If you’re charging by the hour to consult with clients you may not want to be all that accessible to people who haven’t paid to speak with you.

But if you’ve decided it’s vital to answer your phone then set a 1-2 hour call in time every day.

Tell your prospects and clients that you are always next to your phone and you will always answer your phone in that time period.

Put the time on your business card something like “best time to call 2-3pm”. Then make sure you are with your phone and you do answer your calls immediately.

If someone calls in that time period and leaves a message because you’re on a call to someone else then be sure to call them back immediately.

If anyone calls outside those hours you can feel free to turn your phone off or answer it…it’s your choice. You should also return messages you get outside those hours during the call in time you’ve set.

What you’re doing is training people to call you when it’s convenient and practical for you. And you’re making yourself accessible.

I used this method for several years and it works wonders at slashing down wasted time on the phone. When your talking to a business owner one on one you can even leave your cell phone on and if it rings turn it off in front of him and explain that you only guarantee to answer your phone during a set call in time and why you do that.

On the subject of cell phones answering one while you’re talking to a business owner is the height of rudeness and could very easily cost you his business. Turn it off.

If you’re having an impromptu conversation with a business owner and you’re expecting an important call at some stage, once you realize your conversation is going to go on for a while, say “I just have to warn you I’m expecting an important call but I don’t want to be rude. If it comes through while we’re talking is it okay for me to take it?”

But I am warning you: taking cell phone calls while you talk to business owners is playing with fire. I know a few very successful business owners who will simply end the conversation with you and leave if you take a call in the middle of talking to them. And I would be inclined to do the same myself.

Let me put it in plain language…you’re wasting my valuable time talking to someone else while I’m waiting for you and it’s just plain rude.

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