Love Yourself by Setting Boundaries in Your Business

How many times have you said yes to a client to provide a treatment outside of your normal working hours?

How many times have you dropped your prices when you really cannot afford to?

How many times have you responded to a message on social media from a client when you were enjoying down time with your family and then felt annoyed or frustrated afterwards?

How many times has any of the above left you feeling tired with no work-life balance?

If you are nodding in agreement to any of the above questions, you are not alone. Many reflexologists often allow their clients to dictate their working schedule to ensure they get the bookings they want.

However, this can be problematic as it can leave you feeling tired, jaded, resentful towards your clients, and frustrated with your business as there is no separation between the working day and your time out!

So, maybe it is time to show yourself some love and begin to set boundaries for your business.

Learning to say no is a skill and it may take time, but it is such an empowering word which will help you take charge and reset your clients’ expectations.

Here are my top tips to help get you started:

• Create a cancellation policy and communicate it clearly with your clients. This will help you set your expectations and avoid last-minute cancellations or no-shows;
• Use an out of office message on social media and emails to manage your clients/and or new enquires and their expectations of when you will reply;
• If someone asks you to work beyond your advertised hours, remember it is OK to say no. You don’t have to do everything that you are asked to, and the likelihood is they will be able to see you during the hours you do work. Would Tesco open later for you?;
• Only check your emails and social media messages during working hours, and make sure you have time off during the evening and weekend where possible to recharge and look after your own well-being. If your phone is too tempting, turn off your notifications to help or even put your phone in another room out of sight. Remember people don’t expect a reply straight away, so it is OK to respond at a time that you want to;
• Stick to your prices – don’t feel you have to offer discounts if people ask. You have spent time deciding on the right prices for your business after carrying out research and setting goals, so feel happy and confident and stick to what you want.

Whilst you are creating boundaries in your reflexology business it may feel uncomfortable if you have not done this before; as therapists we love to help people and make them feel happy.

If you do feel uneasy remember:

• The reason why you created your business – for example was it to support your family or create the funds to achieve a personal goal? Remind yourself of your reason and create a business you love;
• Acknowledge that setting boundaries will create a better work-life balance for you and will help you to feel great. Remember you cannot work 24/7 you will burn out;
• Saying no can feel awkward, but view it as an empowering word which will help you to feel better about your business;
• Remember you are the boss! It is your business, and you deserve to be happy.

Have you set boundaries in your business? 

I’d love to read your comments and how you felt during the boundary setting process and beyond.

Please take a moment to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

If you need support setting boundaries and what to do if you are challenged or tested by your clients, book a 1:1 Business Mentor Power Hour with me.

Image Credit: Sincerely Media

Kelly Hainsworth

Kelly Hainsworth is the founder of Love Reflexology, a mentor – and a successful reflexologist – with a passion not only to support her clients, but all reflexologists within their businesses. She provides business mentoring and social media workshops to help therapists and tutors create the business they desire.  To work with Kelly head to her website.