What would happen if you decided to take an extended vacation? Would you still have the same business results when you returned?

I met a business owner recently who told me an interesting story. His business was 15 years old and he had approximately 50 employees. A couple of years ago, he decided to take a vacation to Europe for a month. After all, his business had turned a profit every month for 13 years. He deserved it.

Off he went to enjoy the fruits of his many years of labor. He had a grand time knowing all was well back home. But on his return, he discovered all was not well. For the first time in 13 years his company lost money while he was gone.

How could that be? He had 50 employees to keep things going while he was gone. Why did he lose money?

The sad truth is that even though he had many employees to accomplish the work of his business, he was such an integral part of everything that got done that the business couldn't run without him.

Think about it. Can your business run without you?

Whether you're currently a business of one or 100, now is not too soon to make sure it will. Identify the steps you can take to help your business be successful whether you're sitting in your office or relaxing several thousand miles away.

Denise O'Berry helps small business owners identify and execute the steps to grow their business. Visit http://www.smallbiz-bootcamp.com for small business building tools.