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REDEFINE PODCAST
Client Boundaries
I feel like I should start this lesson off with me dancing to the song NO by Meghan Trainer. Do you know the one I am talking about? My name is No, my sign is No, my number is NO. Today I want to talk about boundaries, more specifically Client Boundaries.
If you have clients who text you at 10 pm or continually show up late (or not at all), then it’s time to establish some boundaries in your business. Being an entrepreneur has is benefits, but often times it’s hard to separate our personal and work lives. Work hours trickle into the night as we check one last email or send one more text. Clients may have unrealistic expectations. As an entrepreneur you have to learn how to say no to clients and set boundaries within your business. If you have clients that keep doing things that are not respecting your time, you could be partly to blame. It’s hard to go back in time and that is why it is so important to set the Client Boundaries upfront.
Sometimes it is necessary to put in long hours and be understanding of others’ circumstances, but it is also necessary to create a work-life balance. Setting boundaries for yourself and others will help you avoid burnout. Boundaries help you to serve your clients to the best of your abilities while also avoiding resentment.
Often we don’t realize the need for a boundary until our time, talent, or generosity has been violated. Learning to set boundaries promotes self-responsibility, empowerment, and closer relationships with your clients. With that being said you, you learn as you go in your business what is acceptable and not acceptable.
Before you set Client Boundaries, you need to be clear with yourself about what they are. Here are few suggestions to get your started.
Establish “Office” Hours
Regardless of whether you work in an office space or on your couch, set designated work hours. It is your responsibility to educate your clients before you begin working with them. Be very clear as to when you work and what they can expect.
Depending on the service you are providing, set later hours a couple days a week to accommodate different time zones or clients with conflicting schedules. Try to stick to these hours. If you don’t stick to your own set hours, you can’t expect your clients to either.
Schedule Email/Corresponding Times
Responding to a client email after office hours sends mixed messages. and can cause your clients to believe they are able to make and receive requests whenever they want. If you are putting in extra time in the evenings or on the weekends, consider saving your email as a draft or scheduling it to go out during your set work hours.
If you don’t stick to your scheduled times, you can’t expect your clients to either. Make it a habit of not checking messages or emails during your off time.
Set Email/Correspondence Expectations
Sometimes you have the ability to respond to your clients within an hour and other times it might take 24-48 hours. Clearly define what your response time will be from the beginning so they will know what to expect. Let your clients know how long it typically takes you to respond and that you will do so within your business hours.
You should also clarify the best form of communication, whether that is text, email, or phone. With the many platforms and modes of communication available, you want to streamline your communication to one place to avoid confusion.
Client Results
Clients typically hire us because they have a problem. We work with them to provide a solution and create amazing results together. However, if your client doesn’t uphold her end of the agreement/contract, the results may be less than satisfactory. Impress upon your clients their responsibility in the process—whether that means showing up on time to get the full experience, doing homework, following through, or simply being present. In order to do your job, they have to do theirs. Set clear Client Boundaries with your clients so they understand their responsibility in receiving the sought-after results.
Client Expectations
Be very clear about what your client will be getting when they work with you. A client requesting additional work can turn into regular requests that go beyond your original contract or agreement. Clearly define the work scope and hours you agreed on. Identify added costs for expedited services or fees accrued for weekend work. Remind your client of the added costs before agreeing to accept additional work.
Talk about extra work
If your clients want more revisions than the ones that are included in the contract or if they want to add another page or another feature to their website, they should know if they have to pay for that or not. A lot of people expect freelancers to do more work for free, especially if they are working on a large project, so you should tell them that extra work isn’t free. You should also include your hourly rate for revisions or extra work in the contract.
Communicate the progress of the project
Your clients are excited and want to see results as fast as possible. They might also think that you are only working on their project and don’t have a business to run. They have no idea how long it takes to help multiple clients with multiple projects or problems. To avoid waking up to three emails with the same subject, keep your clients updated and explain to them each phase of the process. This will also make them feel more involved in the project and will keep them excited.
TAKE VACATIONS
It’s important to take time off. If you go on vacation let your clients know ahead of time. Again, it’s all about communication. Let your clients know as soon as possible about time off so they can plan any projects that they may need your assistance. Then set an autoresponder to remind them that you are away. Don’t forget to have fun on your vacation.
Boundaries can be complicated and messy if you don’t set them up front, but also remember setting boundaries is also something you are learning as you go. Your business will evolve and so will your boundaries. When you are first starting you might not have a lot of boundaries, but as you get busier in your business you will realize you need way more boundaries to accomplish the things you want to accomplish. When we take on more than we can handle it starts to affect our work.
You always want to offer the best service and product possible. Learning how to say no to clients and setting client boundaries in your business will create mutual respect. Boundaries are an essential tool in running a successful business. Without them, you lose valuable time and energy. When you’re clear and consistent, your clients will be pleased with your work and more likely to offer referred business.
I'm Brittni Schroeder!
I’m a Diet Coke drinkin, chocolate eatin, Netflix watchin, all-around good time! I want to show you how to grow and scale your business. Let’s be business BFFs!
