"When I am out of town, I have two employees that help cover the store. Any wedding stationery that is due, I schedule to be finished before I leave. If the store cannot be adequately covered, we'll occasionally go to limited hours during my absence (however, this is never my first choice). I then send an e-mail to our clients who have signed our guest book with the dates and hours of the change, and post a sign with these hours on the door. I have never had to close the store completely during my absence." Shannah French, Owner and President, Any Occasion, Inc., Chesterfield, MO
"Store coverage is always one of the hardest parts of being your own boss. I was fortunate enough to have the help of my parents for many years. Now it is a bit tougher, and more pre-planning is required to verify that there is adequate staff for coverage. Another downfall is that in this economy with downsizing staff, it makes it difficult to cover all hours. I have been forced to close my store on a few occasions for family events, etc. All of my customers have been more than understanding, since I really make the effort to let them know in advance what dates I may have to close." Paige Quillin, Owner, Greetings and Salutations, Alexandria, VA
"Because I am very flexible when employees want to take time off, they are flexible when I plan to be gone, and they know they can adjust their schedules to add extra coverage if needed. I have two staff members who are capable of temporarily running the store, and our bookkeeper is authorized to sign paychecks, so I don't worry when I am out of town. I leave a typed memo of pending jobs and deadlines, and because we have a staff meeting at least three mornings a week, everyone is pretty well aware of things to be done. I take a cell phone and can access e-mails, so I can be reached in an emergency." Edie Frere, President, Landis Gifts & Stationery, Los Angeles, CA
"I just returned from a seven-day cruise and was fortunate to have two very reliable employees on whom I could depend. I only called the office once and felt very comfortable in knowing that things were being taken care of professionally. Prior to leaving, I did let any clients with a pending order know that I would be gone and that they would be in good hands. Clients do appreciate this warning – very important to let them know you care about them. I had left a message on my machine saying that evening and Saturday hours would not be held, but one of my employees without my asking came in on the two Saturdays and some evenings to accommodate those clients that needed help. Having dependable employees is one of the most important factors in having a successful business and giving an employer peace of mind when leaving for vacation." Elaine A. Barker, Owner Paper Potpourri, Haverhill, MA
"Before I leave to go out of town, I try to make sure that my manager will be available while I'm gone. I spend a lot of time making sure that orders have been placed and decisions have been made and the fires are put out, and that she is brought up to date on outstanding things/issues. I always have a cell phone and can be contacted immediately if there is an issue. My staff is not a new staff and, for the most part, they know what to do and how to keep the place rocking! While I was out of the country a couple of years ago, I used the Internet to keep up with happenings in the store, and they could reach me if necessary."
Eileen Hays Wallace, Owner, Write-On Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
