THE PRACTICE

Early on, most solo operators give clients their personal cell number. It’s easy and it feels personal, and when you have three clients it doesn’t seem like a problem. But the number spreads. It ends up on invoices, websites, and referral emails. A few years later, the same phone that carries messages from your family also carries a 9 p.m. text from a client asking about a change, a Saturday morning call from a supplier, and a stream of notifications you can’t silence without silencing everyone you love.

The result is that work never fully stops. Even if you don’t reply, you’ve seen the message. Part of your evening is now spent thinking about it.

Why it works

A separate number gives work its own channel, and a channel can be switched off. When the business line is quiet after 6 p.m., the only things that reach you are personal. You can still check it whenever you choose. The difference is that it’s your choice, not something that interrupts dinner.

It also sets clearer expectations for clients. A business number with a voicemail that states your hours tells clients how to reach you and when to expect an answer. Most clients are happy to follow that. They just need to be told, and a personal cell number tells them nothing except that you’re always reachable.

How to run it

Get a second number. You don’t necessarily need a second phone. Many carriers and apps offer a second line on the same device, often for a small monthly fee. Pick one that lets you set hours or do-not-disturb for that line separately.

Set its hours. Decide when the business line rings and when it goes straight to voicemail. Match it to your actual working hours.

Record a clear voicemail. Name, business, hours, and when callers can expect to hear back. “I return calls within one business day” sets the standard for you and for them.

Move clients over gradually. Update the number on your website, invoices, and email signature. For existing clients, send a short note: “I’ve set up a dedicated business line. Here’s the new number for anything work-related.” Then answer work calls on that line from now on.

The mistake most people make

Keeping the business line on all the time. If it rings at 10 p.m. the same way your personal line does, all you’ve done is double your notifications. The value is in turning it off.

The other mistake is answering on your personal number when a client still uses it. If you reply, they’ll keep using it. A friendly response the next morning from the business line, “Got your message, here’s my work number for next time,” moves them over without any awkwardness.