Yes, summer is here and as a woman entrepreneur, afraid to leave control for even a minute, you finally feel as though you must take a break. With any luck and a lot of good planning, you have managed to staff your business while you take that much needed vacation. My question is: "Who is minding the store while you take that deserved rest?

One of the most important lessons I learned as a CEO is that others don't care as much about your business as you do! Of course they don't, and why should they, since they don't have any skin in the game! Let me be very clear here, it doesn't matter what size business you have. A startup business needs its founder every minute of the day and night. But, that doesn't mean that the growing business doesn't require the same attention. Many people will tell you that you are not indispensable and that you are too egotistical to believe that you are so important that the company cannot run without you. BUT...be aware, if you have not taken the time to find the right people to have your back... you'll notice I didn't say back you up...you better know that you are needed to keep your business going even in the lazy, days of summer. Unfortunately, customers expect the businesses that they do business with to be ready almost 24/7 to deal with the issues that develop during the relationship. In other words, it doesn't matter if you are B2C or B2B, your customers expect 100% while doing business with you.

So, again I ask you: "Who is minding the store while you are on vacation/rest?"

As a business coach, I know that the biggest issue plaguing my clients is employees. Even great CEOs find it hard to manage employees as their needs and wants are never congruent with the wants and needs of the CEO. If this sounds complicated to you then it is because you haven't realized that as the owner of the company you have a completely different relationship with the business than even the highest paid member of your staff. Yes, many startups find a second or third person to come onboard at an exceptional high salary and then expect that employee to be happy and compliant. Of course, said employee may be taking home a big paycheck but (s)he continues to feel second class as (s)he has no say in operations and more.

Hopefully, at least one person reading this blog sees themselves in this scenario. Titles don't really matter in companies, but ownership does. So, as a woman entrepreneur never forget the importance you play as owner, founder and CEO. Running a company of any size is a big deal.... or a big f---g deal as Joe Biden might say. So take your role seriously and before leaving on vacation...because, yes you do deserve it....make sure the RIGHT people are minding the store. I promise you that if you don't you'll come back to more chaos and mess than any blog can describe. I have seen it so don't let this happen to you.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and from one woman entrepreneur to another... cheers to your success!