I, for one, am not ashamed to say that I need a vacation. Along with 2-hour mid-day naps like the Italians. But anyway…

I thought I’d look up the benefits of vacationing to justify this need to get away from work for awhile. Consider this my gift to you;  share these facts with your bosses (or with your little inner boss if you’re self-employed like me!).

Besides the obvious stress-relieving benefits of a little down time, taking a vacation inspires creativity, strengthens bonds with loved ones, and leads to a higher quality of work on the job, according to Dr. Elizabeth Scott, About.com Health Guide. Those are good enough reasons for me!

Can you play well with others? If not, you may be on the fast track to failure. I’ve been reminded of this while working alongside a fantastic group of nonprofit partners in Milledgeville, GA. These leaders have been working well with each other for years, planning programs, reducing redundant service, and supporting each other in their quest for a better community and a sustainable future.

Last week, this group was presented with the opportunity of using their well-established partnerships for a very large collaborative grant. If the grant is awarded, each of the organizations will benefit. Had they not collaborated, none of them would have had a shot at the grant, and it would’ve been impossible to bring this amazing new program that they’ve designed to the community.

My business has also been able to realize opportunities through collaboration with other local businesses. This Wednesday, Goebel Media Group and Leia Eubanks Consulting are launching a new service for small businesses and organizations in Central Georgia. If you would like to learn more, join us for a Lunch & Learn session, “Business Blogging:  How Your Small Town Business Can Build a BIG Online Presence,” at the Knight Community Innovation Center (127 W. Hancock St. in Milledgeville, next to the Campus Theatre) from 12:00-1:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend the session, but please RSVP to leia@leiaeubanksconsulting.com. The event is sponsored by Digital Bridges, a venture of Georgia College & State University with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.