Communicating Your Time Away From Work With Clients
May 17, 2018
The holidays are right around the corner, and the next thing you know, it’ll be time for summer vacations. That means different routines for us, the kids (if you’ve got them), and our clients.
So, a key question is: What’s the best way to let clients know about an upcoming schedule change?
When it comes to time for myself if I’m still going to be at my desk and available during the day for calls and emails (even with reduced hours), I don’t say a word.
If I’m leaving for more than a day, however, I let them know in advance. How far? For clients who are mid-project or rely on me every day for routine work, weeks. Everyone else, one week.
In all cases, I send an email (using the bcc field) like this:
Hello Wonderful Clients!
I’m sorry about the bulk email, but I want to let you know that I will be out of the office and away from my computer entirely for five days: Saturday, December 23rd – Wednesday, December 27th.
Please plan accordingly and if you have an emergency please call my cell phone at 617-755-6010.
Thanks!
Belinda
It’s friendly, clear, and sets expectations.
Remember, you don’t need to work 24/7 and vacations are important. But if you’re going to be gone, make sure you give plenty of notice and leave nothing to chance!
If you’re not already a member of our Facebook Group, The Virtual Assistant Connection, and would like to join, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/
