Setting boundaries isn’t just important in personal relationships – they’re also necessary in business relationships. When you establish boundaries and adhere to them, you can protect your energy, better serve your clients and build more impactful relationships.
Establishing boundaries requires a thoughtful approach. Jimmy Rodriquez, the COO of Shift4Shop, says if you take the wrong approach, you might end up losing clients. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we lay out some of Rodriguez’s top tips for setting boundaries the right way.
Get organized. Do your due diligence upfront by outlining things like payment terms and deadlines. Make sure you and your client are on the same page before you begin working together.
Use official communication channels. Email and phone are pretty standard, Rodriguez says, but you may also need another channel like Slack or Skype to communicate effectively. Make sure you agree on these channels and stick to them.
Say no sometimes. If a client or project isn’t a good fit for you and you know it, be OK walking away. Rodriguez recommends having a genuine conversation with the client and letting them know it’s not a good fit. Most clients will appreciate the honesty.
Know your priorities. To set and implement your boundaries effectively, Rodriguez says you must first understand what’s important in your life. What are the priorities this week, month or quarter? How many hours per week are reserved for your personal or family time? The better you know your priorities, the easier it becomes to identify client requests that do not align with your goals.
Be consistent. When you define a boundary, stick to it. For example, if you tell clients you’re unavailable for after-hours calls, but then break that rule, it’s confusing to them and they won’t believe what you say.
Stay smart about social media. There are pros and cons to befriending and connecting with clients on social media. On one hand, they get a glimpse into the personal side of your life. This can be problematic, though, if you’re posting things they disagree with. But on the other hand, if you use social media to showcase your expertise, it can be helpful in showing your promo knowledge. You might set a boundary of only connecting with clients on LinkedIn and leaving Facebook for your family and friends.
You can have meaningful client relationships while still maintaining boundaries. Whether that means establishing the hours you’re available for work conversations or drawing the line on how you engage with clients on social media, think through what matters to you and set those boundaries.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Jimmy Rodriguez is the COO of Shift4Shop, an eCommerce website builder.
