For some, summer is a time to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the things that matter most. Time with friends and family, long days doing nothing, and reading a good book are the only things on their to-do list. But if you’re the type of person who is always involved, and forever leading a group, team, or event, summer can be just another whirlwind of planning, execution, and follow up. Admit it: It’s no fun. Even if you’re are the type of person who likes to stay busy, you still need time to unwind. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy what you love the most (and don’t say event planning!) is important, so you can go back to leading an organization, group, or event successfully. This probably makes you uncomfortable, but it can be done. You’ll be a better version of yourself if you put the vacation back in summer. Yes, teams are still competing, events are still being run, and fundraisers are still important during the summer months. But you can easily automate some of your tasks ahead of time, or create a blueprint so you aren’t working all the time. If you haven’t tried putting the following tasks on autopilot yet, now’s the time. 1. Schedule communications (social media, email, or text) This way you can strategically connect your communications to build on one another and create a stronger message. The best part about this—if you schedule your communications a month ahead of time, you only need to do this once a month. 2. Asking members to keep the conversation going Reach out to attendees of your next event or team members and ask them to post on social media for a period of time. This will keep your organization in front of people, without you doing all the work. The downside of this is giving up some control, but the upside is creating authentic enthusiasm and excitement around what you are trying to accomplish. 3. Create a copy of a site page This sounds simple, but creating template designs is different from creating an entire copy of a site page. The benefit is recreating a site page without overwriting your existing one. Having the option to copy an entire donation site, event site, online survey, or payment form will save you time and give you some breathing space when you need it most. 4. Delegate admin responsibilities Assigning others with admin tasks and defining their roles by differentiating their access by function and privilege gives you a break… and peace of mind. For example, give someone access to manage your group communications without giving them access to your group’s bank account data. You can use these ideas all year if you want, or only when you need them. The most important thing to consider is your sanity. Taking time to refresh your mind and spirit—especially in the summer—will help you to come back to your responsibilities with renewed energy and commitment. You may be the Energizer Bunny, but even he needs to change his batteries now and then! So, as the days of summer get warmer, think about what you need to do to put vacation back into summer. Make lists if you have to! But most importantly, make a commitment to take some time off, rest, and renew. “There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” –Alan Cohen Learn more at memberplanet.com.
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