How much is too much? When does your prospect's or your client's demand on your time start to be a case of taking advantage of your generosity and willingness to help without paying you?

I have a friend who is an administrative assistant for a major corporation in Houston. She was telling me how she feels taken advantage of by her company. She said, "I am always cleaning coffee pots".

She is a very conscientious worker and always gives more than expected on any job she tackles. But now, because of her desire to be a model employee, she feels taken advantage of by her company.

Because she volunteered to clean the coffee pots, and perform other tasks that are not part of her job, it is now her "responsibility" to do these things. And when these things don't get done, everyone comes to her to reprimand her for not getting it done rather than taking it upon themselves to do these things.

She gave and gave, and she is now in a position where if she does not do what she willingly volunteered to do, she will be looked at as not performing her "job".

The problem is, it has reached the point where these "other" tasks are interfering with her real responsibilities.

Don't get me wrong. I believe you should go above and beyond expectations in dealing with clients and in performing any job you undertake.

But when you are giving or doing too much and it is hurting you and your productivity, it's time to set boundaries for what you are willing to give and to do.

How does this apply to your business?

Regardless of your profession, but especially if you are in a consulting position or a service profession, people are always asking for your opinion on specific matters related to what you do. People tend to want to get "free information" or "meet over a cup of coffee" to "pick your brain" without paying for your years of experience and knowledge that you have worked hard to attain.

This also applies to clients. They will take whatever you allow them to take. Prospects and clients generally don't do it intentionally and don't mean to take advantage of you and your time. But if you do not set boundaries and have a clear understanding of your responsibilities on a project, clients may sometimes use more of your time than they actually paid for.

This does not mean you don't give free advice and information. I give away tons of information through articles, on my blog, through my newsletter, and in person. But I do set boundaries and communicate these boundaries if necessary.

Here are three tips for you:

1. Set boundaries and stick to them.
2. Have clear expectations for both parties before starting a project.
3. Be very careful and protective of your time.

The ball is always in your court to say when enough is enough. You can draw the line at any time and have a conversation with a prospect or client to let them know when a project is finished or your time with them is over. If they want to continue the business relationship, the two of you will need to start another project or work out another agreement in order to continue your relationship. This is simply being a business owner and a professional. This is what your clients expect you to do.

 

To Your Success,