What is a polite and effective way to let friends & family know that I can no longer be disturbed at work?

Question

I've opened my own business and it's in a public place...part of my job is to spend time chatting with customers and being hospitable to them. This sends very mixed messages to friends & family who think it's perfectly fine to drop by, whenever they please, expecting me to chat with them too. At first I didn't mind, but now I'm way too distracted when they are there. My SOLE focus needs to be on my customers & when I have NO customers, I want to keep busy with all the other tasks that need to be done or else I'll end up really stressed at the end of the day. Friends/Family observe me chatting with customers and think it's just one big "social session" without ANY awareness that customers are PART of my job---and idle "chit-chat" with family and friends is NOT part of my job! PLEASE tell me what to say--once and for all--so that people will start respecting my time & schedule! I've complained constantly about how busy I am, but no one seems to care

Answer 1

quit complaining and be direct.
"I cannot accept personal phone calls or visits at work"

Answer 2

You would think that your friends and family would want you to do well. I would just be honest and say "Listen, I have alot to do here - I'll catch up with you later" , or "I'm really busy here - can we meet later?" Make it sound like you're sorry you don't have time for them now - they won't take it so personal - and maybe even assist you.

Answer 3

Just tell them this is a place of business and would you please wait till I get home to talk to me, I really need to be working while at work and not talking, no matter how much I enjoy your company.

Answer 4

Or you could use it to your advantage making it look like your are busy to help attract customers.

Answer 5

tell the person under u or secrertery not to allow any 1 in and switch of ur cellphone. if they say anything just say no personal work while Duty