The end of another year… almost

Those of my readers who mix in the social media circles or forums to which I belong will know I had an accident on 12th December.  The rest of you probably don’t.   Rather than repeat it all here I encourage you to visit my photography blog to read all about it. Because, after all, I was out on a photowalk when it happened.  And if you subscribe (email) to that blog before end 31st December, you will go into a draw for a free print – I draw a prize each month at my photography blog.

The short story is I broke my leg in two places, had to have surgery and returned home after a week in hospital. I’m now on crutches (or a frame, depending on how I feel at the time) till end of January.  🙁  Not a good end to a year or a good start to a new one, hey?

So, how has this affected my business?  Hopefully, not a great deal. I had planned on taking leave over the Christmas/New Year break (I hate that word now) anyway, to spend time with my husband. We had planned on going on drives and walks, but that idea has been struck down.  Instead we both have long lie ins in the morning in bed and are rarely at the top end of the house (where the office is) till close to lunch time.  Graham is due to return to work 9th January, although he has been working at home for most of this year, recovering from his own accident back in April.  We’re hoping his employer will agree to him staying home till end of January as I expect to be back on my own two feet again then.

I notified my clients as quickly as I could and most were winding down for the year anyway.  I have a few small outstanding jobs to do which I plan to do today and then I can start afresh in the new year.

But what would you do if this happened to you? Do you have a team of VAs to refer to if you need backup support (I do).  Do you have one person you can divert your phone to in case of emergency? (thankfully I do).Are you able to contact clients quickly or do you have a contact list readily available for family, friends or colleagues to make contact on your behalf?  And would your clients be understanding if you need to have urgent time off?

These are things to think about in your business. No-one likes to take ill, or have an injury, but unplanned things do happen.  Make sure, when you set your goals and plans for the new year, you also include a plan of action in case something unexpectedly comes up.  You owe that to your business and your clients.

Have a Happy New Year!