Technology, emails and texting -- how much is too much?

Years ago, I read the book about the seven habits of highly efficient people. One of the things I learned was to not check email on the minute. Therefor, I don't have email sent directly to my PDA. (I know I am not in the majority.) I can access my email when I choose to using my email's .mobi site. Checking emails on the minute doesn't allow you to focus on the task you are working on and makes you work more fragmented.

My clients know that they can text me anytime during the week of their event or if we made prior arrangements to talk after 7 p.m. Otherwise, my clients know that I won't return their call or text until the next morning. I do not list my cell phone number on my business card -- that is a treasure that only my clients and preferred vendors get. Many vendors run their businesses from their cell phones. This is a personal choice, but I have a virtual receptionist and business phone lines. She handles all of my new client inquiries and I call them back at my convenience.

Last year, I did not have these guidelines. My contract now addresses text messaging and social media emails and communication. with clients. We consider them a convenience that we provide to our clients but they are not considered acceptable forms of 'changes in writing.' If your phone crashes you won't have access to that texting history and a client could 'swear they texted you that information.' How many times have you heard that?