Let's talk about something super important but often overlooked: setting healthy boundaries, especially when you're running a small business. I get it, the hustle is real, and sometimes it feels like you need to be available 24/7 to make it all work. But setting boundaries is not just a luxury—it's a necessity.
First off, let's debunk the myth that boundaries are selfish. Boundaries are about self-respect and ensuring you have the energy and mental space to be the best version of yourself. When you set clear boundaries, you're telling the world, "Hey, I value myself and my time." That’s something every woman, especially those of us juggling the demands of a small business, needs to embrace. So, how do you set healthy boundaries?
Establishing Your Boundaries - First, it’s important to determine what your boundaries actually are in your business. You can do this by figuring out what your priorities are and making a list of them. For example, you may be a mother who is only willing to work during school hours. Working hours outside of this is a non-negotiable priority for you. Or, ensuring that every customer pays a deposit prior to you doing any work for them is something you refuse to budge on. Understanding what your priorities are in your business will not only help you establish your boundaries, but help you determine which ones are non-negotiable deal breakers and which ones you may be willing to compromise on.
Set Physical Boundaries - As a woman, it is imperative that we do our due diligence in setting physical boundaries within our business. Physical boundaries relate to yourself and your physical workspace. For example, if you work alone in an office, having a communal space separate from your personal office where you greet customers may be important to you. If you work from home, meeting customers in a public setting as opposed to letting them come to your house may be a priority for you. When interacting with customers or even employees, shaking hands as opposed to giving someone a hug may be a boundary for you. Or making sure that your work hours are during the day so that you or your employees are not walking into a parking lot after dark may be something you are not willing to compromise on. Establishing your physical boundaries will let your customers know that you prioritize yourself, your safety and the safety of others.
Know Your Worth and Communicate It Clearly - When establishing healthy boundaries, you need to understand your value. You’re not just offering a product or service; you’re offering a piece of yourself, your time, and your expertise. Make sure your clients and customers know this too. Be upfront about your prices, procedures and practices, work hours, contracts and what you're willing and not willing to do. You're a professional, and professionals set expectations. Be honest about what you are able to do for them, the amount of time it will take you to do it, how communication should go between the customer and the business during the process and what your payment terms are. Managing the customers' expectations from the get-go while letting them know what you expect from them not only shows your professionalism, but that you take your time seriously.
Set Office Hours and Stick to Them - Just because you run a business doesn't mean you have to be on call 24/7. Set specific office hours and make them known to your clients. Let them know that after business hours is your time. Make it known to the customer that they should expect a return phone call or reply to their email the following business day should they contact you outside of normal business hours. Be sure to stick to this at home too. No more late-night emails or weekend calls unless it's an emergency. This will not only help you maintain a work-life balance but also train your clients to respect your time.
Create a schedule - With the never-ending number of things that need to be done as a small business owner, it’s important to create a schedule for your day. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to schedule every detail of every minute, but there are some things you can do to set boundaries which may help things run smoothly. For example, you can let your customers know that you don’t accept walk-ins and they can only be seen by appointment. This can help you schedule your time around other priorities you may have for the day. You can set up an automatic reply to customer’s emails that let them know you have received their email and that you will respond within 24 hours. You can then allot a specific time for yourself to review and reply to those emails. This could free up some of your time during the day to get work done as opposed to having to constantly be on your computer. Again, this will help train your clients to respect your time.
Delegate and Outsource - While we all want to be Superwoman and try to do everything ourselves, sometimes we just need to hang up the cape. You don’t have to do it all. If there are tasks that can be handled by someone else, delegate. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant, outsourcing your accounting, or bringing in a marketing expert, freeing up your time for the things only you can do is invaluable. Plus, you could do some research to find other women owned businesses to outsource your work to and help support another woman—win-win!
Create a Workspace That Works for You - Having a dedicated workspace can do wonders for your productivity and mental health. It’s a physical boundary that tells you, and everyone else, that you’re in business mode. Whether it’s a corner of your living room or a rented office space, make it your own. Fill it with things that inspire you and make you feel powerful. And when you leave that space, leave work behind.
Practice Self-Care and Prioritize It - You can’t pour from an empty cup, sister. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s taking a yoga class, reading a book, or just sitting in silence with a cup of tea, find what recharges you and make time for it. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of your business and everyone around you.
Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about closing yourself off; it’s about creating a sustainable environment where you can thrive. You’ve got this, boss lady! Keep shining and showing the world what empowered women can do.