I use to answer the phone all the time. Then I worked at a company that said “if you’re not feeling it, send your call to voicemail.”

That advice changed the way I do business. It seems so simple, but it’s a helpful reminder- you run your business, your inbox, voicemail and social media do NOT. You’re in control. If you’re having a bad day, or a busy day, or just need to focus on a specific project, put the phone on silent (and I find it helpful to turn it over so I can’t see the popups of texts, calls, etc. showing up). Get your work done first.

I know this is hard in a sales position, where the next call could be the next big deal for you. But if you’re cranky, or focused on something else, send it to voicemail. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll get the sale at the END of the day instead of first thing? I promise you, it’ll be OK. I have yet to lose business from this method. AND if they’re really that desperate right off the bat do you think they’ll be a good client in the long run?

I got an email yesterday from a media company who has a “GREAT” opportunity for one of my clients. Yesterday I was out in meetings all day. I saw the email, and decided I’d forward it to the client today. No problem, I’m in no rush, not my money, and in the quick skim of the email I didn’t recall seeing a “I need an answer tomorrow” kind of push.

This morning I have ANOTHER email from the sales rep. “Just checking in, we’d love a decision soon.”

Me: “I was out all day yesterday so didn’t have time to deal with this. will get it over to the client today.”

3 Minutes Later: “Wonderful!  Let me know if there is interest as soon as possible. Happy to help with questions.”

DUDE, chill out. You are clearly desperate for this sale. Which is NOT my problem. Your desperation reeks, and now when I email the client about this “amazing opportunity” I’ll make sure to tell them how desperate you are and how much you pester clients.

Chill out, give me 36 hours to respond. I do my best to respond within one business day. If I need to send something to a client for their review, I’ll let you know when I’ve done that and what the next steps are. But good grief your desperation is losing you business! I know I’ve written a similar blog post to this before. Evidently it needs repeating.

If you’re in sales, calm down and give your customers time to respond. Sure voicemail response is low, and sometimes you have a deadline to meet for your sales. Fun fact: I don’t have your deadline, and it’s YOUR problem, not mine. Plan your sales strategy out to give clients time to make decisions, especially with big ticket items. She’s not asking for $35, she’s asking for $3500, and for a small business, that may not be in the budget.

Calm Down, you’re losing yourself business.