You’re Taking Time Off But Are You Really “Out Of The Office?

Turning on your auto-responder before heading out for some time off this month? Before you hit the “Save” button on that message, are you sure you really are or want to be out of touch?

During the holidays I often get “out of the office” messages back from my emails and a few minutes later I get a message or a call from that very same person, putting me in the awkward position of having “bothered” them during their time off. Now I’m apologizing for the interruption! Yipes! How did that happen?

Jeffrey Gitomer, in his article “Out Of Your Office? Or Out Of Your Mind?” doesn’t mince words when he says, “Your customers don’t need to know what you're doing, or how you make it happen - they want a response to THEIR situation, not yours.” Ouch! He offers six ways to stay in touch where ever you are without sacrificing your time off or making your client “wrong” including:

1. Use your PDA, laptop computer, and/or cell phone.

2. Take advantage of your hotel’s business center.

3. Stop by the local Internet cafe.

4. Delegate or hire an assistant and have them review your messages to give you a heads up on your cell phone or PDA if needed. (If you don't trust him or her, then get a new assistant.)

5. Don’t enable an "out of office" email if you are, in fact, going to be or want to be in touch.

Setting up a system so that you can be in touch with the people that you need to during time off will build client loyalty and trust. If you don't, someone like your competitor will.

Remember, the Number One complaint clients make about their accountant or attorney continues to be that they “cannot be reached when needed”.

Your clients keep you in business. Be there for them, even when you’re not.