All you have is time....

No matter what amount of time you have, give clients yourself for the entire time. Do not answer phones look uninterested or get distracted as if you behave in this way you are wasting your time and your clients. 

Keep in mind everyone’s time is valuable not just yours. Keep your clients on track and drive the sale. State your time intention first after your greeting before allowing your client to sit. An example might be

"Great to see you today Peter really interested in helping you however just need to tell you I have only 15 minutes today. Sure you are really busy also and we can get what you need done in time – Is that okay with you ?"

Set the time you have and set the agenda – ever been to a meeting where no agenda has been set and no one know where it is going ? Or what to expect or be prepared for ? If a client walks in off the street and you do not have time…..try helping them if it takes no longer than 5 minutes then you can always schedule an appointment with them later. Send them home with some homework rather than do it for them. 

Sack clients who do not value your time and worth. We all have those clients who no matter what we say or do they spend little and use too much of our time. These clients use more time so charge them accordingly – if they are unhappy they will move on and annoy someone else if they are happy you make what you deserve. If you want to get rid of them just keep charging more or tell them you can no longer help them. Simply do not put up with them as they will make your working life unhappy, waste your valuable time and never stop complaining – it is just not worth it ! 

In my experience a funny thing happens when you say no to a client they want whatever you are selling that much more. By stating clear boundaries with clients you drive them into a sale. Something like “ I really cannot help you unless you pay deposit this week” will work if they are going to buy. If they are not then you have saved time and you can move on to clients who will buy from you.

We all only have 24 hours in a day so if you don't have time for clients here are a few suggestions on what you could do

1. Increase your rate
2. Refer clients to others. Find another business that can help and take a commission from referrals
3. Employ a staff member and give them the clients that you can no longer handle
4. Sack the clients that are time wasters and work with those clients that are most profitable (and enjoyable) to work with

You have become in demand because you are good at what you do. Its time for you to charge accordingly and build your business !