TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-L Archives

From: Judy & Sue <>
Subject: Re: [TGF] Business Phone
Date: Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:38:10 -0700
References: <BAY109-W322D8390E9BC1D422202C6AC980@phx.gbl><17952271.219191215123121422.JavaMail.root@mbs6.homesteadmail.com><BAY109-W133B2A2DCBCFD4A21E921DAC9B0@phx.gbl>
In-Reply-To: <BAY109-W133B2A2DCBCFD4A21E921DAC9B0@phx.gbl>

I am still doing mostly free work to develop my skills, and I had an
"emergency" call just today. Someone "forgot" that this was Fourth of
July (and therefor the annual family reunion) until this afternoon --
then called me and wanted a WALL CHART! Before tomorrow at noon.
Fortunatley, we have a great local shop that can print almost
anything, and for some $$ managed to get it to her today. I took the
file down, supervised the printing, then told her to bring her
checkbook and come on down (we had discussed cost).

When I start charging, I have a customer -- she told me that she
expected to pay me for her other lines. I have to remind myself that
although I am perfect, and never put off or forget things :-^), other
people do. So if I can help, I do. But I do have rules -- no phone
calls are taken during dinner, or on Sunday mornings. Otherwise, if I
answer the phone, it means I am open for business. If I don't answer,
you get to leave a name and number and I will return your call.

I think it all comes down to the professional boundaries you set (and
enforce). If you have family obligations and need a structured work
week, then you have to communicate that to your clients -- on your
web site, or in your recorded phone greeting or personally when you
talk with them. Because if you make yourself available at any time,
your clients will expect it. That's not a problem for me -- I have 6
cats, but not any humans to deal with at home. But those of you who
have children, spouses, older parents -- whatever it is -- you have
to be very definite about carving out your personal time from your
professional time.

A safe and merry Fourth of July to all

Sue


At 7/3/2008 05:19 PM, you wrote:
>Dee,
>
>Sounds like some of the same people have called me!! I have yet to
>understand the concept of someone needing "emergency genealogy
>research" completed TODAY!
>
>I guess it's all in a days work! Sincerely,Melissa
>BarkerGenealogist for Tennessee and
>KentuckyWebsite: www.freewebs.com/genealogyservices/
>

This thread:

• [TGF] professional research for family by "dunna" <>
  • Re: [TGF] professional research for family by Kathy Rippel <>
  • Re: [TGF] professional research for family by "dunna" <>