Boundaries is a topic that comes up in many of the Facebook groups that I’m in with business and even with my own coach and in my world!
Just the other day one of my good friends messaged me about a client of hers. Her program had finished, even though it had been extended longer than the actual program was meant to be.
Even after the program ended, she continued to email questions for her business! This was part of a paid service, that she was still trying to access!
I helped put a script together and problem solved!
What I realised from this is that there were 2 things that were potentially not in place here:
1. Being CRYSTAL clear about the expectations of the program
2. Lack of understanding on the client’s part.
In terms of no 2 – HONESTLY – some people just don’t get it!
I know with my coach that I have my call with her, I can access her by email and if I have a very quick question I can FB message her, BUT I do not expect an answer straight away, ESPECIALLY if it’s weekend!
This happens more often than not in my own business too! Not so much in my mentoring business or teacher training, but in my studio!
I’ll give you an example!
I have an assistant who answers all my emails and deals with all my client enquiries.
I have sent emails on various occasions reminding people to email Danah with their requests or queries.
BUT at least once every two weeks one person, in particular, will FB Message me at anytime between 4am and 6am!!!
I KID YOU NOT……. 😲
This is just one example.
I have in a roundabout way – told this person that she needs to email Danah.
NOW I refuse to answer that message until after 10am on purpose because I know they’re in the morning class.
After the class, I’ll message them back and say – oh in future if you message Danah she’ll assist you first thing in the morning, as I don’t check my FB until after the classes.
This is just one instance.
And it is challenging because I do really love all my clients – but seriously that time of the morning is NOT APPROPRIATE for anyone!
So you too need to set your boundaries.
Perhaps you don’t want people contacting you on the weekends or you will only answer emails at a certain time.
If you’re doing 1-2-1’s the maybe there are specific days off that you don’t want to work or maybe you only want to do mornings.
Sometimes people may be trying to get extra sessions off you or want to come to classes with a package they bought 2 years ago (yes that’s happened to me as well!)
STICK TO YOUR GUNS!!!
This actually goes for life as well.
People will treat you the way you allow them to treat you!
Unfortunately, there are those that “DON’T GET IT” and there are also people that will try and push your limit, that sadly is human nature!
What boundaries are you going to set in your business and life???
Love lots,
Tanja FOY (YMCA Pilates Teacher Training Provider Level 3 & Level 4 Pilates)
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