Your clients don’t need to know that you are away from the office. Or on vacation. They don’t need to know that you received their email, or be told that you will reply as soon as possible.
So why do you tell them?
Being accessible is important, especially when so many attorneys aren’t. But that doesn’t mean you should put yourself on a leash.
Away messages, vacation messages, and “I got your email” messages send the wrong message. They say, “I’m here, you can always reach me, and if I’m away for a bit, I’m sorry, don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.”
It’s bad posture. It says, “I need your business,” when in truth, the message you want to convey is just the opposite.
Your clients need to know that you’re good at what you do, you work hard for them, and if they have you as their attorney, they are very fortunate.
They need you. You don’t need them.
Most clients shouldn’t even have your personal email address. They should have an “office” email and know that it is monitored by someone who works for you. If a client writes, they need to know that someone will read it and reply promptly.
That someone probably won’t be you.
You want clients to know that you’re busy, in demand by other clients, and successful. Your time is extremely valuable and you have people working for you who do most of the front line communication on your behalf.
You’re there, behind the scenes, calling the shots. If your staff can’t help them, or there’s an emergency, they can reach you.
But your clients need to go through them.
Just like when they call.
Delegate more and you will earn more
