I have attended another training session where the topic was your availability to your clients requests.
I am no sissy when it comes to hard work. 17 years of government conditioning taught me that. Also, I think it is important to mention my Dad(May God rest his soul) was very responsible for the formation of my work ethic. While "sitting in" during this training session, it was brought up how to use, or should I say, not use your cellular phone.
There were several points spoken about regarding this:
1. You never want to answer your phone after 5pm.
2. You only want to review one voice mail system, so what ever you choose, be it Office or Cell, make the other message indicate that you will not be reviewing messages.
3. Establish the rules with your clients and that you will not be calling they back when you are with your other clients "everyone" while they are with you get 100% of your attention.
4. On your voice mail, explain what hours you will be returning calls.
Now, I suppose these are good rules of thumb, some of which I adhere to. I don't like working later than the next guy, I love spending time with my family. I like my quiet time. However, things in life are not so black and white, are they? I mean can one place a hard and absolute rule on this type of dynamic business? It is possible to dictate when and how you are going to make your calls and touch bases with people?
I have been available to a fault. I answer my phone for the most part, each time it rings, it has done me no harm. I do know what it is to shut it off. I also know how to completely ignore it while I am meeting with a client, prospect, or vendor. I can brush off its vibration or ring while I am working on a project that will further my business venture. I have that kind of control.
What works for you, am I missing the boat, should I adhere to the standards relayed in the class????
What do you think my Active Rain friends?
My Best: Connor MacIVOR
