You’ve probably been there. You’re checking your email and see something from a client and you’re sooooo tempted to open it. You tell yourself that you’ll open it, but whatever the need is can wait until you’re “working” again. So you open it, but the request is so simple, right? It’ll just take a second.
So you do it. And instantly, you’re working. Even though it’s 10 PM. On Saturday. 
Seriously. Does this sound like you? If so, it’s because you (and I) need to set email answering hours and actually keep them. Not just working hours. Email “answering” hours. Because more often than not, if you answer your email, you’re working. Even just thinking about a client request can technically be classified as working.
In the B2B world, setting email answering hours and informing your client of them should not set off any alarms. In fact, chances are that your client either already has established this practice or deep down, really wants to, so it won’t be a shocker.
So give yourself a break and get organized. Say, yes, I work at home (or on the road with my Blackberry or whatever), but, I answer client email from X AM to Y PM and stick to that. Say to your client, if it’s urgent, give me a call. That way, you’re still accessible in case of an emergency, but you’ve got work boundaries that you would probably have if you worked in an office away from your home, right?
I have a client that actually has an auto-responder that informs you of his email answering hours. I don’t need to adopt that method, but his principle is right on. In order to stay organized and manage your time more effectively, not to mention keeping your sanity, do yourself a favor and set some email hours and stick to them. Do this for two weeks and if it doesn’t work and you don’t feel better, come back and say I told you so!
–Tia
© 2008 – 2009, Tia Peterson. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced with permission. Please contact tia@tiadpeterson.com to request permission to reuse this content. Thank you!
— Tia Peterson
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March 21st, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Stacey Derbinshire
January 12th, 2009 at 4:58 am
This is EXCELLENT advice, advice I very much need to take
Tim Ferris of The Four Hour Workweek offers similar advice to boost productivity. Setting boundaries in this way is a wonderful way to get more done in less time and release ourselves from feeling like we’re spinning our wheels.
Thank you, Tia, for an awesome post.