Do you have people calling to have coffee,or lunch so they can get to know you, or to pick your brain? Is that always the most effective use of your time? Is your business best served by driving to the location, and waiting on food service?
When it isn’t, you may not feel comfortable giving them a flat out “No, I don’t have time”. Instead, you can let them know that you’re too busy to meet, but would like to set up a time to talk. Suggest that you schedule a 15 minute or half hour phone conversation. This sets the boundaries for the call and ultimately for your time.
At the beginning of the phone conversation, reiterate that you have scheduled 15 or 30 minutes for the call and will need to end on time for your next appointment. You are again setting the time limits for the conversation, and creating the expectation that the call will focus on a worthwhile discussion.
You can also choose a day of the week that you will be in your office for these conversations. Let the other person know that you schedule phone calls on Fridays between 10 and 2. What time would work for them?
Look carefully at your connection building time and make sure that it is working for you, not just the other person. The old phrase, “buy more time” is a misnomer. Time is finite and only you can protect the time that you have.
Guest Blog Post Provided By:
Productivity Consultant and Speaker, Christine Giri, aka The Time Tamer, opens up time for busy entrepreneurs and executives. Improving individual and organizational productivity enhances the focus and creativity needed to grow a thriving business. Visit http://timetamerconsulting.com.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:01 am
This is a great suggestion. Though in person meetings can be great, they need to be managed so time is wasted. The idea of an initial 15 minute phone call is one I plan on putting into practice. Thank you!