Episode 12: Setting Client Expectations & Boundaries

Expectations. Boundaries. Both are a constant work in progress as a service-based business owner. In this episode, we’re going to break down what we’ve learned about the good and bad of setting expectations and boundaries.

Here’s the scoop from episode #12:

The service is part of the service-based business, keep that in mind when setting boundaries with your clients
There are some people who use boundaries as a power game and others who have almost no boundaries because they want to be of service at all times
As service-based business owners, you probably are trying to come in the middle somewhere of these two types
You can have fluid boundaries, you can’t be unyielding
We differentiate between boundaries and expectations
If someone has been a good client, and they ask for that outlier request and the answer is an immediate no, that can turn them completely off
You can figure out what your boundaries are and then use those to set your expectations at the beginning of a project
Having some fluidity in your boundaries will feel great to your clients and also make you feel more on more of a partner level with your clients
We talk about the importance of setting expectations and sticking to them in the beginning period of working with a client
You can’t assume your client knows the expectations if you are not clear of what they are
We share some stories from our business where we’ve let the expectations and boundaries blur a bit and how we recovered
You need to think about the times you are going to put your foot down and why, this is different for everyone
You can fix the problem if you haven’t been clear on your boundaries, we explain how to do so in the best way
If you work off hours, use boomerang to send your emails during business hours to keep up with your expectations
You are a contractor and you can set your own hours and vacation schedule, it’s only on you if don’t do so
We talk about setting your boundaries as we go into summer and how it can actually put your clients more at ease