Shearious Question: Should I answer my phone on my days off? I’m a booth renter and list my cell phone number on my business cards for clients to make appointments. Lately, I’ve been getting a ton of phone calls on my day off. Do I answer?

To answer or not answer: that is the question. If you are using your cell phone for business and pleasure, you might find yourself being inundated with business calls on your weekends or late evening hours. As much as you love hearing from hearing from your customers and assisting them with booking their future appointments, you also need an opportunity to disconnect from business. 

There isn’t a right or a wrong answer to this question; it’s a personal decision. When you first get started, you might want to answer every call you get to build your client base. As your business grows, you might find that the calls are interfering with your personal life.

No matter your preference, you should always have two separate lines. One line dedicated for your personal use and then another just for business. The business line can go directly into your voice messaging system, advising your customers that you will return their calls on the first business day. Yes, it is an added expense but you have plenty of options to bundle a landline with other services with your internet provider at a minimal expense. Or you may want to invest in an inexpensive cell plan that you use solely for business calls. To keep the cost down, avoid adding data plans to your work phone.    

Whatever direction you decide is right for you and your business, remember, communication is critical when building a working relationship with your customers. Having your customer's calls be directed to a message, advising them of your working hours and returning their calls during regular business hours is a very reasonable way of running a business. You just have to make sure you actually respond to their message that next business day.

Having two separate lines will provide you with a healthy work balance while you continued to provide your customers with outstanding customer care. It’s a win-win for you and your customers.  

Photo: ESB Professional

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