can be stressful, especially if you're used to being the one holding everything together.
But that's where HireSmart's virtual employees come in. Our skilled, reliable VEs can help keep things running smoothly while you're away, giving you the peace of mind to unplug and let your mind wander.
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Imagine taking that dream vacation, knowing that your customers are being taken care of, your projects are moving forward, and your business is in good hands. That's the power of having a solid VE team in your corner.
I've worked for over a decade perfecting the process of finding the best virtual office employees in the Philippines, where the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. You're billed just $9.50 per hour worked, which allows you to scale your business with quality employees at a less expensive rate.
These are quality employees. We find and evaluate talent, and we're the tops in the industry with an over 97 percent successful placement rate. We learn your needs, then find three employees who match that specific skill set. You meet all three, pick one, and we spend a week training that employee about your industry so they understand the terminology and the basics before onboarding with you.
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Our certification process is our key to success. It allows us to ensure VEs have the necessary skills and talent to serve our clients. We have live trainers, including myself, so we can easily evaluate their skills. We track our success and adapt as needed. If I wouldn't hire a candidate for my company, they won't be processed through to our clients.
"I would like to credit my virtual employees' success directly related to HireSmart going in and giving that one week of HOA training on the front side, prepping them and preparing them for what this world looks like on our side because, for a lot of folks, HOA is very new," said Philessia, whose company partners with HireSmart. "So that one-week training HireSmart gives really sets them up for success on our side."
HireSmart was an "aha" moment for my husband and me, born of a vacation story. We love being the "aha" for others, too. We've been that hundreds of times, and it's always so fun. We'd love to be that for you, too!
Click here to set up a time to talk at your convenience.
Cheers!
Anne + The HireSmart Team