It's one week till Memorial day so if you're taking an extended weekend make sure to do a quick little checklist that will have next week you thanking this week you. 

✅ set your socials and email up with an auto reply. keep is SUPER SIMPLE, just something like "Hi, I'm out of the salon for a few days, but I just wanted you to know I got your message and all inquiries will be responded to on (whatever day you're back)."

That sets a firm and clear boundary, and manages expectations all at once.

• Here are step by step instructions for how to set up an auto reply for Instagram or Facebook (Meta). You'll need to use the meta business manager. 
• Step 1: Open Meta Business Suite and get the admin access.
• Step 2: Choose Inbox option.
• Step 3: Select Instagram (or both)
• Step 4: Choose Instant reply.
• Step 5: Switch On the Instant reply button.
• Step 6: Setup your response. 

How to set up an auto- responder for email

For email, google "out of office auto reply for [your specific email provider" or enter this prompt into chat gpt: "give me step by step instructions to set up an out of office auto reply for [whatever email you use].

For example, here are step by step instructions for how to set up an out of office auto reply in gmail:

1. Open your Gmail account on your computer.

2. Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the page, and then click "See all settings".

3. Go to the "General" tab.

4. Scroll down to the "Vacation responder" section.

5. Select "Vacation responder on".

6. Fill in the date range, subject, and message.

   • For the date range, you can set it to start immediately, or you can specify a start and end date.

   • In the "Subject" field, enter the subject of your auto-response message. For example, you could write "Out of Office" or "Automatic Reply".

   • In the "Message" field, enter the body of your auto-response message. This is the message that will be automatically sent in response to incoming emails.

7. You can decide to only send a response to people in your contacts by checking the box "Only send a response to people in my Contacts".

8. Click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the page.

Now, anyone who emails you during the time period you've specified will receive the auto-reply message you've set up.

Auto replies are great even for daily use. Managing expectations and clear communication are a benchmark of excellent customer service, and auto replies that do just that help maintain the sustainability of your business as a solopreneur (or any type of entrepreneur).