The Virtual Avenue

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The Importance Of Setting Boundaries With Clients

It’s sometimes tough to resist the urge to answer that text or email from a client on the weekends or after hours. Your goal is to support your clients and you may feel the need to be available 24/7. The thing is, the contents of the text or email is most-likely not urgent and they’re probably just popping in to let you know what’s on their mind before they forget. It’s so important to maintain a healthy work-life balance - for your sake and your client’s.

If you find that they maaaaybe don’t consider your free time to be important to you, it’s time to set some boundaries to let them know that it is. When you’re able to set clear expectations for when they’ll have your full attention, you can also avoid spreading yourself too thin.

So, how do you set boundaries if you’re someone who feels that not being available all the time lets them down in some way?

Your first step is to pinpoint areas you’d like to set those boundaries. Is it that you don’t respond to texts or emails in your free time? Is it that you only want to be contacted via email because there is less of that feeling to respond right away? Whatever it is, let them know. Your clients WILL understand.

Your second step is to stick to those boundaries. They’ll slip as soon as you hit send.

We hope this was helpful and that you’re able to feel at ease knowing that boundaries are not a bad thing. You need to look after yourself first - your clients will always benefit if you’re well-rested and ready to tackle their needs when you’re ready.