The other day, I was chatting with a friend, and as usual, we ended up talking about how we manage to hold onto our sanity while running full-time businesses and keeping up with family life.
We ended up trading tips on how we handle client interactions so that everything works smoothly.
Here are a few strategies you may find useful to get your schedule under your control:
- Set Your Own Hours. Just because a client emails me in the evening or on the weekend, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t mean I’m required to respond right away. As business owners, we can set our own working hours. If a client emails me outside of those times, it simply means they are working. I’m grateful they’re adding tasks to my queue, but it doesn’t mean I need to respond immediately.
- Use Technology. When I choose to work during evenings or weekends, I use email scheduling or calendar reminders so I can draft emails or jot down ideas when it suits me and have them ready to go during regular business hours. It’s a great way to stay productive on my own time, if I choose to, while keeping client interactions in the right rhythm. Many email platforms, like Gmail, offer scheduling and reminder features, and it can be a lifesaver for maintaining balance.
- Manage Expectations. With every new client, I set expectations upfront. I let them know that I typically work between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and respond to emails within 24 hours. I keep an eye on my inbox for emergencies, but make sure that extended hours don’t become the norm. There are times when we all need to start early or stay late, but make it clear that it’s an exception, not the rule.
The result of this is simple: We ensure our clients know what to expect – and we can confidently enjoy plenty of time with family and friends, knowing we’re right on schedule!