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.
2006-12-16 04:22:12 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
You need to explain to them that what seems like sociallicing to them, is really part of your job. You are trying to build a clientelle and earn their trust at the same time. And when there are no customers, you still have other administrative tasks that are neccessary for you to perfom in order for your business to be a success. And you don't mean to be rude or even make them feel like you don't have time for them, but this is your rice and beans and it requires your undivided attention at this time. Good luck!
2006-12-16 10:54:59 · answer #1 · answered by onecrazypeach 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you tell anybody directly that they are disturbing you then they will be offended, no matter what the reason. Start calling them up in your free time and tell them about how you lost a sale, client, customer or whatever because so-and-so (someone other than them and someone they don’t know well) stopped by and bothered you at work. Most of them will start to understand that you do have a job and will respect your needs without being told directly that they are also causing you problems. I guarantee that this works most of the time although it can take a few times “bitching” about somebody else. (That somebody else can also be a fictitious character that is a good friend they have never met
2016-05-22 23:27:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every now and then a white lie is appropriate, tell them, stoned faced, that you may lose your job if these behaviors continue. And it may not even be a lie, too many family visits could and apparently already is, impairing your ability to do your job...
They should know better, if they don't , they just need some education, tell em the truth, you need your job, you work hard at it and they can't drop in, call in or come around. Be kind but firm, you sound like you have it together, don't let them mess that up. good luck..
2006-12-16 04:50:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either you have not made it perfectly clear.........OR they arent 'hearing' you. So you must be more direct. Noting that you're unable to visit while you're at your business. Would they PLEASE understand your situation, and accept your apologies. Your day is presently too full. And YOU will contact THEM, after your business duties are complete.
Keep in mind the ole true saying: To those who understand, no explanation is NEEDED. To those who dont, no explanation is POSSIBLE. With that said, some of your friends/family will not be all that receptive. But your business needs to take precedent.
2006-12-16 05:03:07 · answer #4 · answered by iyamacog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them know that you would love to visit but away from work. Try explaining to them that you would like for your visits with them to be more one on one where you can focus on just them and not the job.
2006-12-16 04:30:17 · answer #5 · answered by swtz69drmz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
say you'll call them back as soon as you can. stress that you need to keep on top of your job so that you can come home for birthdays/xmas/family occasions. say that you are really sorry, but you can't talk now and have some really important work to do. or something like that.
2006-12-16 04:42:55 · answer #6 · answered by mouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them while you are at work you are off limits to friends and family unless they have an emergency. let them know you will chat with them on your days off or after work. let them know you enjoy your job and you need to stay focused and they are making things uncomfortable for you at work.
2006-12-16 04:29:25 · answer #7 · answered by S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have whoever answers your phone to take a message or politely tell them that you can not except personal phone calls at work!!
2006-12-16 04:32:09 · answer #8 · answered by Floridapurrfection 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "I'm happy you stopped by, but I'm very busy at work and I can't talk. Could we please have a conversation after I'm done with my job?"
2006-12-16 05:42:33 · answer #9 · answered by Supernova 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them to f-k off
2006-12-16 04:36:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋