How accessible are you to your clients?

I am pretty accessible but won't answer calls when I am in an appointment or on the phone, UNLESS I expect something urgent coming in.  I hate interrupting people when they deserve our undivided attention. I also try not to take them in public when someone is in earshot and if I am in public within earshot and I must take the call, I find  a private place to talk because my clients deserve privacy.  A public restroom is NOT privacy.  Why do people talk in the restroom?  TACKY TACKY TACKY!

During the summer I go camping for about 30 hours every other weekend.  I take my phone but will only pick up messages twice a day.  My clients know when I am going and when I will be returning.  They (for the most part) seem to understand that I do deserve a day off every once in a while.  Otherwise it's fair game.  I can turn off my phone any time after 5 to my discretion.  Sometimes it is on till 10.  It depends on how tired I am and if I feel like dealing with anything.  I am my brightest about 7 Am and after that it is all downhill :)

I always set the ground rules with new clients and customers when I first meet them. I check my email on a regular basis and always have my cell on. My main focus is to respond as quickly as possible and thats what I tell them to expect.

You can't please everyone but it generally works for me. 

Terry Lynch 

My slogan is "Communication for Results".  With a slogan like that I feel like I need to be accessible.  I have rarely felt abused by not having specific times set up.  There are times that I let the message go to voice mail but I always call back promptly when I have the chance.  I usually do turn my phone off for Church also.  Just recently however I was waiting to hear that my son was back in Germany from his tour in Iraq and kept it in my hand on vibrate.  I had been waiting all week but you know that Mom intuition.  I got the call during the Lord's supper. I quietly walked out and talked to him (what a relief to have him out of there), but that is definitely the exception.

I absolutely agree with Renee's initial comments, and I think most others also agreed.  I tell my clients up front when meeting that they can always feel free to call me from 8am to midnight.  But I specify, I can't always answer.  I simply explain there are times when I need to respect others I am with (which also includes family), and I can't take the call.  I always provide the "What would you think if I talked on the phone for 3-5 minutes during the middle of our time together" speech.  People always understand. 

Now I do always check the caller id on my cell to see who is calling, and if I think I need to take it.  I'll always quickly look and make a decision if I think it can wait, or I need to talk now.  I use the below example for the times I do need to briefly pick up a call. 

I assure my clients that during critical times (like negotiations) that if I am with someone I'll pick up quickly (only when I know urgent things are happening), provide a brief ear, and give them a time when I will get back to them.  I never will stay on a call like this more than 30 seconds.  It's also something I tell my clients at the beginning, if I am in a serious negotiation that is time sensitive I might have to BRIEFLY take a call, but always assure them I'll keep it 30 seconds or less.  I provide the same example, "if we were in a big negotiation and we had to urgently speak, I'll do the same for you, but I will respect who I am with at that time as well".  I'll answer, get a quick overview, and tell them what time I will be back with them (the soonest possible).

It seems that just about everyone understands it both ways when I tell them how I work up front.

M-F 8am till 8pm.  Weekends are for family and faith, with the exception of negotiating offers.  If a seller expects me to be available 24/7 they're not the kind of person I wish to work with.  I work mostly with sellers for this very reason.  I can't live a fulfilling life if I'm working everyday of the week 18 hours a day. 

Jim - I understand all too well.  About 5 years ago I felt I was getting burned out trying to balance a hectic  business schedule and busy family schedule and I knew I would not last in business if I didn't make some changes.  I finally decided I had to give up some business in order to keep my sanity.  I know many agents that can handle the schedule you mentioned, but I just don't have that much energy anymore.  I am envious of those who do.  Much success to you in 2008.