copywriting abroad

I needed a change of scenery in a big way.

Earlier this year I was trying to balance a full load of Cafe Writer projects, work with copywriters here in the Café on their businesses, plan for a Big Ideas Retreat™ in the fall, and get ready to play tour guide for the first time ever.

Somehow I managed to get it all done before I left for South America on July 8.

And after a successful 10-day tour with 14 people on board, and a welcome respite from the daily grind, I’m happy to report that I never felt better.

Without trying, I lost five pounds (happens every time I go to Ecuador) and an inch off my waist.

My head was clear again after spending a few days alone, after the tour, working on my business plan for the fourth quarter.

I added resources to the Café Writer Premier community, got the retreat itinerary finalized, and laid the groundwork for a couple other projects I’ll be working on next year.

Your Business Escape Plan

Why am I telling you all this?

Because sometimes we all need to get away, push the re-set button, and re-calibrate.

Whether it’s buzzing off to Ecuador for a few weeks or months (easier than you might think), holing up in a cabin in the woods for a few days (my second choice), or even hopping on a plane for two days and getting a hotel room, which I just did in San Diego, I highly recommend getting away from it all to work on your business.

For now, at the end of the year, let me suggest these 5 things:

1. Decide to step back to evaluate where you’re going.

2. Take some time to assess your situation.

Don’t rush it. This process could take days or weeks, and it requires some serious contemplation.

3. Get out of your normal surroundings.

Even if you have to get a hotel room in your own hometown, do whatever it takes to be able to focus without the normal distractions of home. For me, Quito, Ecuador, always fits the bill.

4. Think of the Big Picture and long-term.

The whole time I was in Ecuador, I had a vision of how I wanted things to be 5, 10, 15 years from now.

Don’t get me wrong, I have 3- and 6-month goals, too, but I always keep the Grand Plan in mind.

5. Do it in style.

Big plans, big dreams need a big getaway. Every Big Idea I’ve ever launched started in a fitting place – the Rhine River in Germany, the pyramids at Giza, the birthplace of the tango (Buenos Aires), or my favorite city of all, Paris.

Could you use a re-set in your business or your life?

Tell me one thing you’d like to change, and one place you’d like to go to do it. Leave a quick note below so others can get inspired, and to maybe hold yourself accountable.

Don’t have time for a Business Escape now? Still want to get a jump-start on next year before everyone else jumps in? Let’s talk.

Steve Roller

Author Steve Roller

I'm a business coach, author, copywriter, world traveler (33 countries on five continents so far), and professional speaker. In addition to helping companies get more customers and make more money, I help other writers create profitable businesses. I offer one-on-one coaching, professional copy critiques, and live, in-person business-building workshops. When I'm not writing, coaching, or speaking, I enjoy nothing more than hanging out with my wife and four kids and planning my next adventure.

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