So many coaches talk about “boundaries” and “holding your boundaries” with clients, team members, etc. in order to create the business/life of your dreams.
In fact, I remember a former business advisor who often said I needed stronger boundaries or else my clients wouldn’t value me and what I had to offer.
Boundaries, to that advisor, existed, in part, to create a certain perception of when and how much one works in their business.
So what exactly are boundaries?
I view boundaries as doing business on my terms:
• The hours I work — after all, not being an employee means you don’t have to be in the office from 9am – 5pm and gives you the flexibility to schedule clients around times which work for you both.
• The clients I work with — accepting the fact that not everyone is a good match for your business is one of the most freeing things you can do for yourself and your business.
• Protecting myself from all the hype and BS which permeates online businesses and ticks me off whenever I see it — you know it when you see it and my best advice is to unsubscribe and move on.
• And, speaking/living my truth (to borrow a phrase from @ElizabethPW) which includes providing Extreme Client Care(tm) in everything I do — no matter what, be true to who you are. . .those who resonate will join you. 🙂
If it’s convenient for me to check emails or respond to Get It Done Right forum postings at 11pm on a Saturday night, that’s when I’ll do it — I don’t post-date my emails so the client won’t see them until 9am Monday morning, thus creating an illusion of when I work.
It’s about convenience and providing Extreme Client Care(tm) rather than perception. . .I work more than 4 hours a week and I’m proud to share that fact.
My Request To You
We’re all busy. . .in our businesses and in our lives. Create boundaries which support your desired business and lifestyle.
What are your “non-negotiables” or boundaries for your business?
Remember that strong boundaries — as defined by you — create a strong business.
I’d love to hear from you 🙂