Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s….

We headed down to Ayrshire yesterday.

We’ve had our caravan at Craig Tara for as long as I can remember now and we’ve pretty much decided to move it. Craig Tara is great for kids and those who want a beer drinking, nightclub-by, dancing and partying sort of holiday. Hang on though, I’m not saying that everyone who stays there does any or all of those things but that’s the kind of facilities that they offer and which we end up paying for as part of the annual site fees whether you want it or not.

We don’t, so we’re thinking of moving. We love Ayrshire now so we want to stay in the “shire” by the sea and we’ve found what could be the ideal spot – no holiday lettings; friends and family only. I’m not telling you what it’s called – I don’t want you getting there first! I promise though, when we move to let you into the secret.

Anyhow, on the way back up to Saltcoats to get a new bed for Moscow, our Big Black Daft Russian Terrier, we noticed, as we passed the big roundabout at Ayr on the A77, cars stopped in every lay-by, people out standing on the grass verge in our beautiful summer rain. Every slip road, country lane, every nook and cranny was filled with cars and people looking to the sky.

Maybe Airforce 1 is due to land at Prestwick (or as it’s known, Glasgow Prestwick International) Airport? Maybe the alien invasion is starting? Maybe our troops are coming home from Afghanistan?

We eventually pulled in at the next big roundabout and Maureen, my wife, got out and asked a person standing with his eyes, ears and binoculars all trained at the grey, low cloud that was Ayrshire on Saturday, 5^th September 2009.

“We’re waiting for the new Airbus 380. 500 seater. Can you imagine it”, he said, “a 500 seater?”

I couldn’t. But I didn’t have to wait too long: it flew over us a few minutes later what seemed like just 500 feet up in the air, did a major left hand turn over the airport and another loop round before flying off towards Northern Ireland. I think it had escaped from the Airshow at Portrush we’d heard about on the BBC Ulster travel report earlier that day. Since you missed it, here’s it’s picture in Emirates colours we saw it in Airbus colours.

500 seater, you know….!

JohnF

Because it’s there!

It’s great to get a holiday.

I’m writing this in Newcastle-Gateshead, looking across the River Tyne and about 50 yards from the Tyne Bridge. I met Forbes who is a business coach on Tuesday at 6pm as I was leaving work and mentioned to him that was me off on holiday now. “Newcastle?”, he said, “Why Newcastle?”. I quickly quipped back, “Because it’s there.” Actually I  knew why it was Newcastle – because my wife had got a really great deal at the Gateshead Hilton on the internet. And, actually, I do like Newcastle and the North East of England there is loads to do and see and Whitby, the Largs of the North East, is a great wee town.

Years ago I used to hate going on holiday and leaving all that lovely work behind but one thing I know now is that it will still be there when I get back but not only that, Fiona does a great job in looking after the shop when I’m gone and ensures that things get done when I’m away. So I worry less now and can get straight into the holiday spirit from Day One.

So for a number of reasons, the one thing you should do in business is go on holiday at least once a year:

1. You need to get a break. No one can really work full-on for 12 months and still be 100% effective.
2. If you’ve got a team working for you, let them do that for you. Give them some objectives, rules and guidance beforehand and then go. If this still worries you get a good business coach – call Forbes on 0141 550 5518. If you are a lonesome sole trader – literally – just tell your customers you are going on holiday. They will understand.
3. Your family needs you

Don’t write back and tell me “That’s all very well for you, my business just won’t let me do that(!)” . Who’s in charge: you or the business?

….and if you don’t watch out I’ll introduce you to Forbes and a brilliant wee book “The e-myth”.

“Why?”, I hear you say.

“Because they’re there……..”

Happy holidays

JohnF