If you’re the CEO of a small business, chances are you’re drowning in the day-to-day tasks of running your company. From managing employees to solving customer problems, it’s easy to get caught in the grind and forget about the bigger picture. The constant demands can make it feel like you never have time to think about your company’s future — much less plan for it.
But what if you could hit pause on the chaos, step away from the business for a little while, and truly focus on your vision for your company? That’s where a CEO retreat comes in.
A CEO retreat is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my business, and I truly believe every entrepreneur should experience it. It’s a designated time to reconnect with your company, reflect on your goals, and gain the clarity you need to propel your business forward.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the details of planning your own CEO retreat — from where to go and how to structure your time, to how to make the most of this powerful, soul-restoring experience.
1. Pick the Right Location for Your CEO Retreat
The first thing you need to do when planning your retreat is to choose a location outside of your normal work environment. This is key for helping you fully disconnect from the day-to-day grind.
Book a hotel or an Airbnb that’s far enough away from your office or home that it truly feels like a getaway. Whether you choose something modest or a more luxurious setting, the important thing is that it’s in a neutral, inspiring environment where you can clear your mind and focus on the future of your business.
Pro Tip: Choose a location that’s far enough away that you’re not tempted to pop back to the office to put out fires. This retreat is about stepping away and giving yourself the space to think big.
2. Set Aside Two Nights — Not Just One
You might think one night away is enough, but trust me, it’s not. You need at least two nights to really get into a deep, productive mindset. Between check-in and checkout times, eating three meals a day, and giving yourself time to truly think, two nights will give you the time and space you need.
If you’re a parent or have a busy home life, having two full nights to sleep uninterrupted can be a game-changer. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your big-picture goals.
3. Set Your Intentions Before You Arrive
Before you even leave for your retreat, think about what you want to accomplish during this time. What’s your ultimate goal? Do you need to plan next year’s goals? Come up with a new marketing strategy? Solve a major issue like employee retention or profitability?
Knowing your intentions will help you stay focused during your retreat and give you a clear objective to work toward. You’re not just going to sit in a hotel room and think; you want a tangible outcome from your retreat.
Pro Tip: Block your time on the calendar. If you have multiple things you want to focus on, dedicate specific blocks of time for each. This helps keep you on track and ensures you accomplish your objectives.
4. Bring the Right Tools to Get Your Creativity Flowing
While it might be tempting to just bring your laptop, your CEO retreat is the perfect time to tap into your creative side and think outside the box. This is big picture thinking time!
Bring a variety of tools to help you brainstorm: a whiteboard, sticky notes, notebooks, whatever you need to get ideas down. Physically writing things out engages a different part of your brain compared to typing on a keyboard, so this is a great way to tap into your creative flow.
Get your ideas out of your head and onto paper — and don’t forget to experiment with different methods. Maybe one idea flows better on a whiteboard, while another might come to life in a notebook. Do whatever it takes to get your thoughts on paper and start making connections.
5. Silence Your Notifications (Yes, All of Them!)
One of the hardest things to do as a small business CEO is disconnecting completely. But a CEO retreat is not a time for answering emails or jumping into Slack channels. This is your time to focus on the future of your business — not put out fires.
Make sure your team knows you’ll be completely unavailable, and set up emergency protocols so your absence won’t throw the business into chaos. If you have a trusted team, they can handle things while you’re away, and you’ll return with a fresh perspective.
Set expectations with your family as well. Let them know when they can expect to hear from you, and plan a quick check-in at the end of the day, if needed. This helps ensure everyone knows you’re safe, but it also keeps your time focused on your retreat.
6. Set the Stage for Creative Thinking
When you sit down to work, start by asking yourself thought-provoking questions to help you think big. Here are a few prompts I love:
- Describe your ideal workday. What does your perfect day as a CEO look like?
- What does your business look like in 10 years? What are you doing? What income are you generating? Who are your customers?
- What are your biggest challenges, and how can you solve them?
These prompts help you envision success and put you in a mindset where you can work backward to create a plan that will get you there. And if you ever get stuck, consider using an AI tool like ChatGPT to help bounce ideas off of. It can act as your brainstorming partner, offering suggestions, asking questions, and helping you structure your thoughts.
7. Don’t Forget to Rest and Recharge
While this retreat is meant to help you focus and strategize, it’s just as important to use the time to relax. You’ve been working hard in your business, and this retreat is about restoring your energy as much as it is about planning.
Take time in the evenings to enjoy a nice meal, watch a movie, or do whatever helps you unwind. Allow yourself to just be. Remember, as a business owner (and often a parent or spouse), you’re constantly thinking about others. A CEO retreat gives you permission to focus entirely on yourself for a little while.
8. Wrap Up with Actionable Plans
When your retreat comes to a close, make sure you leave with actionable plans. What steps can you take in the coming months to make your vision a reality? What are your top priorities for the next quarter or year?
Don’t let your retreat be just an inspirational experience. Use it as a launching pad to take concrete action that will move your business forward.
Ready to Book Your CEO Retreat?
If you’ve never planned a CEO retreat before, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s not just a luxury — it’s a necessity for every small business CEO who wants to step out of the day-to-day grind and focus on the future.
This time away will not only help you reconnect with your business and reignite your passion, but it will also give you the clarity and energy you need to push your company to the next level.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your CEO retreat today — and let me know how it goes. You deserve it, and your business needs it.
