Fuhgeddaboudit: The Importance Of Boundaries & Standards In Your Solo Business
I'm a little late posting this article, and the reason why is embarrassing:
I had to finish The Sopranos finale.
Yes, 16 years after everyone else tuned in to watch one of the most talked about TV episodes of all time (that ending!), I finally got around to it myself.
As much as I enjoyed my recent, full-fledged Sopranos-marathon, something about the show bothered me.
(And I'm not just talking about all that violence):
Dr. Melfi, Tony Soprano's psychotherapist, doesn't like him. She kind of hates him, even as she's fascinated by him.
I felt a similar discomfort watching the first few episodes of the comedy Shrinking: therapist Jimmy Laird is totally annoyed at his clients. He dreads seeing them.
This is not okay.
As a therapist, I cringe whenever I see this type of screen-portrayal of therapy.
As a business coach, I see that the common thread of these fictional therapists is their lack of boundaries with their clients.
They haven't clarified any standards of who they work with or what guidelines will make things work well, and they end up annoyed with the people seeking their help.
It makes for dramatic TV, but it's a terrible way to do business.
Which brings me to my point for you and your business:
You're serving your clients when you have high standards.
A healthy fee-structure,
Clarity around who your ideal clients are (rather than taking anyone who walks through the door),
Enforcing cancellation and other policies, and
Boundaries around your personal life,
– All keep you from finding yourself with clients you resent.
Do a quick scan of your business:
What are you merely tolerating? Where can you put clearer standards in place, even if your inner people-pleaser cringes?
Where can you give your business, to quote Tony Soprano, “A little respect?”.
(Obviously my standard will be to stop letting a TV-binge infringe on my writing-time).
I'd love to hear from you. Share in the comments.