Boundaries…another major issue that many small business owners struggle with. I’m talking about self-imposed boundaries that keep you sane, keep you productive and keep you from not giving away the store.
In this difficult economy, many businesses are so afraid of not getting or losing a sale that they let prospects and clients alike walk all over them and get anything they want. Have you ever had a client negotiate a project down in scope to get a lower price and then come back and want you to add on the stuff for which they didn’t want to pay for free? Did you give in?
It’s very important that you set boundaries around the operation of your business. These boundaries should fit in with your general business plan such as minimum fee amounts or the total number of active clients you can carry at one time.
Other operational boundaries could include what days you do and do not work, when you are and are not available for phone calls, and when you respond to email messages, instant messages, tweets, etc.
Operational boundaries tend to be clear-cut, black and white guidelines, but there are also more subtle boundaries to consider as well. Subtle boundaries often revolve around things like what clients you’re willing to work with. For example, a prospect who cancels 3 times on you, or a customer who complains every single time they walk in your business' door.
The best part about clearly identifying all of your different boundaries is that you’ve now created “policies.” Policies take the “personal” element out of the equation. When you tell someone that this is your “policy” it means that it is applicable to everyone and you’re not just choosing to treat this particular client or prospect in this manner.
The word “policy” often tends to be of concern to small business owners because they see policies as rigid and non-breakable. That’s not true! It’s your business. You can make exceptions! Simply clearly communicate that an exception is being made and the reason for the exception.
However, you must also be careful about exceptions to ensure that you are not just making excuses to avoid sticking to your boundaries.
Instead of thinking of your boundaries as a leash restricting your activities, think of them as your suit of armour. They are what protect you from bad business practices and bad clients that are the main causes of burnout.
It’s very important that you set boundaries around the operation of your business. These boundaries should fit in with your general business plan such as minimum fee amounts or the total number of active clients you can carry at one time.
Other operational boundaries could include what days you do and do not work, when you are and are not available for phone calls, and when you respond to email messages, instant messages, tweets, etc.
Operational boundaries tend to be clear-cut, black and white guidelines, but there are also more subtle boundaries to consider as well. Subtle boundaries often revolve around things like what clients you’re willing to work with. For example, a prospect who cancels 3 times on you, or a customer who complains every single time they walk in your business' door.
The best part about clearly identifying all of your different boundaries is that you’ve now created “policies.” Policies take the “personal” element out of the equation. When you tell someone that this is your “policy” it means that it is applicable to everyone and you’re not just choosing to treat this particular client or prospect in this manner.
The word “policy” often tends to be of concern to small business owners because they see policies as rigid and non-breakable. That’s not true! It’s your business. You can make exceptions! Simply clearly communicate that an exception is being made and the reason for the exception.
However, you must also be careful about exceptions to ensure that you are not just making excuses to avoid sticking to your boundaries.
Instead of thinking of your boundaries as a leash restricting your activities, think of them as your suit of armour. They are what protect you from bad business practices and bad clients that are the main causes of burnout.
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