One thing I found when I started my business was that some clients like to call whenever they feel like it. This meant that I was getting phone calls on weekends or during the evenings when I was trying to have some time off.

So I made a point of absolutely not answering the phone during these times and letting their calls go to voicemail. If they didn't get the hint, then I would let them know my office hours.

Many clients unfortunately have to be "trained" or they'll just take advantage of the fact that you work at home.

Sylvia

Sylvia,

Thanks. That's good to know. Being new at this I know I would have gone overboard and answered the phone at 3 in the morning if it rang! It wouldn't have occured to me the pattern I was setting up. Thanks for the input.

Beth

It is interesting reading how different VAs structure their hours (or don't!). For me, I loosely have my business hours set at 10am-3pm - however, I make it clear that I don't answer the phone while I'm engaged in client work.

I have this stated in my policy and procedures and I make sure this is clear during the interview process with potential clients. I let them know that email is the fastest and easiest way to get a hold of me, but I also schedule weekly "check-in" calls with clients.

If they need to talk to me by phone in between the weekly call, they email me and we set up an appointment.

My son is at home & we are home-schooling, so if I don't do this not only will I not get any client work done, I run the risk of my clients having to listen to a noisy four-year-old on the end of the line! :-)

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Blessings,
Carol

That's another good point...making it clear in your policy and procedures.

Beth

I do have office hours (and kick myself sometimes because of it LOL) but they're Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm Eastern, Fridays by appointment only -- they're usually my admin and marketing catch up day or just my "getting-together-with-my-friends-for-long-lunches days".

I have a welcome package that I send to my new clients which states my office hours and policies (i.e., we will only accept task requests by email). I also let them know that if I'm absorbed in a project I don't answer the phone.

I personally love the idea of NEVER answering my phone again Some days I seem to be on it from the time I wake up until late in the afternoon.

Interesting to read all your policies and thoughts on the subject!

Cheers,
Pam

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Pam Ivey, Cert SBM,PREA,PREVA,CRESS,CMP
Virtual Assistant Training Academy: Training for Virtual Business Success!

I like the idea of the welcome packet. I get so many good ideas here. Of course, every time I read the boards my "to do" list just gets longer!

Beth

Originally Posted by Administrative Partners

I don't have official office hours. When things need to be done they get done. I am starting to really stick to the no weekends except for my personal business tasks. This sometimes means I'll draft an email and not send it until Monday morning just so they don't think I'm available all weekend - even if I am working.

I also don't have official hours. As I get closer to getting my degree, I have found that trying to fit the classes I need into a set time frame is becoming more and more difficult. Therefore, at this stage I work on demand. I do have 1 client that I perform on site work for about 3.5 hours per day. I have changed these hours several times during the past year. He doesn't mind as long as I get the job done. As for my other clients, I just schedule their tasks around my day. I also charge a rush fee if a project is needed in a shorter time than I quote it'll take. Right now, this works. However, once I get my degree, I am considering having set office hours.

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Shannon

I LOVE the idea of being "phoneless" (will it ever happen???) and not having set office hours (I kind of do this). I also agree that answering the phone can cause a lag in work, but I think checking email can be just as harmful. When I am working on a project I normally will shut my email down (VERY HARD TO DO) and try to focus on the task at hand... it is so hard to concentrate when your mail keeps popping up... the curiosity kills me!!!!!!
Great to know that we can bounce these ideas off one another! As always, thanks for the great wisdom!
Liz

I don't have office hours which gives me quite a bit of flexibility. I'm using my cell phone but my current clients are all email people. I schedule a time each day to return phone calls. The only emails I open during business hours are client related. All the others - family, friends, groups, etc. - can wait until I'm on my own time.

Carol
CJ's Virtual Business Solutions

I haven't thought of my business as having office hours. I do know of another Va in my area who markets herself as being in the office from 9-5. I thought the idea of being virtual is to do the work around your schedule. I need time to go out and market, meet with potential new clients, etc.