One of the great benefits I am finding to running my own business is what I call ‘time flexibility’. This doesn’t mean that I can sit around all day and ‘do nothing’. However, I am really grateful to be able to work my schedule around important personal tasks and appointments.  

All of this comes with some ‘complexity’ around communications, particularly with clients for whom I am completing specific tasks.

Here are a few tips I’d like to share:

1. 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 that I’m required to answer them immediately. I get to set my working hours. I also don’t get angry when a client emails me during these times, all it means is that THEY are working and I’m grateful that they’re putting work into my queue.

2. Use Technology. When I want to work in the evening or weekend, I use an email delivery tool that allows me to schedule when my emails will be sent. I find this effective because I can “stay under the radar” during evenings and weekends, but still be productive. It’s great to be able to respond on my schedule, while making sure my client receives my email at a time of my choice by using the email scheduling function available in email accounts like Gmail.

3. Manage Expectations. When I start working with a new client I set expectations in the beginning. I let them know that I’m usually at my desk between 8 and 2 Monday – Friday. (That doesn’t mean I’m only there at those times, just that it is consistently when I am at my desk). I answer emails within 24 hours. I’m always “trolling” my email for emergencies and quick requests, and while I understand there are times when it’s important to start early and work late, I just don’t want it to be a way of life.

The result of this is simple: My clients know what to expect while I still have plenty of time to pursue volunteer opportunities, to network and to spend time with family and friends!