Boundaries are limits you set for yourself that determine what you will or won’t participate in.
– Michelle Farris –
What are your boundaries in business? If your boundaries are unclear, or can be easily adjusted or struck off, then I suggest you pen them down and start thinking about how they can attract your ideal clients who value your services.
Setting boundaries can actually be hard work because you will say more NOs than YESes, and that’s a-OK because you want to attract the right person and have a long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with them.
Every business owner or leader should set their boundaries because it will give you clarity, structure, responsibility, and accountability. You and your team will achieve more and feel less stressed when a limit is determined. Your clients will also understand your expectations when working with you.
To meet customer expectations and let your clients experience a wow-worthy experience with you, you need to incorporate your personality and characteristics into your business, such as openness, and being cheerful, worthy and fun.
As you get busier and busier, you may lose your personality because you’re always in the stressed mood which unfortunately can be felt by your clients. It would help if you created a balanced healthy work-life, so you are not overstressed. Have some time off for yourself because your body and mind need a break to unwind and recharge.
Things to include into personal boundaries are:
- Exercise time – how many times per week would you like to exercise?
- Work hours – how many hours do you want to work? Establish an effective communication channel with your clients and your peers.
- Socialising/family time – how many times per week would you go out with your friends or family?
- Eating habits – are you satisfied with your current diet? If not seek professional help.
Boundaries should be flexible but avoid making too many changes and too often because it may affect your daily routine. Most importantly, keep it consistent and turn it into a positive habit. Establish an efficient communication channel between you, your clients and your team members. Let them know your expectations and boundaries when working with you. Say no and no guilt! Some client may manipulate your guilt and make you say yes. So, say NO and mean it!
Some examples of clients boundaries you may want to include in your New Client Welcome Pack are:
- Project scope – make clear in your quote what’s billable and what’s not. Seek payment approval for any variation before work commences.
- Communication – establish effective communication which includes letting them know your work hours, your best contact method, etc.
- Business hours – how many days do you work? Let your clients know your business hours
- Confidential Agreement – sign a confidentiality agreement between you and your clients, including the project’s Inclusions and Exclusion and personal data.
Don’t have a Welcome Pack, signup here to download a copy of my New Client Onboarding template in Canva.