Setting Boundaries with Clients (and Everyone Else) as a Business Owner
As a business owner, you quickly learn that setting boundaries isn’t just important—it’s essential for your sanity. Some call it protecting your peace, and Mama Maxine called it "Reclaiming our time"—all of it works. There’s a saying that goes something like, "We teach people how to treat us," and while I can’t remember who said it, it’s a nugget of wisdom that resonates deeply. Let’s explore how to set those crucial boundaries with clients and everyone else in our lives.
The Client Who Thinks You're on Call 24/7
The Scenario: It's 11 PM on a Saturday, and your phone buzzes. It’s your client, the one who believes weekends are for work and not for Netflix binges.
How to Handle It:
The Auto-Responder: Set up an email auto-responder that politely informs clients of your working hours. Something like, “Thank you for your email. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We will respond to your message during these hours. Have a great weekend!”
The Gentle Reminder: Next time you talk, remind them of your working hours. “I noticed you sent an email over the weekend. Just a heads-up, I only check emails during business hours. I want to make sure I give my best during the week!”
The Friend Who Thinks Your Office Is a Coffee Shop
The Scenario: Your friend pops by your home office unannounced, armed with two lattes and a muffin. Sweet, right? Except you’re in the middle of a client call.
How to Handle It:
The Door Sign: A simple “Do Not Disturb – Genius at Work” sign on your door can do wonders. It’s polite yet effective.
The Scheduled Coffee Date: Set regular times for catching up with friends. “Hey, I’d love to chat, but I’m swamped right now. How about we grab coffee after work on Friday?”
The Client Who Thinks Revisions Are Unlimited
The Scenario: You’ve sent off the final design, but your client keeps coming back with "just one more change."
How to Handle It:
The Revision Clause: Include a clear revision policy in your contract. “This package includes three rounds of revisions. Additional revisions will be billed at $X per hour.”
The Friendly Reminder: “I’d be happy to make these changes. Please note this will be the fourth round of revisions, so it will be billed as per our agreement.”
The Family Member Who Thinks You Don’t Have a Real Job
The Scenario: Your family keeps asking you to run errands or attend midday lunches because they think working from home isn’t really working.
How to Handle It:
The Clear Schedule: Share your work schedule with them. “I work from 9 AM to 5 PM. During this time, I’m unavailable for personal errands. Let’s plan something for after 5.”
The Comparison Game: “Imagine if you were at your office job and someone kept asking you to leave for a few hours. That’s what it feels like for me!”
The Client Who Thinks Your Rates Are Negotiable
The Scenario: You’ve quoted a price for your services, and the client responds with, “Can we get a discount?”
How to Handle It:
The Value Proposition: Remind them of the value they’re getting. “My rates reflect the quality and dedication I put into my work. I can assure you it’s worth every penny.”
The Firm No: Politely but firmly decline. “I understand budgets are tight, but my rates are non-negotiable. I believe the value provided is well worth the investment.”
The Co-Worker Who Thinks Gossip Time Is All the Time
The Scenario: A colleague keeps stopping by your desk to gossip, and it’s eating into your productive hours.
How to Handle It:
The Headphones Trick: Pop in your headphones—even if you’re not listening to anything. It’s a universal sign for “I’m busy.”
The Quick Redirect: “I’d love to chat, but I’m on a tight deadline. Can we catch up later?”
Final Thoughts
Setting boundaries is all about teaching others how to treat you, as that elusive quote suggests. It’s not about being harsh or unapproachable; it’s about creating an environment where you can thrive and be productive. Whether it’s with clients, friends, family, or colleagues, clear boundaries ensure mutual respect and understanding.
Remember, as much as you love your work, you’re not a machine. Set those boundaries, protect your time, and keep the stress at bay. And when in doubt, remember: “We teach people how to treat us,” even if we can’t remember who said it!