Setting Boundaries to Reduce Stress in Business

Being in business can be quite stressful especially if there is a lack of boundaries. There is therefore a need to clearly set boundaries to help others understand how you want to be treated. Boundaries are just like rules that can be followed by others when they deal with your business or you. If however you avoid setting boundaries due to not liking negative reactions or hurting others, then you are not setting a good example or letting others know how you would like to be treated. Fortunately though the ability to set boundaries is a skill easily learnt, and one that can make a huge difference to the quality of your life, while reducing your stress levels.

In order to set boundaries, you need to identify the boundaries you need to set. If you currently own or run a business then the advice below will help you ease the pressure on you and your business:

Know when to say NO

There is no need to feel uneasy or bad about saying no to an unreasonable or unrealistic request. If it is going to have a negative impact on you or your business then you should not do or commit to do something you are not comfortable with. Remember, there is no need to explain why, after all we are not required to explain ourselves when we say yes.

Value your time

Remember, you are in control of your diary and not your customers. If you find yourself constantly staying back and working excessive hours, then you are taking on more work than you can manage. You need to be honest about how long the completion of a task or job will actually take.

Make it clear about what you do and do not do

If a customer requests something that is outside your normal scope of work then simply be honest and let them know. You can easy get caught up agreeing to do things that are out of normal or one-offs that can take up a lot of extra time. Remember, your time is valuable and you want to spend it accordingly.

Payment terms and conditions

If customers do not respect your payment terms and conditions you need to be open and let them know that it is unacceptable. You need to be clear about your terms and conditions and consider using payment options that give you control.

Make it clear when you are contactable

You do not want suppliers and customers calling you at all hours of the day or night, therefore highlighting the need to clearly establish this boundary. You can take control of the situation and still achieve a win-win result. For example, if someone calls out of hours, there is no reason why you couldn’t be honest and say that you are with family and arrange a time to call them back the following day. This will help get the message across nice and easy.

Speak to people the way you would like to be spoken to

If you use aggressive or abusive language with people, expect them to use similar language with you as well. If someone uses bad language while you are polite, you should let them know that it is not OK for them to speak to you or your staff with such language or aggression.

Pricing

It is important to know when we would like to provide regular customers a discount. Some times we can just get talked into offering a discount before we realize what just happened. Make sure you are clear in your mind about the circumstances in which you are prepared to drop your prices, and when you are not. If you are not going to offer a discount, stick to your guns. You will find that most people are just trying it on to see if they can achieve a discount, if not they will still make the purchase.

In summary, boundaries help us define exactly what we really want and making it clear with your customers and suppliers. There is no need to debate or over explain yourself about your boundaries. If you do questioned, you should simply say something along the lines of it being a “business decision”. If faced with resistance, repeat your statement or request. You need to stay strong. If you give in, you will simply be inviting people to ignore your boundaries.

We all have a right to set boundaries. Some people will always try to get what they want in the short term, however you will gain more respect from people and for yourself by standing up for your needs.