The Problem
I really hate my phone. The sales and robocalls make me never want to answer my phone. The thing is, I don’t answer my phone that often. Here’s why. About 18 months ago, my information was among that scraped from the Quickbooks ProAdvisor and Xero Partner websites. And then the emails, phone calls, and texts started. People pretending to be interested in hiring me. Others wanting to sell me lists of Quickbooks or Xero users. And still more just being jerks. This all happened about six years into owning a business. Until this happened, using my personal cell phone for my business wasn’t a problem.
The Solution
Here’s what I’m doing to stop hating my phone:
- Adding prospective and current client phone numbers to my contact list so I know who’s calling me.
- I created a contact called “blocked”. I add to that contact every robocall and number that doesn’t leave a message.
- Using my Google voice number more. My Google voice number is my published business phone number. I’m only sorry I didn’t think to get a Google voice number years ago. If you are starting a business, one of the first things you should do is get a Google voice number. Don’t give out your personal cell phone number to business contacts.
- Using Skype more.
- Scheduling calls. This helps me be more productive by allowing me to have focused work time without interruptions.
Set Boundaries
You have to set boundaries in your business (and your personal life). Whether you have a landline, cell phone, or both, you don’t have to be held hostage to these devices. It’s ok to have certain times you don’t answer the phone. For that matter, you don’t have to answer the phone simply because it rings. You are allowed to be busy and unavailable. I’m often puzzled when I see people at the gym answering their phone while on the cardio equipment. Some see it as a status thing to be answering their phone in public places. Seriously, no one wants to listen to a phone call in public places. Don’t be that person.
Blocking nuisance calls is an ok thing to do. You may even want to update your voicemail greeting to state when the caller can expect you to return the call (and that you block repeat callers who don’t leave a message). What’s the worse that can happen if you don’t return a phone call today? If you did return that call right now, would you have time today to follow up on any tasks that come out of that call? We want to be available to our clients but there are limits. Don’t allow your clients to set boundaries for you. You probably won’t have any.
Technology is supposed to make your life easier, not hold you hostage.