Comments on: 4 Sneaky ways to cut calls short with clients

By: Casey

Casey — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:26:09 +0000

That last tip is great and funny, haha. I need to try that out, plus it is much easier at times to lay everything out and be able to re-read it in an email.

By: dave

dave — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:59:07 +0000

ask for a fee for phone calls and meetings. It’s working time spent for a client after all

By: Cat Lady

Cat Lady — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:20:21 +0000

Since I work full time and freelance on the side, I have a message line which is just a cheapie monthly prepaid cell phone I keep at home.

On the voicemail, I specify my “call hours” which are T-Th 7:30-10 pm – because of this, clients tend to keep conversations short or if they feel the conversation needs to be long, the call hours force them to email me and then we can conduct business through email.

By: Issa

Issa — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:30:44 +0000

Thanks for the sharing, I think I’ll take a tip or two and see if it works. I’m using Skype to chat with my clients and I’m always straight when it comes to cutting calls. If I am really busy, I’d cancel the call and say we can just send emails to each other. As long as you don’t sound impolite, I guess being honest why you have ton cut the call short will work. It’s tough when you’re working with someone from a different time zone, specially when your phone rings in the middle of the night. I’d say both parties should respect each other’s time.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:35:44 +0000

I’m a teacher, so I can always use a upcoming class to cut a call short. But meetings and appointments can also work – especially if you mention at the start of the call that you only have 5 minutes. It’s the same idea as the scheduled call – a reminder that you do have other work that requires your attention.

By: Collin Robinson

Collin Robinson — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:31:52 +0000

If you are concentrating on a project, just let the call go to voice mail.

You just have to make sure you get back to people in a timely manner.

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:08:30 +0000

I really hate talking on the phone, but some clients just feel more comfortable with it than email, so I am sensitive to that and try to cater to those clients preferences. I find instead of avoiding calls or playing games, it is best to be honest with the client and just let them know that while you love to get calls from them, it is most productive for both of you if calls can be scheduled – that way you know when it is coming and can be ready to get the conversation wrapped up in an efficient way. Also, scheduling calls makes clients more aware that you ARE busy… “I’ll have about 20 minutes for you that I can block out at 3PM on Tuesday, want to talk about this at that time?”

By: Samar

Samar — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:56:30 +0000

Most of the time, it’s possible to get away without giving out your number but if a client asks for it, there’s no easy way to refuse without the client losing (at least) some amount of trust in you.

I’ve found that local clients tend to ask for a number even if you meet them than those who’re in another city or country.

Skype is a good alternative to phone numbers!

By: Mike Smith

Mike Smith — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:36:02 +0000

Thanks for the comment Anonymous Coward I like your idea of calling yourself. Good idea.

By: Anonymous Coward

Anonymous Coward — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:12:07 +0000

I wait until any substance in the conversation is over, after all if the client has an actual issue, it’s better to deal with it right away. Then I use my cell, land line or Skype to call the number I’m on and make sure I’m talking when the call waiting tone sounds, so they know I have a call coming in.

Then I apologize to my talkaholic client that I have to take the call, and to send me mail if there’s anything else they need.

It’s funny how preventing me from talking to someone else is usually important enough to get off the line, but letting me work on their project isn’t.