Master the art of balancing business and life with these simple strategies!
Stephanie Northcott on Canva
The other day, I was catching up with a friend, and we discussed a topic many of us can relate to - juggling a full-time business, raising a family, and keeping our sanity intact.
We also shared tips on managing client interactions while maintaining balance. I thought I'd pass along a few strategies that have worked wonders for me:
1. Set Boundaries Around Your Work Hours
Just because a client sends an email after hours or on the weekend doesn’t mean I need to respond immediately. I set my working hours, and I stick to them. If a client emails me outside of that time, I don’t get upset—it just means they’re working when it’s convenient for them. I’m grateful they’re contributing to my workload, but I respond when I’m working.
2. Let Technology Work for You
When I do feel like tackling emails in the evening or over the weekend, I rely on an email scheduling tool. It lets me compose replies on my schedule and send them out during regular business hours. That way, I can be productive when it suits me without feeling like I’m available 24/7. Most email platforms, like Gmail, have a built-in scheduling feature that works perfectly for this.
3. Set Clear Expectations from the Start
Whenever I begin working with a new client, I make sure to set expectations right away. I let them know I’m typically available from 9 to 5 and respond to emails within 24 hours. I’ll always keep an eye out for urgent requests, but I don’t make it a habit to be “on-call” all the time. Sure, there will be days when I need to start early or stay late, but I ensure that’s the exception, not the norm.
By sticking to these principles, I’ve found a great balance between keeping my clients happy and making time for myself and my family.
Here’s to thriving in both business and life!
Comments