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I used to answer every email the second it came in, now I batch them twice a day
For years, I'd drop whatever I was doing to reply to a client email, thinking it showed I was on top of things. It meant my workday was just a series of constant interruptions. About eight months ago, a mentor flat out told me, 'You're training people to expect instant replies and burning yourself out.' I switched to checking and answering emails only at 10 AM and 3 PM. My focus is way better, and I actually get my main tasks done. Has anyone else set a rule like this and had clients push back at first?
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jessel351mo ago
That mentor gave you some pretty bad advice in my opinion. Training clients to expect fast replies is how you keep them happy and beat the competition. If I need my accountant or lawyer, I want an answer now, not hours later. Batching might work for your focus, but it tells clients their time isn't your first priority. What if you miss something urgent because you were sticking to your schedule?
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beth_sanchez4716d ago
I mean I get where @jessel35 is coming from about fast replies being good for business, but is it really that serious if someone has to wait a couple hours for a non urgent email? Most of the "urgent" stuff I've gotten turned out to be things that could've waited until the next day anyway. Honestly feels like we've just gotten too used to expecting everyone to be available 24/7.
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