Since the rise of cell phone use in the workplace, this question has plagued people at all levels of management: Should you give your cell phone number out to your client? The quick answer seems like "Sure, why not?". However, I urge you to think about this before you go ahead and give it out.
Here are five questions to ask yourself before you make this decision:
- Are you the sole owner of the cell phone? - Sometimes couples will share a common cell phone. If you're not the only person who uses your cell phone I would strongly advise that you don't give this number out. This is because you can't be sure what kind of reception your client will receive when they call. For example, what if the person you share it with thinks it's a telemarketer and is rude? Or what if they accidentally erase a message or hang up? Because of this, you need to make sure you are the only person with access to this phone if you decided to give the number out.
- Do you check your messages/answer it regularly? - This is another important point. If you don't check your cell phone messages regularly or you don't have it on most of the time, then you shouldn't give your number out. Most likely, if your client is trying to reach you on your cell phone then it is an urgent matter (at least to them, which means it is to you too). You have to make sure that you answer it, or that you get back to them in a timely manner.
- Do you get good cell phone service at your office? - If your clients can't reach you, then that number is no good to them. It also will just frustrate them to have a number that they can never reach you at during normal business hours. Make sure you have a strong signal during the business day, otherwise don't bother giving them your number.
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Article comments
1 - Reverend Abad Perez
I think that if one is in a situation that requires constant contact with his/her clients, the cell phone is a necessity to have. However, it is a good idea to always make sure that your costumers know that there are certain times of availability, and that they appreciate the fact that air time is expensive.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
If your company has a tech support department, keep your cell phone # to yourself, for your own sake.
3 - Kevin Augustine
Lol, I've been on the wrong end of the 24X7 support stick, I know the pain all too well (hence the article).
While I definitely support giving your cell number out if necessary, it's absolutely a must to take a step back and think about it before you give it out.
4 - Penny
No! No! No!
What on earth would they be wanting to call me outside of office hours for?
If I am away from my desk during office hours, reception can transfer these calls. Otherwise, unless my business specifically provided an after hours service, there is no way I would have my cell phone ringing during my family time. I hadn't even considered items 1-3 & 5 on your list.
Interesting article!
5 - Penny
And another thing - don't you just hate it when you call someone on their regular business line, and then they take a call from another client on their cell phone? Where does this put me on the totem pole? Even DURING business hours clients having access to your cell phone is a very bad practice!