I was just reading a post about agents who only return phone calls between 12 and 1pm and 5 and 6pm. Wow, what a lot of animosity for such a simple concept.
I have several rules I follow that I feel are fair to all involved:
1. When I am with a client, which is often times throughout the day, I DO NOT answer the phone. I believe it is just plain rude to be with one client and answer the phone for another. It could be interpreted by your client as "Gee, THAT client must be spending more money than ME! Maybe I should work with an agent who has time for me and MY price range.
2. If I have a pressing matter that may require me to answer the phone during an appointment, I make darn sure I warn that client ahead of time as to the possibility. That way they know they are imprtant to me, but that I also have some common sense and value my other clients too.
3. My voicemail message clearly states that if a matter is quite important or time sensitive, please feel free to text message me.
4. I do not text or dial and drive - it is dangerous and in my neck of the woods ILLEGAL.
5. I am not on duty 24/7. I am allowed to HAVE A LIFE. My grandson's ballgames are important, as well as simply putting my feet up and having a glass of wine - or two and if a client of mine doesn't understand that, then they will no longer be my client.
6. Time blocking saved my life, my marriage, and my career. I don't return calls only twice a day, but I do understand the value of protecting my workday schedule and my personal time. But re-engineering is sometimes needed, so I try to go with the flow.
As long as I don't break rules 1-5!
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