Accessible vs. Available

Just because you're accessible doesn't mean you're available.

This is true in all areas of life, but let's talk about business.

This was something I mentioned to a client this week who has a brick and mortar, public facing business.

To a customer walking in the door, they are accessible because that person sees them.

They aren't always available though.

This is where we have to start creating key phrases to keep in our back pockets to kindly reiterate "Yes you see me, but I can't take care of this right now".

"Thanks for stopping in, do you want to get on my calendar for next week? _____ afternoon/morning is available."

"Great seeing you, I've got another client waiting on some information I need to get back to."

"Hey there! You're welcome to wait but I'll be honest I've got about __ hours ahead of me to meet a deadline."

These things are easier said than done, I know. But when practiced they get easier.

On the flip side, as patrons, consumers and clients ourselves we can practice reading the room and giving others grace when they are busy or preoccupied. It's not a slight against us that someone else's priorities are already focused.

Happy boundary building, friends!