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How to set boundaries in your service based business

How to set boundaries in your service based business

A few ways you can set clear boundaries and communicate your conditions to clients in a respectful manner that will keep them loving you, and (hopefully) make them want to return to work with you in the future.

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I'll tell you this much: a good first impression is absolutely crucial in the online world of business if you have any hope of leaving a lasting impact on your audience. There is just no excuse for sloppy design work, poor quality images and clashing colour schemes in the digital age. And there's certainly no room for this in your business - at least not when you're working hard to attract your dream clients! I'll tell you something else too: if you're not making a good impression, people will not take you seriously, much less respect the boundaries you have in place... So, what's a gal to do? A gal works SMARTER, of course! (Hint: use Canva Templates to save you time) One of the biggest lessons I learned from running my own business is that people respect people who respect themselves. You cannot go into business with the mindset that your clients will automatically know what your conditions and limitations are - it is your responsibility to make them aware of this. The best way, I’ve found, to do this is through onboarding packs. Something as simple as a 3 page document, has the power to change the way you handle projects, giving you peace of mind knowing that you and your client are on the same page. But what exactly should you be including inside your onboarding document? Fear not, my friend! I've got you covered! I've been sneaking new templates into my shop the past few weeks: service & pricing guides, day rate service guides and welcome packets with MORE coming soon.  But, on top of this is that now all my templates come with their very own personalized planning workbook that guides you through the different sections inside the template so you know exactly what copy you need to prepare for your onboarding document. Once you've finalized all the copy, simply copy and paste them into your template - easy peasy. I'm also adding the last few videos to my Quick Canva Design Tutorial Library which you'll have access to as well, so you'll know how to customize your templates with minimal fuss. Ready to turn those enquiries into DREAM Clients? Browse the templates via the link in my bio!
I'll tell you this much: a good first impression is absolutely crucial in the online world of business if you have any hope of leaving a lasting impact on your audience. There is just no excuse for sloppy design work, poor quality images and clashing colour schemes in the digital age. And there's certainly no room for this in your business - at least not when you're working hard to attract your dream clients! I'll tell you something else too: if you're not making a good impression, people will not take you seriously, much less respect the boundaries you have in place... So, what's a gal to do? A gal works SMARTER, of course! (Hint: use Canva Templates to save you time) One of the biggest lessons I learned from running my own business is that people respect people who respect themselves. You cannot go into business with the mindset that your clients will automatically know what your conditions and limitations are - it is your responsibility to make them aware of this. The best way, I’ve found, to do this is through onboarding packs. Something as simple as a 3 page document, has the power to change the way you handle projects, giving you peace of mind knowing that you and your client are on the same page. But what exactly should you be including inside your onboarding document? Fear not, my friend! I've got you covered! I've been sneaking new templates into my shop the past few weeks: service & pricing guides, day rate service guides and welcome packets with MORE coming soon.  But, on top of this is that now all my templates come with their very own personalized planning workbook that guides you through the different sections inside the template so you know exactly what copy you need to prepare for your onboarding document. Once you've finalized all the copy, simply copy and paste them into your template - easy peasy. I'm also adding the last few videos to my Quick Canva Design Tutorial Library which you'll have access to as well, so you'll know how to customize your templates with minimal fuss. Ready to turn those enquiries into DREAM Clients? Browse the templates via the link in my bio!
I'll tell you this much: a good first impression is absolutely crucial in the online world of business if you have any hope of leaving a lasting impact on your audience. There is just no excuse for sloppy design work, poor quality images and clashing colour schemes in the digital age. And there's certainly no room for this in your business - at least not when you're working hard to attract your dream clients! I'll tell you something else too: if you're not making a good impression, people will not take you seriously, much less respect the boundaries you have in place... So, what's a gal to do? A gal works SMARTER, of course! (Hint: use Canva Templates to save you time) One of the biggest lessons I learned from running my own business is that people respect people who respect themselves. You cannot go into business with the mindset that your clients will automatically know what your conditions and limitations are - it is your responsibility to make them aware of this. The best way, I’ve found, to do this is through onboarding packs. Something as simple as a 3 page document, has the power to change the way you handle projects, giving you peace of mind knowing that you and your client are on the same page. But what exactly should you be including inside your onboarding document? Fear not, my friend! I've got you covered! I've been sneaking new templates into my shop the past few weeks: service & pricing guides, day rate service guides and welcome packets with MORE coming soon.  But, on top of this is that now all my templates come with their very own personalized planning workbook that guides you through the different sections inside the template so you know exactly what copy you need to prepare for your onboarding document. Once you've finalized all the copy, simply copy and paste them into your template - easy peasy. I'm also adding the last few videos to my Quick Canva Design Tutorial Library which you'll have access to as well, so you'll know how to customize your templates with minimal fuss. Ready to turn those enquiries into DREAM Clients? Browse the templates via the link in my bio!
I'll tell you this much: a good first impression is absolutely crucial in the online world of business if you have any hope of leaving a lasting impact on your audience. There is just no excuse for sloppy design work, poor quality images and clashing colour schemes in the digital age. And there's certainly no room for this in your business - at least not when you're working hard to attract your dream clients! I'll tell you something else too: if you're not making a good impression, people will not take you seriously, much less respect the boundaries you have in place... So, what's a gal to do? A gal works SMARTER, of course! (Hint: use Canva Templates to save you time) One of the biggest lessons I learned from running my own business is that people respect people who respect themselves. You cannot go into business with the mindset that your clients will automatically know what your conditions and limitations are - it is your responsibility to make them aware of this. The best way, I’ve found, to do this is through onboarding packs. Something as simple as a 3 page document, has the power to change the way you handle projects, giving you peace of mind knowing that you and your client are on the same page. But what exactly should you be including inside your onboarding document? Fear not, my friend! I've got you covered! I've been sneaking new templates into my shop the past few weeks: service & pricing guides, day rate service guides and welcome packets with MORE coming soon.  But, on top of this is that now all my templates come with their very own personalized planning workbook that guides you through the different sections inside the template so you know exactly what copy you need to prepare for your onboarding document. Once you've finalized all the copy, simply copy and paste them into your template - easy peasy. I'm also adding the last few videos to my Quick Canva Design Tutorial Library which you'll have access to as well, so you'll know how to customize your templates with minimal fuss. Ready to turn those enquiries into DREAM Clients? Browse the templates via the link in my bio!
I'll tell you this much: a good first impression is absolutely crucial in the online world of business if you have any hope of leaving a lasting impact on your audience. There is just no excuse for sloppy design work, poor quality images and clashing colour schemes in the digital age. And there's certainly no room for this in your business - at least not when you're working hard to attract your dream clients! I'll tell you something else too: if you're not making a good impression, people will not take you seriously, much less respect the boundaries you have in place... So, what's a gal to do? A gal works SMARTER, of course! (Hint: use Canva Templates to save you time) One of the biggest lessons I learned from running my own business is that people respect people who respect themselves. You cannot go into business with the mindset that your clients will automatically know what your conditions and limitations are - it is your responsibility to make them aware of this. The best way, I’ve found, to do this is through onboarding packs. Something as simple as a 3 page document, has the power to change the way you handle projects, giving you peace of mind knowing that you and your client are on the same page. But what exactly should you be including inside your onboarding document? Fear not, my friend! I've got you covered! I've been sneaking new templates into my shop the past few weeks: service & pricing guides, day rate service guides and welcome packets with MORE coming soon.  But, on top of this is that now all my templates come with their very own personalized planning workbook that guides you through the different sections inside the template so you know exactly what copy you need to prepare for your onboarding document. Once you've finalized all the copy, simply copy and paste them into your template - easy peasy. I'm also adding the last few videos to my Quick Canva Design Tutorial Library which you'll have access to as well, so you'll know how to customize your templates with minimal fuss. Ready to turn those enquiries into DREAM Clients? Browse the templates via the link in my bio!
I'll tell you this much: a good first impression is absolutely crucial in the online world of business if you have any hope of leaving a lasting impact on your audience. There is just no excuse for sloppy design work, poor quality images and clashing colour schemes in the digital age. And there's certainly no room for this in your business - at least not when you're working hard to attract your dream clients! I'll tell you something else too: if you're not making a good impression, people will not take you seriously, much less respect the boundaries you have in place... So, what's a gal to do? A gal works SMARTER, of course! (Hint: use Canva Templates to save you time) One of the biggest lessons I learned from running my own business is that people respect people who respect themselves. You cannot go into business with the mindset that your clients will automatically know what your conditions and limitations are - it is your responsibility to make them aware of this. The best way, I’ve found, to do this is through onboarding packs. Something as simple as a 3 page document, has the power to change the way you handle projects, giving you peace of mind knowing that you and your client are on the same page. But what exactly should you be including inside your onboarding document? Fear not, my friend! I've got you covered! I've been sneaking new templates into my shop the past few weeks: service & pricing guides, day rate service guides and welcome packets with MORE coming soon.  But, on top of this is that now all my templates come with their very own personalized planning workbook that guides you through the different sections inside the template so you know exactly what copy you need to prepare for your onboarding document. Once you've finalized all the copy, simply copy and paste them into your template - easy peasy. I'm also adding the last few videos to my Quick Canva Design Tutorial Library which you'll have access to as well, so you'll know how to customize your templates with minimal fuss. Ready to turn those enquiries into DREAM Clients? Browse the templates via the link in my bio!
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If you take a quick look on social media, you’ll find that entrepreneurship is overly glamorised.

And, while there is no denying that running your own business is incredibly rewarding, with a never ending list of benefits; it sure does come with its own set of challenges too!

The biggest one for most is setting boundaries.

When you’re self employed, EVERYTHING lies on your two shoulders.

If you perform well, you get all the credit, same goes for when you do badly…

Most of us will go above and beyond to ensure our clients are given the best possible service. A lot of times doing more harm to our businesses (and well being, for that matter) than good!

I figured out pretty early in my business that I needed to establish boundaries with my clients and customers. A set of ground rules was vital if I were to provide them the best service possible, while maintaining my own sanity; e.g. not having to complete a job in one day when I know it will require at least three.

And how did I do this, you might be wondering?

Client Welcome Packets!

Something as simple as a client welcome packet made a HUGE difference in the way I ran my business. All of a sudden, I had more control! It was such a relief!

Setting clear boundaries and conditions before a project begins is absolutely essential. You, as the service provider, will be covered while your client is clear on what to expect while working with you. Managing expectations makes the whole process easier by eliminating any misunderstandings that could potentially sour the entire experience for both parties involved – something we want to avoid!

Here are a few ways you can use a Client Welcome Packet to set boundaries in your service based business:

1| Write out your entire process, clearly

Once I got clear on my process of what will happen throughout the entire project, from the very beginning when signing on a new client, to the end where I hand over the project files, I felt more organized and less overwhelmed.

Adding my process to the client welcome packet that I give new clients at the beginning of each new project, means that they are fully aware of what to expect during our time working together.

Clearly mark important dates during the project, for example, when they will need to provide you with certain information, or when they can expect the first draft of work to give helpful feedback. This will help things run much more smoothly!

2| State your working hours

As entrepreneurs it can be so hard to clock out at the end of each day. And for me, as a wife and mum, it feels as though I’m always working to make up for the time I cannot spend on my business during the day.

This is why I needed to make it known, and understood, that I will not always be in front of my laptop to reply to emails right away, or make “quick changes” immediately. It is important to me that clients respect my time just as much as I respect theirs.

Also, since I work with clients from all around the world, I had to remind them of the time difference so that they know to give me 24 hours to respond to their messages.

3| Manage their expectations

As I said before, it is vital to manage your client’s expectations by making it clear what your service entails, as well as what they’ll be getting from you at the end of the project. Never assume things are clear, never assume people will think the way you do – always cover your tracks as best you can to avoid disappointment and misunderstandings.

For example, if you are a photographer and the end project will consist of 30 edited photographs, you need to stipulate in the terms and conditions that you will not be handing over the raw images to your client, unless this was discussed before hand.

It’s best to dot all your Is and cross all your Ts, and double check that nothing is vague or ambiguous.

 

 

Do you struggle to set boundaries in your business?

For the most part, people are kind and understanding, especially when you firmly (and respectfully) set out your ground rules.

I do not believe people are out to get you around every corner.

However, I strongly encourage you to protect yourself and your business by not leaving things to chance. Working on a project where everyone is on the same page, and know exactly where they stand, makes for a stress free, positive experience that will hopefully have them coming back for more – or recommending your services to someone else!

 

 

8 months ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Now, I’m no scientist, but I can tell you that based on my own experience I’ve found this to be absolutely TRUE.   When I studied civil engineering I had no passion for the field. But, it became part of the plan ever since I watched Michael Scofield fix that replica of the Taj Mahal in Warden Pope’s office. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else.   After graduating, I landed a job I was aiming for throughout my academic life, but something was off. I longed to be more creative, and felt stifled by the 8-5 day at a desk where someone constantly peeked over my shoulder. Watching the weeks roll by through a window that held me back from the happiness I knew was lacking in my career. And the never ending frustration of knowing that I was not living up to my full potential, growing at a pace someone else was setting for me.     I couldn't stand it!   The turning point however, was when my work offered me a scholarship to study further so I could qualify as an engineer. It was as if the next 30 years of my life flashed before my eyes - and I didn’t like that picture one bit.   So, after months of hearing my husband say "you've struck oil in engineering, it's time to move on" (and after months of denying this was true) I handed in my resignation.   Looking back at that time it is obvious to see that there was no passion. Especially when holding it up against the business I’ve built today, where I look forward to opening my laptop so I can work with my amazing clients and bring some of my wild ideas to life.   Being able to provide for my family has always been my “why”. But I firmly believe that it was passion that carried me through.   Are you following your passion in your business?   Does your current client work give you the stage to express the highest level of your talent?   Are you truly happy with the picture you see when looking at your life 30 years from now?   If the answer to these three questions is not a loud, confident “YES!” then you may need to take a close look at what’s blocking you from filling your schedule with work you actually love! I'd love to know what your answers are, so feel free to share in the comments below!
Now, I’m no scientist, but I can tell you that based on my own experience I’ve found this to be absolutely TRUE.   When I studied civil engineering I had no passion for the field. But, it became part of the plan ever since I watched Michael Scofield fix that replica of the Taj Mahal in Warden Pope’s office. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else.   After graduating, I landed a job I was aiming for throughout my academic life, but something was off. I longed to be more creative, and felt stifled by the 8-5 day at a desk where someone constantly peeked over my shoulder. Watching the weeks roll by through a window that held me back from the happiness I knew was lacking in my career. And the never ending frustration of knowing that I was not living up to my full potential, growing at a pace someone else was setting for me.     I couldn't stand it!   The turning point however, was when my work offered me a scholarship to study further so I could qualify as an engineer. It was as if the next 30 years of my life flashed before my eyes - and I didn’t like that picture one bit.   So, after months of hearing my husband say "you've struck oil in engineering, it's time to move on" (and after months of denying this was true) I handed in my resignation.   Looking back at that time it is obvious to see that there was no passion. Especially when holding it up against the business I’ve built today, where I look forward to opening my laptop so I can work with my amazing clients and bring some of my wild ideas to life.   Being able to provide for my family has always been my “why”. But I firmly believe that it was passion that carried me through.   Are you following your passion in your business?   Does your current client work give you the stage to express the highest level of your talent?   Are you truly happy with the picture you see when looking at your life 30 years from now?   If the answer to these three questions is not a loud, confident “YES!” then you may need to take a close look at what’s blocking you from filling your schedule with work you actually love! I'd love to know what your answers are, so feel free to share in the comments below!
Now, I’m no scientist, but I can tell you that based on my own experience I’ve found this to be absolutely TRUE.   When I studied civil engineering I had no passion for the field. But, it became part of the plan ever since I watched Michael Scofield fix that replica of the Taj Mahal in Warden Pope’s office. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else.   After graduating, I landed a job I was aiming for throughout my academic life, but something was off. I longed to be more creative, and felt stifled by the 8-5 day at a desk where someone constantly peeked over my shoulder. Watching the weeks roll by through a window that held me back from the happiness I knew was lacking in my career. And the never ending frustration of knowing that I was not living up to my full potential, growing at a pace someone else was setting for me.     I couldn't stand it!   The turning point however, was when my work offered me a scholarship to study further so I could qualify as an engineer. It was as if the next 30 years of my life flashed before my eyes - and I didn’t like that picture one bit.   So, after months of hearing my husband say "you've struck oil in engineering, it's time to move on" (and after months of denying this was true) I handed in my resignation.   Looking back at that time it is obvious to see that there was no passion. Especially when holding it up against the business I’ve built today, where I look forward to opening my laptop so I can work with my amazing clients and bring some of my wild ideas to life.   Being able to provide for my family has always been my “why”. But I firmly believe that it was passion that carried me through.   Are you following your passion in your business?   Does your current client work give you the stage to express the highest level of your talent?   Are you truly happy with the picture you see when looking at your life 30 years from now?   If the answer to these three questions is not a loud, confident “YES!” then you may need to take a close look at what’s blocking you from filling your schedule with work you actually love! I'd love to know what your answers are, so feel free to share in the comments below!
our_polished_pages
our_polished_pages
•
Follow

If you take a quick look on social media, you’ll find that entrepreneurship is overly glamorised.

And, while there is no denying that running your own business is incredibly rewarding, with a never ending list of benefits; it sure does come with its own set of challenges too!

The biggest one for most is setting boundaries.

When you’re self employed, EVERYTHING lies on your two shoulders.

If you perform well, you get all the credit, same goes for when you do badly…

Most of us will go above and beyond to ensure our clients are given the best possible service. A lot of times doing more harm to our businesses (and well being, for that matter) than good!

I figured out pretty early in my business that I needed to establish boundaries with my clients and customers. A set of ground rules was vital if I were to provide them the best service possible, while maintaining my own sanity; e.g. not having to complete a job in one day when I know it will require at least three.

And how did I do this, you might be wondering?

Client Welcome Packets!

Something as simple as a client welcome packet made a HUGE difference in the way I ran my business. All of a sudden, I had more control! It was such a relief!

Setting clear boundaries and conditions before a project begins is absolutely essential. You, as the service provider, will be covered while your client is clear on what to expect while working with you. Managing expectations makes the whole process easier by eliminating any misunderstandings that could potentially sour the entire experience for both parties involved – something we want to avoid!

Here are a few ways you can use a Client Welcome Packet to set boundaries in your service based business:

1| Write out your entire process, clearly

Once I got clear on my process of what will happen throughout the entire project, from the very beginning when signing on a new client, to the end where I hand over the project files, I felt more organized and less overwhelmed.

Adding my process to the client welcome packet that I give new clients at the beginning of each new project, means that they are fully aware of what to expect during our time working together.

Clearly mark important dates during the project, for example, when they will need to provide you with certain information, or when they can expect the first draft of work to give helpful feedback. This will help things run much more smoothly!

2| State your working hours

As entrepreneurs it can be so hard to clock out at the end of each day. And for me, as a wife and mum, it feels as though I’m always working to make up for the time I cannot spend on my business during the day.

This is why I needed to make it known, and understood, that I will not always be in front of my laptop to reply to emails right away, or make “quick changes” immediately. It is important to me that clients respect my time just as much as I respect theirs.

Also, since I work with clients from all around the world, I had to remind them of the time difference so that they know to give me 24 hours to respond to their messages.

3| Manage their expectations

As I said before, it is vital to manage your client’s expectations by making it clear what your service entails, as well as what they’ll be getting from you at the end of the project. Never assume things are clear, never assume people will think the way you do – always cover your tracks as best you can to avoid disappointment and misunderstandings.

For example, if you are a photographer and the end project will consist of 30 edited photographs, you need to stipulate in the terms and conditions that you will not be handing over the raw images to your client, unless this was discussed before hand.

It’s best to dot all your Is and cross all your Ts, and double check that nothing is vague or ambiguous.

 

 

Do you struggle to set boundaries in your business?

For the most part, people are kind and understanding, especially when you firmly (and respectfully) set out your ground rules.

I do not believe people are out to get you around every corner.

However, I strongly encourage you to protect yourself and your business by not leaving things to chance. Working on a project where everyone is on the same page, and know exactly where they stand, makes for a stress free, positive experience that will hopefully have them coming back for more – or recommending your services to someone else!

 

 

9 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
One of the biggest reasons why many people don’t niche down in their businesses is because they fear they’ll lose out on opportunities. This could not be further from the truth! Niching down is the first step in setting yourself up as an expert. No one can be the best at everything. You may be skilled in different areas but if you’re focusing on too many things there’s just no way you’ll become the go-to person for a specific task and you’ll never stand out from the crowd. Not having a clear target audience and dream client is a sure way to stunt business growth. Today I wanted to share 5 ways you’re hurting your business (and yourself) by working with everyone, instead of niching down and targeting a very specific audience. 👉🏽 You won’t feel fulfilled and happy 👉🏽 You’re not allowing yourself to be seen as an expert in your niche 👉🏽 You can’t charge premium pricing because you’re not an expert 👉🏽 You’ll attract people who you’ll struggle to please 👉🏽 Your quality of work will drop Want to read more about this? Read the full post on my blog! I also have a really helpful Dream Client Evaluator which you can grab for free by following the link in my bio!
our_polished_pages
our_polished_pages
•
Follow

If you take a quick look on social media, you’ll find that entrepreneurship is overly glamorised.

And, while there is no denying that running your own business is incredibly rewarding, with a never ending list of benefits; it sure does come with its own set of challenges too!

The biggest one for most is setting boundaries.

When you’re self employed, EVERYTHING lies on your two shoulders.

If you perform well, you get all the credit, same goes for when you do badly…

Most of us will go above and beyond to ensure our clients are given the best possible service. A lot of times doing more harm to our businesses (and well being, for that matter) than good!

I figured out pretty early in my business that I needed to establish boundaries with my clients and customers. A set of ground rules was vital if I were to provide them the best service possible, while maintaining my own sanity; e.g. not having to complete a job in one day when I know it will require at least three.

And how did I do this, you might be wondering?

Client Welcome Packets!

Something as simple as a client welcome packet made a HUGE difference in the way I ran my business. All of a sudden, I had more control! It was such a relief!

Setting clear boundaries and conditions before a project begins is absolutely essential. You, as the service provider, will be covered while your client is clear on what to expect while working with you. Managing expectations makes the whole process easier by eliminating any misunderstandings that could potentially sour the entire experience for both parties involved – something we want to avoid!

Here are a few ways you can use a Client Welcome Packet to set boundaries in your service based business:

1| Write out your entire process, clearly

Once I got clear on my process of what will happen throughout the entire project, from the very beginning when signing on a new client, to the end where I hand over the project files, I felt more organized and less overwhelmed.

Adding my process to the client welcome packet that I give new clients at the beginning of each new project, means that they are fully aware of what to expect during our time working together.

Clearly mark important dates during the project, for example, when they will need to provide you with certain information, or when they can expect the first draft of work to give helpful feedback. This will help things run much more smoothly!

2| State your working hours

As entrepreneurs it can be so hard to clock out at the end of each day. And for me, as a wife and mum, it feels as though I’m always working to make up for the time I cannot spend on my business during the day.

This is why I needed to make it known, and understood, that I will not always be in front of my laptop to reply to emails right away, or make “quick changes” immediately. It is important to me that clients respect my time just as much as I respect theirs.

Also, since I work with clients from all around the world, I had to remind them of the time difference so that they know to give me 24 hours to respond to their messages.

3| Manage their expectations

As I said before, it is vital to manage your client’s expectations by making it clear what your service entails, as well as what they’ll be getting from you at the end of the project. Never assume things are clear, never assume people will think the way you do – always cover your tracks as best you can to avoid disappointment and misunderstandings.

For example, if you are a photographer and the end project will consist of 30 edited photographs, you need to stipulate in the terms and conditions that you will not be handing over the raw images to your client, unless this was discussed before hand.

It’s best to dot all your Is and cross all your Ts, and double check that nothing is vague or ambiguous.

 

 

Do you struggle to set boundaries in your business?

For the most part, people are kind and understanding, especially when you firmly (and respectfully) set out your ground rules.

I do not believe people are out to get you around every corner.

However, I strongly encourage you to protect yourself and your business by not leaving things to chance. Working on a project where everyone is on the same page, and know exactly where they stand, makes for a stress free, positive experience that will hopefully have them coming back for more – or recommending your services to someone else!

 

 

9 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
You can’t attract your dream client if you have no idea who your dream client is! If 2021 is the year you want to scale your service based business and do work that makes your heart sing, you need to get crystal clear about who you want to help. Don’t know where to start? 🎁 Girl, I gotchu! Hit the link in my bio and grab my FREE Dream Client Evaluator to figure out if your current clients are in fact your dream clients, or if you need to be making some changes in your business to start attracting them to work with you.
our_polished_pages
our_polished_pages
•
Follow

If you take a quick look on social media, you’ll find that entrepreneurship is overly glamorised.

And, while there is no denying that running your own business is incredibly rewarding, with a never ending list of benefits; it sure does come with its own set of challenges too!

The biggest one for most is setting boundaries.

When you’re self employed, EVERYTHING lies on your two shoulders.

If you perform well, you get all the credit, same goes for when you do badly…

Most of us will go above and beyond to ensure our clients are given the best possible service. A lot of times doing more harm to our businesses (and well being, for that matter) than good!

I figured out pretty early in my business that I needed to establish boundaries with my clients and customers. A set of ground rules was vital if I were to provide them the best service possible, while maintaining my own sanity; e.g. not having to complete a job in one day when I know it will require at least three.

And how did I do this, you might be wondering?

Client Welcome Packets!

Something as simple as a client welcome packet made a HUGE difference in the way I ran my business. All of a sudden, I had more control! It was such a relief!

Setting clear boundaries and conditions before a project begins is absolutely essential. You, as the service provider, will be covered while your client is clear on what to expect while working with you. Managing expectations makes the whole process easier by eliminating any misunderstandings that could potentially sour the entire experience for both parties involved – something we want to avoid!

Here are a few ways you can use a Client Welcome Packet to set boundaries in your service based business:

1| Write out your entire process, clearly

Once I got clear on my process of what will happen throughout the entire project, from the very beginning when signing on a new client, to the end where I hand over the project files, I felt more organized and less overwhelmed.

Adding my process to the client welcome packet that I give new clients at the beginning of each new project, means that they are fully aware of what to expect during our time working together.

Clearly mark important dates during the project, for example, when they will need to provide you with certain information, or when they can expect the first draft of work to give helpful feedback. This will help things run much more smoothly!

2| State your working hours

As entrepreneurs it can be so hard to clock out at the end of each day. And for me, as a wife and mum, it feels as though I’m always working to make up for the time I cannot spend on my business during the day.

This is why I needed to make it known, and understood, that I will not always be in front of my laptop to reply to emails right away, or make “quick changes” immediately. It is important to me that clients respect my time just as much as I respect theirs.

Also, since I work with clients from all around the world, I had to remind them of the time difference so that they know to give me 24 hours to respond to their messages.

3| Manage their expectations

As I said before, it is vital to manage your client’s expectations by making it clear what your service entails, as well as what they’ll be getting from you at the end of the project. Never assume things are clear, never assume people will think the way you do – always cover your tracks as best you can to avoid disappointment and misunderstandings.

For example, if you are a photographer and the end project will consist of 30 edited photographs, you need to stipulate in the terms and conditions that you will not be handing over the raw images to your client, unless this was discussed before hand.

It’s best to dot all your Is and cross all your Ts, and double check that nothing is vague or ambiguous.

 

 

Do you struggle to set boundaries in your business?

For the most part, people are kind and understanding, especially when you firmly (and respectfully) set out your ground rules.

I do not believe people are out to get you around every corner.

However, I strongly encourage you to protect yourself and your business by not leaving things to chance. Working on a project where everyone is on the same page, and know exactly where they stand, makes for a stress free, positive experience that will hopefully have them coming back for more – or recommending your services to someone else!

 

 

9 months ago
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Want to know what's the one thing you should do BEFORE you start looking for your dream clients? 👉 Know what makes your heart sing! Seems obvious, right? But it would surprise you to know how often this simple piece of the puzzle (the puzzle being your successful online biz) gets overlooked. Because here's the thing about following your passion - when you are doing what you love, you will always strive to do your best work. You'll want to put in the extra effort to be great at your craft. You'll go above and beyond because it makes you happy. When I started my online business I offered caption writing for Instagram. At the time, I thought it was what I loved doing. I was good at it, people seemed to like my writing, and the projects were coming in! I enjoyed writing for my blog and I had the experience so it felt like the natural thing to be doing as I explored this new business venture. It would take a while longer for me to realize that this wasn't what I truly wanted to do. It didn't sparked joy for me. And, because this wasn't something I wished to pursue any further, I never felt the need to continue brushing up to improve my skills. I went through quite a few of these experiences, both during and before running my business, so I know how amazing it felt when things clicked in place and I was finally aligned with what I believe was meant to be my path. It felt invigorating. I felt determined. Inspired. I felt hopeful that I could make this work because I was confident in the work I handed over to my clients. DREAM CLIENTS whom I'd not have had the chance to work with, if I did not have clarity on exactly what it was that I felt passionate about. 📓 So, today I want to encourage you to take a good look at what it is you're doing in your business, and find the one thing that excites you the most. Do THAT. Do plenty of it. It's the very first step towards attracting your DREAM clients!
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If you take a quick look on social media, you’ll find that entrepreneurship is overly glamorised.

And, while there is no denying that running your own business is incredibly rewarding, with a never ending list of benefits; it sure does come with its own set of challenges too!

The biggest one for most is setting boundaries.

When you’re self employed, EVERYTHING lies on your two shoulders.

If you perform well, you get all the credit, same goes for when you do badly…

Most of us will go above and beyond to ensure our clients are given the best possible service. A lot of times doing more harm to our businesses (and well being, for that matter) than good!

I figured out pretty early in my business that I needed to establish boundaries with my clients and customers. A set of ground rules was vital if I were to provide them the best service possible, while maintaining my own sanity; e.g. not having to complete a job in one day when I know it will require at least three.

And how did I do this, you might be wondering?

Client Welcome Packets!

Something as simple as a client welcome packet made a HUGE difference in the way I ran my business. All of a sudden, I had more control! It was such a relief!

Setting clear boundaries and conditions before a project begins is absolutely essential. You, as the service provider, will be covered while your client is clear on what to expect while working with you. Managing expectations makes the whole process easier by eliminating any misunderstandings that could potentially sour the entire experience for both parties involved – something we want to avoid!

Here are a few ways you can use a Client Welcome Packet to set boundaries in your service based business:

1| Write out your entire process, clearly

Once I got clear on my process of what will happen throughout the entire project, from the very beginning when signing on a new client, to the end where I hand over the project files, I felt more organized and less overwhelmed.

Adding my process to the client welcome packet that I give new clients at the beginning of each new project, means that they are fully aware of what to expect during our time working together.

Clearly mark important dates during the project, for example, when they will need to provide you with certain information, or when they can expect the first draft of work to give helpful feedback. This will help things run much more smoothly!

2| State your working hours

As entrepreneurs it can be so hard to clock out at the end of each day. And for me, as a wife and mum, it feels as though I’m always working to make up for the time I cannot spend on my business during the day.

This is why I needed to make it known, and understood, that I will not always be in front of my laptop to reply to emails right away, or make “quick changes” immediately. It is important to me that clients respect my time just as much as I respect theirs.

Also, since I work with clients from all around the world, I had to remind them of the time difference so that they know to give me 24 hours to respond to their messages.

3| Manage their expectations

As I said before, it is vital to manage your client’s expectations by making it clear what your service entails, as well as what they’ll be getting from you at the end of the project. Never assume things are clear, never assume people will think the way you do – always cover your tracks as best you can to avoid disappointment and misunderstandings.

For example, if you are a photographer and the end project will consist of 30 edited photographs, you need to stipulate in the terms and conditions that you will not be handing over the raw images to your client, unless this was discussed before hand.

It’s best to dot all your Is and cross all your Ts, and double check that nothing is vague or ambiguous.

 

 

Do you struggle to set boundaries in your business?

For the most part, people are kind and understanding, especially when you firmly (and respectfully) set out your ground rules.

I do not believe people are out to get you around every corner.

However, I strongly encourage you to protect yourself and your business by not leaving things to chance. Working on a project where everyone is on the same page, and know exactly where they stand, makes for a stress free, positive experience that will hopefully have them coming back for more – or recommending your services to someone else!

 

 

10 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
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