Using a Separate Business Line

Using a separate phone line for business.

You may not think so right now, but one day (all being well) you'll want to switch off the noise of work for a while.
When you're first starting out, it easier to use your own mobile number to set up social accounts, or appointment booking services etc, but as you grow, it becomes impossible to switch that off even for a short time.

You are not your work. You are YOU.

We all deserve down-time, and you could argue that if you're making a career in this industry then you really HAVE to take time away to regenerate and refresh yourself. Nobody wants to be relaxing on a beach in Jamaica while someone is blowing your phone up about their next brow appointment. You NEED to have a way to protect yourself from your work when you need to.

I'm not advocating 'hiding' from work here. You still need to be available and responsive to your clients - but that should be when YOU choose, not when they do. You need to define the platforms you'll be on, and when you'll be available on them.

Luckily for us, self-care is quite the thing at the moment and this won't come as a shock to anyone that wants your attention. Even the big tech companies are adding in ways to separate your work and home life, and empowering us all to decide where that boundary lies.

Take smartphones for example. Did you know what your iPhone can take one SIM card, and one e-sim? That gives you access to another line that you can use for business only (if you don't want the hassle of running two phones).
Want to spend time with the kids, or meditate? Easy, just mute that line for as long as you need. It'll take messages for you - don't worry!
You can also create a WhatsApp Business account for that work number and keep your work messages separate from your dodgy girl-chat groups on normal WhatsApp.

If you're interested in this, then keep an eye out for two new posts I'll be doing about iOS (iPhone) Focus Modes, and WhatsApp business accounts. They're both well worth reading through.

Remember - don't risk burning out, and don't compromise your own health. This is NOT poor customer service, it's self-care - and you deserve it.