It would be easy to conclude that being accessible to clients is a simple, universal truth in the consulting business. After all, a consultant can't be helpful without being available when a client calls.
But place a call to a consultant and test the result. Often, you receive a cryptic voicemail greeting that encourages you to leave a message and expect a return call "at my earliest possible convenience."
Granted, the consultant may return the call in a short time, but the client doesn't know what to expect, other than the consultant will return the call when it's convenient. A simple change in your voicemail greeting, indicating when you will return calls, would clear up that uncertainty.
It's not unusual for consultants to attend day-long events that make it tough to remain accessible to clients. But shy away from having an assistant or answering service tell a client that you're "out of the office all day and can't be reached." Remember, your client really doesn't care what you're doing. The caller wants to hear from you.
Rather than telling a client that you're out of the office, in a meeting, or nursing a cold at home, just tell the client when to expect a return call. Forget about the extra information--it doesn't help.
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