How to Set Better Boundaries in Business
If you’ve ever found yourself checking work emails at 10 pm, replying to client texts over dinner, or saying "yes" to that last-minute rush project you didn’t actually want to take on, you are not alone.
Boundaries can be tricky, especially when you’re running a service-based business and genuinely care about your clients.
This is why I was so excited to sit down with Sasha from Inicio Creative and have an honest, refreshing conversation about boundaries in business. Sasha is a creative director and brand strategist who works with business owners to bring clarity, beauty, and structure to their brand. She's also someone who gets it when it comes to being "too available" for clients and the slippery slope of people-pleasing.
In this blog, we’re breaking down what boundaries actually look like for small business owners, especially creatives, and why setting them doesn’t make you unkind - it makes business more sustainable.
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1. People Can't Follow Rules You Don't Set
The biggest issue with boundaries? Most of the time, we don’t communicate them.
When you don’t set expectations early on, it’s way harder to introduce them later. That’s when confusion, miscommunication, and resentment can start to build...on both sides.
Here are some examples of boundaries to define early:
Communication methods: Where should clients message you? (Hint: not your personal cell phone.)
Availability: What days/hours are you available for communication or meetings?
Turnaround times: When should your clients expect a response, delivery, or next step?
Pro Tip: Add an autoresponder or email signature with your working hours and response time. It’s such a simple fix, and it immediately sets the tone when someone reaches out.
See this email signature freebie for help getting started!
Bonus Tip: If you're using a CRM, you can build this into your onboarding flow. A well-placed email or onboarding guide works wonders.
2. Boundaries Are Easier With a Process (and Systems Help)
Setting boundaries is a lot easier when you actually have a process. When clients know exactly what to expect from the beginning, there's less room for pushback or confusion later.
Tips to make boundaries easier with systems:
Use a CRM to automate emails, onboarding steps, and deadline reminders
Set up client dashboards or portals that outline timelines, expectations, and deliverables
Use task management tools like ClickUp to track communication and deadlines
And let’s be clear: Systems don’t replace your boundaries. They support them. You still have to use the tools and check in regularly. But once they’re set up, it’s so much easier to stay consistent.
3. Boundaries Aren’t About Being Rigid, They're About Being Clear
There’s a big difference between being strict and being clear. Boundaries aren’t about building walls or saying "no" all the time - they’re about protecting your energy, your time, and your quality of work.
Here are a few super simple boundaries you can implement today:
Remove your work email from your phone: Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re not a doctor, it’s not an emergency. This small act creates massive mental space.
Use Google Voice for client texting: Separate work from personal by using a dedicated work number.
Fun fact, the CRM Moxie includes this as a feature!Set a weekly check-in reminder: Every Thursday, send your clients a quick update. Even a "hey, here’s what we’re working on this week" builds trust and clarity.
Clarify next steps in every client interaction: Whether it’s an email, a Zoom call, or a ClickUp task - always close the loop, so it's very clear who is handling what, and when it's happening = less confusion on next steps, and less follow up “just checking in” messages.
So, Where Do You Go From Here?
If you’ve made it this far, here’s your reminder: Boundaries are a skill.
They get easier with practice. And they become second nature once your business systems support them!
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Just start with the one area where you’re feeling the most stretched, and go from there.
Maybe that means setting office hours. Maybe it means updating your client onboarding process. Or maybe it’s time to set up automations so you're not chasing down payments every month.
And if you need help?
✨ Connect with Sasha at Inicio Creative for creative marketing direction and branding that feels like you.
✨ Need support building a system that backs up your boundaries? Reach out to Rachael and let’s talk about building a process that helps you protect your time (and your peace), while still showing up for your clients in the best possible way!