How a delayed response changed my view on client expectations

I used to drop everything to answer client messages immediately, fearing I'd lose business. After a busy day on a job site where I focused on installation without interruptions, the client actually praised my dedication to quality over speed. Does anyone else find that enforcing communication boundaries actually improves professional respect?

3 comments

3 Comments

butler.iris11d ago

Honestly, I've had the total opposite experience! Most of my clients really do expect that fast reply, and slowing down has cost me jobs before. I guess it just depends on your specific clientele and industry.

carr.brian12d ago

You said the client praised your dedication to quality over speed? I'm genuinely shocked by that. Most of my clients would freak out if I didn't reply within an hour, so this makes me rethink everything. Did you have to set those expectations upfront, or did it just happen naturally?

mila_flores12d ago

An hour reply window would make me panic, @carr.brian. Honestly, setting clear boundaries from day one is the only way I've survived client work.