Myth: "Respond to every inbound within 5 minutes to look professional."

Myth: "Respond to every inbound within 5 minutes to look professional."

Speed without qualification books bad clients fast. The pros gate inbound through a system, not a stopwatch.

The Inbound Qualification SOP:

— Auto-reply with a 4-question form: deliverable, usage, timeline, budget range.
— No budget answer means no call. Standardize this; don't make exceptions for "exposure."
— Tag responses: green (fits rate card), yellow (negotiable), red (decline politely).
— Book calls only with green and yellow.
— Decline reds with a one-line template and a referral.

This turns a 5-minute reflex into a repeatable filter. Save the 4-question form. The goal isn't fast replies, it's the right calls landing on your calendar.