See how to handle queries from you clients with a successful out-of-office message.

Out of the Office – a Long Goodbye?

There’s the November long weekend coming right up. Or a possibility of one. You might want to take a break. But not your business. See how to handle queries from you clients with a successful out-of-office message.

Hi!
I’m currently out of the office.

Well, surprise, surprise! If you were there, your client wouldn’t be reading this!

Hi!
Thank you for your e-mail. I’m currently out of the office.

At least the effort of your client was appreciated. But nothing was done to address his/ her issue.

Hi!
Thank you for your e-mail. I’m currently out of the office. I will reply after I come back.

Right, and it’s done when it’s done.

Hi!
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, since I’m currently out of the office, I will look into the matter only after I come back on Wednesday, XX XX 2014. In the meantime, if you need a more urgent assistance please contact YYY YYYY at yyy@yy.com.

There’s all the information the client needs – a little thank you, a date to expect an answer and a contact in case of emergency.

The most important thing, though, is to make sure that your business doesn’t hibernate. Distribute duties during your absence. Find covers. See what can be done automatically. Think of things that might go wrong. Don’t panic. Hedge against it :)

Kasia

Philologist with a deep belief in people that made her become account manager at PayLane. Searching for the most adequate support for our merchants she goes through whatever resources available – websites, encyclopedias, helpful colleagues' tips, comic books, and accountancy statements. Done with that, she looks for anything with the label "culture" on it.