Boundaries

Wikipedia defines personal boundaries as “guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave towards them and how they will respond when someone passes those limits.”

To me, boundaries have always been about ensuring that you feel safe and respected. 

Setting boundaries is important in both your life and your business. In fact, these boundaries usually ensure that your business does not encroach too much into your life!

In business boundaries are not just for your benefit, they also help the people you’re working with to know what to expect of you. 

Knowing what your boundaries are is not always easy. They’re also likely to change as you learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to tell clients when you want to change your boundaries!

Having a conversation about boundaries with a client can be difficult. It’s always best to do it before you agree to work together to make sure that you’re both happy with the situation.

Here’s a quick list of some of the boundaries you should consider setting in your business.

• Working hours. These should be *pretty much* set in stone! I say pretty much because there are some instances where it may be beneficial to bend your boundaries. For example, you may want to take a discovery call earlier or later than normal due to time zones. But make sure that if the client wants to work with you, then you can clarify that from now on you will only be available between your usual working hours. 

• Contact methods. I’ve been asked by a fellow VA before whether they ‘have’ to give their mobile number out. I replied that of course, you don’t have to give your mobile number to clients if you don’t want to! You never have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable with a client. Remember, you are working WITH them not FOR them. However, it is good to be flexible. Have a few different communication options you are okay with using is a good idea.

• Days off. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for taking time off, it’s a necessary thing. If you hustle 24/7, your business may grow at first but burnout will catch you up. And you’re no good to your clients if you’re burnt out. Be clear with your clients about your days off. Make sure you book holiday too! The average salary job gives 4-5 weeks paid holiday, and I’m sure you didn’t start your business to get less holiday than the average job. 

If you make sure you’re open and honest about your boundaries with your clients and your team, everyone will be happier. And make sure to ask clients about their boundaries too! They’ll be pleasantly surprised that you care.