Is it a business emergency, or do you just need boundaries?

Think back to why you started your business. . .

I can bet my bottom dollar that it wasn't to be tied to your laptop, sending client emails during dinner with the family. ⁠ ⁠

Like you, many of your clients are likely fellow entrepreneurs, which means that they travel, set their own schedules, and probably manage a few different businesses at once. ⁠

And because of that, sometimes it means that your boundaries don’t align with them because they’re head-down running their own show.

We get it. We’re business owners, too, and our businesses are our babies. Just like our clients, sometimes, we want things done right.freaking.now.

But here’s the thing about that. . .

Falling into the trap of working around the clock and meeting client demands can lead you to resent your clients and your business. When this happens, you’ll inevitably end up burnt out. Gross!

If you want to truly love your business, have a flexible schedule, and enjoy the freedom you envisioned when you began your business, there’s one thing you need to do.

Note: This thing isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.

Set your damn Boundaries.

It can be really hard to set boundaries for yourself when you’re stuck in the people-pleasing cycle and struggle to say ‘no’ or ‘not right now’ to your clients. However, setting boundaries will make you feel much better about your business and your clients and free up your time to enjoy a glass of wine or put your feet up.

Just because your clients reply to all their emails at a certain time because it suits their schedule doesn't mean YOU have to be online answering emails at the exact same time.

You don't have to reply to your clients' messages *the second* they land in your inbox. ⁠The same goes for your Slack or Voxer messages!

Just because you work together does not mean they have unlimited, 24/7 access to you!

Trust us, it’s not an emergency.

A client of mine always used to email me on the weekend with an "emergency."

Are we saving lives? No.

Is someone going to die if I don't respond? No. ⁠

If a client guilts you for not answering them outside of the work hours you’ve set for yourself, chances are they aren’t the right client for you. Needless to say, I don’t work with that client anymore.

Believe me, everyone will be just fine until you log back in tomorrow morning.

At the end of the day, your business will be able to grow when you stand up for yourself so you can build your dream life!

If you want to build a booked-out VA business of your own—one where your clients are all rockstars who adhere to your boundaries—click here to join us in The Foundation. This program will teach you how to become a kickass VA who runs her business on her terms and has clients lined up at the door to join you!