Small Business Vacations: A Source of Innovation

Vacation season is quickly approaching for employees and business owner's alike. Have you planned a vacation this year? Despite economic challenges, the same percentage of small business owners as last year (59%) are planning a summer vacation of at least a week this year, according to American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey of business owners and company managers. For the other 40% of entrepreneurs not planning a vacation, you may want to consider how a vacation can be a source of innovation in your business.

During a horse ride while on vacation, Hyperion software CEO, Godfrey Sullivan, was struck with the idea to create a corporate program to help employees deal with escalating gas prices. Godfrey offered a $5,000 incentive to employee who bought a hybrid car. His eureka idea wouldn't of occurred without some vital downtime.