Why It's Essential to Set Boundaries in Your Business
Is the fear of losing clients keeping you from setting boundaries?
Do you feel like you need to be accessible at all hours, juggle various communication platforms (email, text, phone, Facebook message, Instagram message, and more!), and over exceed the expectations set in your service agreements?
While we think all of this helps our clients, it actually doesn't. Distraction not only inhibits the quality of work, but the time it takes to complete it, and going overboard on a project leaves you frazzled and less focused when you start the next.
And also, you DESERVE to have time off to rest and recharge. (Did you see my blog post on why vacations are important?)
Setting boundaries prevents you from burn-out, resenting your business, and living life in stress mode. And boundaries allow you to feel excited about your work and devote your full attention to a client, which leads to a higher quality of work.
Here are a few of my boundaries:
• Narrowed my business communication channels to email and phone calls only, email being preferred.
I set an autoresponder on my Facebook page that refers people who message me to the contact form on my website.
• Require scheduled phone calls.
• No communication after 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
If I do decide to work beyond those hours, I schedule my email replies to send during my working hours. ;)
• Set deadlines for clients to provide required materials so projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Only take on work that excites me and is in my zone of genius.
• Absolutely no bartering. Someone always lands with the short end of the stick and is left feeling taken advantage of. When you feel that way, you resent the work. Not only that, bartering makes it difficult to track what’s actually coming in and going out.
I set this boundary years ago and have no regrets, nor do I feel bad when someone asks me to work in trade and I say no.
These boundaries allow me to focus fully on the work in front of me, gives me time to get that work done without frequent interruptions in my day, feel confident in the work I put out (and not stressed trying to figure something out like logo design) and allows me to fully recharge and enjoy my off time so I can come back to work refreshed, inspired, and exhilarated.
It was super hard for me to set these boundaries, but I'm feeling more balanced and grateful as a result.
What are some boundaries you can set for your business? I'd love to know!
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P.S. I have a bunch of business and marketing resources, and if you’re looking for more support, here are three ways I can help you when you’re ready...
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