You might not think it, but your emails are trying to take down your career. They’re after your money, and you’re playing right into their hands.
We all know that emails can be distracting at the best of times, but when you’re a freelancer waiting on a reply from a high-paying client, they’ll plague your thoughts and convince you to just give up the money now, because you won’t be finishing that project any time soon.
You’ll produce a lower quality of work
Emails are one of the biggest distractions of the 21st Century work place. They’re always expected to be open, and if it’s a client, they’ll expect a response within 12 hours maximum.
If you’re constantly waiting for a response from a client, your mind isn’t 100% focused on the task at hand and the quality of your work will suffer. Either that, or it will take you twice as long as it should.
Don’t let your emails get the better of you. Take control by changing your notification settings. Set specific times for checking emails that work around your schedule, and watch your productivity increase.
Clients will expect more from you
With one eye on your email, you’re ready for when any client has a query. That might sound like a customer-friendly way of working, but in reality, you’re just setting yourself up for a fall.
The first time you reply to a client’s query, you set their expectations. If the first time you respond is within minutes, they’ll will expect a response that quick every other time. And when they don’t get it, they’ll get annoyed.
If clients have an issue with your lack of response through email, explain your system to them. They’re more likely to be understanding if they know you’re working on their project, than if you don’t give them a reason at all.
You could give bad advice
Emails aren’t just pesky because of the constant notifications that distract you from important stuff. If you reply mid-task, chances are you’re not really thinking about what they say. Instead you reply as briefly as possible because they are rudely interrupting you from your work.
If this is the case, you’ll end up giving bad advice, or worse, agreeing to something you don’t have time for. And why don’t you have time for it? Because you’re always checking emails!
Setting aside time for emails won’t just help with productivity of your work. By having a specific time to concentrate on replying, you’re able to give clients your full attention and an in depth answer, rather than a rushed response. Trust us, your clients will thank you!
Take back your career from your inbox
Now, what I’m about to say may offend some, so take a moment to prepare yourselves. Close your inbox and turn off your notifications. Are you still with us? It might be shocking but if you want to remain completely focused it’s the only way.
Take away the temptation of being distracted and you’ll be more focused on the task at hand. After all, isn’t that why you became a freelancer?
Are emails ruining your freelance career? Or are you struggling to see what all the fuss is about? Leave us a comment in the section below!