“Rules for Working with Me”: How to Set and Respect Personal and Professional Boundaries
By Alex Gertsburg, Esq., Managing Partner
Entrepreneurs face unique challenges setting boundaries, a concept that I explored recently in my personal blog in a post titled “Not Today.” In this piece, I highlighted the life-critical importance of establishing boundaries and explained why it’s particularly essential for entrepreneurs.
You could not have become a successful entrepreneur without those humble beginnings, saying “yes” to a lot of customers, suppliers, employees and opportunities. It’s how you grew. At first, when you were just trying to keep the lights on, you took work from anyone willing to write you a check. You did that even if the ROI on that project was low or if that client acted like a jerk or when you should have known they’d be a non-paying deadbeat. We all have stories we can look back on about our early customers. They made us roll our eyes or chuckle . . . sometimes both.
The truth is, most of us waited a long time (if ever) to create a “right-fit client” rule, or “culture-fit employee” rule. As a result, we got really stressed out when we let the wrong one inside the tent. Then, business became far less efficient because of these wrong-fit clients and far less effective in delivering great products and services. Calendars filled up and being overscheduled started to lead to burnout. Our time became elastic and we started filling up every minute of the day responding to their needs, their e-mails, and their text messages. Before we knew it, we became vessels that collected and overflowed with their problems.
And then one day, we had an “aha” moment, the clouds parted, and clarity arrived. We finally realized, “Oh yeah. I can make rules! I can be the buyer, and I can choose what I’m buying all the time.”
This month, we’re focusing on the customer in this issue of The Fix. But when I think of the customer, my entrepreneurial beginnings flash back, and I want to virtually put my arm around you, support you, and remind you: make the rules. Set your boundaries. It’s your time, your attention, and your money. It’s time to protect your sanity and forego their unreasonable expectations.
As you move through your own strategies and working habits, I highly suggest you sit down and draft your own “Rules for Working with [insert your name here!]. You will be glad you did. I have a set of “Rules for Working with Alex.” Here are a few of them:
- I do not spend my time on chronically negative people. Start with a positive attitude. Maintain a positive attitude. End with a positive attitude.
- Come prepared.
- All arrows point out. How can I help?
- I’m either part of the problem or part of the solution. I walk the talk, or I don’t talk.
- The person I’m interacting with is my peer, not my subordinate. They can work anywhere they want. They are worthy of love, respect and appreciation 100 percent of their time on this planet.
- Total honesty trumps everything else if conveyed properly.
- When we’re in a meeting or talking with each other, we give each other all our attention or we stop the meeting.
- Check your ego. Check your stories. Check your blind spots. They’re always here. Know where they are.
I have more, but you get the point. We cannot holistically talk about all things customer-focused without mentioning healthy boundaries.
So, what are your rules? How clear are they? Do you have any? If not, what are you waiting for?
Fortifying Your Customer Contracts
By Maximilian Julian, Partner
There are times when customers can be critical of the goods or services they receive, which can lead to disputes or potential litigation. Because of this, your customer contracts should set reasonable expectations and account for every contingency. Partner Max Julian explains how to fortify your customer contracts and what should be clearly stated in a company’s standard Terms and Conditions.
Learn more in this week’s featured article and take our short assessment to see if your business might have potential exposure to a customer lawsuit.
Is a Fractional Recruiter a Good Option for My Company?
By Tiffany Sacasas, Executive Recruiter
The demand for qualified candidates is at an all-time-high. Employers only have ten days to read resumés, contact candidates, interview, re-interview, and make an offer to a quality candidate. Executive Recruiter Tiffany Sacasas explains why using a fractional recruiter model may be the answer.
Learn more in this week’s featured article.
Attractive Acquisition Targets: When Customers Are a Good M&A Fit
By Colin O’Donnell, M&A Director
In 2022, M&A deals were nine percent higher than deal transaction volume in the previous period. So while market concerns loomed, deal flow was still strong. Colin O’Donnell, Director of Mergers and Acquisitions, discusses how to time an acquisition and when a customer might be an attractive acquitions or merger opportunity.
Learn more in this week’s featured article.
News Media Bias Chart
By Alex Gertsburg, Esq., Managing Partner
Came across this chart recently. Solid gold. It’s really helped me streamline the news that gets to hit my eyeballs. See how your favorite news source compares.
