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One of the single biggest differences between how men and women run their businesses is in the area of boundaries. For the most part, guys rarely spend time worrying about the myriad of boundary issues that can easily (and often do!) consume a woman’s day.
For example, if a prospective client asks to add in more services into a package than they are paying for, most men entrepreneurs will comfortably say no, then upsell the client into a higher end package.
Whereas most women entrepreneurs will first, get upset that this prospective client even made such a request. Then, either say yes and feel guilty that they’re now giving away too much, or, delay responding for days while they figure out how to say no without hurting the client’s feelings.
Ladies, does this sound familiar? I thought so.
Even more telling is this simple exercise: Think about all of the minutes and hours you’ve spent thinking about, talking about with your coach or your business girlfriends and worrying about situations just like this one. Now add them up. You’ll likely see a number that is shocking!
And shocking it should be, because this time is robbing you of energy, self-esteem and growing your business.
So what’s the cure? How do you strengthen your boundaries without coming across like a you-know-what? Here are 3 of my simplest steps for establishing and upholding boundaries with all the grace AND strength of your Divine Feminine spirit, all so you can grow your business with greater ease.
Step #1 Identify Which Of These “Boundary Breakers” You’re Most Likely To Get Hooked Into
While no one likes to admit to getting hooked into a boundary issue, the truth is, it happens to all of us. Which makes it critical for you to know exactly which types of boundary breakers are likely to catch you.
For example: If you routinely over-deliver it’s likely you’ll get hooked by a client asking for more than the package or program they signed up for includes.
Or if you’re someone who inwardly questions her value, you’ll likely attract clients who are never satisfied, demanding, and who want to hold you responsible for their results.
Or if you’re secretly not confident about your fees you’ll know because the people who say they want to work with you never seem to have any money and routinely ask you to customize a payment plan or regularly have payment issues.
Step #2 Know How You Want To Handle These Situations BEFORE They Happen
Feeling unprepared isn’t likely to set you up for success. Which is why I highly recommend you get a strategy in place in advance of your boundary being tested.
For example, if you tend to cave in when asked to include additional services (at no fee) then prepare by having your program or package benefits listed out in front of you. This way, when asked, you’ll be able to confidently say:
“The package you’ve selected doesn’t include extra private time with me.
However, we can add that in if you want to upgrade to my Premier level service.
Would you like to hear more about Premier?”
Step #3 Avoid Excuses Or The Need To Over Explain
Giving excuses and over explaining comes from the need to please and the need to be loved when a simple “no” will do. The key is to keep breathing and remember my advice: you are not responsible for someone else’s feelings!
By skipping the excuses and the over explanations your confidence will shine through and you’ll have earned your clients’ respect.
Taking Your Business To The Next Level Requires You To Take A Fresh Look At The Boundaries You’re Setting…
It’s true that being an entrepreneur is one of THE greatest spiritual paths you’ll ever walk. And learning how to create and uphold awesome boundaries is a big part of growing not only your client list, but your self-esteem.
So grab a pen and jot down three boundaries you know you need to put into place in order to grow your business and free up your time and energy. Tell your team, your coach and the people closest to you so they can support you as you make this important shift. You can do this and the payoff is worth it!
