Enjoy a profitable vacation 🏖️


Hi Reader

Recently I took a 3-week holiday and didn't stress about work.

Something I never thought possible a few years ago.

But after a few hectic months, I desperately needed to switch off.

The idea of being without my laptop for three weeks initially made me nervous, but it was well worth it. The holiday was stress-free, relaxing, and even a bit profitable.

Here's how:

#1 Don't leave it until the last minute

Planning is key. I always say this but still wait until the last minute to get everything done - but not this time! I started creating & scheduling content 2 months ahead. I used a mix of new ideas, repurposed content and "easier" content like quotes to make the process smoother.

For clients, I told them three months ahead, then reminded them again two months before, one month before, the week before, and finally the day before. Overkill? Maybe, but at least they knew.

#2 Give yourself a buffer week on return

We all know the feeling of "I need another holiday to relax from my holiday". Holidays can be exhausting and I didn't want to drag myself into meetings with crazy jetlag the week after. So I planned nothing for that week so I could ease back into work, without the stress.

#3 Hire a VA

If it makes sense for your business, hire a virtual assistant. Before my trip, I made sure my VA was well-prepped to work on my business in my absence. She focused on lead-gen activities and helped with some unforeseen client website updates - meaning I still made money while on the beach, with a coconut 🏖️

I am using Premier Buzz Marketing and they have been great so far! If you do sign up, please mention my name 😊

"Rest nurtures creativity, which nurtures activity"

As important as your business is, remember that you need to take a break sometimes or you will burn yourself out. Hopefully, you can use these tips the next time you need a break.

Any questions? Hit reply and let's chat!

Until next time, have a wonderful week!

Kat 🪴


P.S. Want to share with a friend? Here's the link to subscribe.

P.P.S. Thank you for reading - it means a lot to me. But your time is valuable and I respect that. If these emails ever turn into a burden, please unsubscribe.

Kat Irwin Design

Weekly emails to help you grow a more intentional business. Practical insights on clients, confidence and clarity. Simple ideas, big impact. Ready to make your impact?

Read more from Kat Irwin Design

👋 Hi Reader Because I don’t talk about it enough… here’s what I do for my clients.I’m a UX turned Web & Brand designer helping tell the stories that matter.I work with change makers to clarify their mission, translate that into a visual brand & build a website to support it.Here's how:1️⃣ Website Refresh or RedesignYou've been in business a while, and have a website but: → It’s old, DIY-ed or doesn’t reflect the work→ Its not bringing in any clients→ You're embarrassed to share it We discover...

👋 Hi Reader Recently someone booked a discovery call with me. And when I read the responses to the pre-call questions, I almost cancelled. There were a lot of specific instructions. And a tight deadline. I could already feel that this project could be a nightmare… But I thought I’d give the call a go anyway - I could always say no. On the call, they seemed kind - stressed, but reasonable. So I decided to gently set some boundaries and explain that while I absolutely respect her input, she...

👋 Hi Reader Freelancing gets easier when you know who you are. When I first started freelancing as a UX Designer, I thought I had to fit into a box - minimal, slick and corporate. Not me at all. And this made it impossible to find clients. I had no idea how to even start a conversation, let alone sell to them. But then, after taking steps to find my focus it all changed. Now, 4 years later, I work with clients that I enjoy speaking to, on projects that get me excited. And you can too... I’ve...