Boundaries & Client Expectations
I have been coaching clients about setting boundaries a lot lately—boundaries with their/your own clients, family, time off, gatekeeping, etc. It is so easy for a one-person shop or small business to feel that every client is the most important. And yes, some clients are, at the moment, the most important. We also have to ensure that all of our client's needs are met during business hours. I will always advocate for your business and best business practices, but I will never forget the cost to your personal well-being, health, family, personal life, or sanity.
A great example of this is the wedding industry. As a wedding vendor, you will always prioritize the next wedding while making your clients who are getting married months out feel just as important as the current week. This can feel like treading water if you are not organized and have not set client expectations and boundaries and stuck to them.
Here are my top three tips to manage your boundaries and provide your clients with an amazing customer experience:
1. Set hours of operation and stick to them. If you haven’t already add these business hours to your website, email signature, and social media bios.
2. Set client and customer expectations. Let them know your policies, hours, holidays, and your email/call response times. Don’t hesitate to gently remind them of these policies as well.
3. Don’t let the DMs take over. Set inquiry and question boundaries. Remind those amazing clients and prospective clients the best way to appropriately reach out to you.
And, to practice what I preach, here is a reminder of Atelier Virtual Assistants Hours and Policies:
Typical Working Hours
Monday through Friday - 9 AM - 5 PM PST
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
Calls and emails will be returned within 24 hours during regular business hours.
We are closed on all Federal holidays
REMINDER: All of our Policies and Typical Working Hours can be found HERE. But as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Expectations & Experience
Set client and customer expectations. Let them know your policies, hours, holidays, and your email and or call response times. Don’t hesitate to gently remind them of these policies as well.
