How to reclaim your time when you’re struggling to set business boundaries
HOT TAKE: ALL service providers struggle with business boundaries at some point in their business. Period. And,if someone tells you otherwise, they're not telling the truth. *Steps off soapbox*
Here’ss the deal: You want to be helpful and ensure your clients feel supported. But when you over deliver and say “yes” to every request, you start to lose control of your time AND energy, both of which are quite limited right now.
Why Boundaries Are Essential
Healthy boundaries allow you to serve your clients without losing yourself in the process. But if you’re constantly available and answering questions on Slack, Voxer, Telegram, IG DMs, emails, and phone calls all day and night, you’re actually doing a disservice to them. Why? Because your clients will come to expect it and it’s unsustainable to provide.
Over time, this can lead to resentment, burnout, and feeling like your business is running you instead of the other way around.
Define Your Non-Negotiables
Before you set boundaries, you need to know what’s most important to you. Whether it’s preserving your weekends, limiting client communication to specific days/hours, or protecting your family time, get clear on your non-negotiables.
Communicate your boundaries EARLY
The best way to enforce boundaries is to set them from the start. When onboarding new clients, clearly communicate your working hours, response times, and expectations.
Great boundary communication ideas:
Add this information to your contracts and your email footer.
Set up auto-responders for when you’re out of office with your availability and when they can expect to receive a response from you.
This sets the tone for the relationship and helps avoid miscommunication (and resentment!) further into your client relationship.
Keep in mind…
Boundaries only work if you enforce them. Stick to the limits you set, even if it’s uncomfortable at first. Your clients will respect you for it, and you’ll respect yourself for maintaining control over your limited time and energy.
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