Every time I see a sales professional put this on their business card or post on a social media site, several emotions always come over me.

Sadness. I feel sorry for those who feel the need to always be available in order to win business. I know deep down they’d give anything to not have to be available 24/7. Does anyone really want to be available at all hours of the day and night? What kind of life are you leading outside of work? Behind the curtains, I can just imagine their children tugging on their arms, pleading for their mom or dad to get off of their phone and play with them. I envision lots of interruptions during dinner and family vacations, with the excuse, it’ll only be a minute. No balance.

Humor. Not to sound too harsh, but I also feel just a small desire to laugh whenever I see people happily promoting themselves as available 24/7. In the mortgage industry, loan officers feel the need to always be available for their real estate partners and their clients.

Empathy. Sales professionals advertising this way simply don’t (yet) know there is a better way to run their business. Here is a secret you need to know: when you are advertising to be available 24/7, you just don’t sound like a highly sought after professional. You don’t create an image that you are worth waiting for. And guess what? If you’re available 24/7, then I can just wait to call you while I call a few others who come across a bit more credible.

Top professionals are not available 24/7. Their hours may vary all over the board, but they have balance. They put parameters around when they are, and are not, available to clients. Yes, I get it…it takes a lot of courage to explain this to a client.