Want More Money & Less Stress? Set Some Boundaries!Written by Kimberly Stevens
At 2pm last Wednesday, I got a call from one of my clients. Before I could barely utter my "hello," she launched headlong into her story - "I am so frustrated! I have this client who has been dragging her feet at every stage of our project. I'm working on a branding campaign for her company and expected to be finished nine months ago, but every time we get to a stage in project where ball is in her court, I have to follow-up umpteen times and push and prod just to get her to move forward. In almost every case, it takes her about two months to do something that could have been done in a week. Then, two months later when she's finally finished with her part, she cheerily announces that she's ready for me to start next phase and wonders how quickly I can do it. Every time this happens I have to completely reacquaint myself with her project. All in all, I've spent almost twice as many hours as I budgeted. How can I get her to wrap up this project so I can move on?,” she finished.I cannot think of one service business owner that hasn't faced this issue at one time or another. We all started our businesses concerned about providing great customer service and a quality service delivered on time. We thought that was key to having happy clients. But, at some point, we find out that great customer service means that we're not allowing one client's delays to impact another client's project, profitability of our business, or our own personal satisfaction. This is when we have to recognize that we are responsible for this situation. If you've allowed a client to run amuck dragging a project on forever, changing project parameters numerous times, delaying payment of final bill, why shouldn't they continue to behave this way? It's up to you to put into place policies and procedures that communicate this to your clients and prospects from very beginning. One format I've seen used very effectively is a one-pager called "How We Work Together." It's a very basic document that outlines responsibilities of both you and client. It makes clear who is responsible for what and when so there are no questions later. It also outlines consequences if either of you misses target. Not only does this put client on straight-and-narrow, it shows them that you are willing to be held to high standards as well.
| | "Transition Your Mind - From Dependant Employee to Self-Sufficient Entrepreneur"Written by Dave Hertner
There are a great many of you out there who are poised and ready to move into next phase of your lives but you are stuck in starting gate!! You have dedicated a part of yourself to romance and excitement that surrounds a new business venture but there is something holding you back.Today, I'm going to help you see into yourself so you can take an honest look at why you're having trouble making transition into entrepreneurship. As you grow yourself out of your current situation towards entrepreneurship, you will pass through three phases of development. The first phase is DEPENDENCY PHASE. Physical dependence is same as if you were hooked on some sort of substance. Your mind has decided that it is completely reliant on something. It doesn't have to be a substance!! It could be a family location. It could be a physical impairment. It could be that you don't own type of clothing that your mind needs to see your body in before it can accept that you can be someone different. The mental and emotional component of this dependence is most important part to understand. If you cannot get a handle on your dependencies in this area you will get stuck in this phase. That said, this is also most liberating door to walk through. You have to sit your self down and take an HONEST look at your life up to this point. Remind yourself about your dreams!! Accomplishment in absence of dreams is impossible!! Open yourself up to possible and focus your energy toward that goal!! The TRANSITION PHASE is 'get up and go' phase. Here you are with a fresh look at yourself and a great business idea. You now face fear of starting or, if you teem it with inertia, ' Fear of Departure'. This happens often when you have a secure, well paying job that you are contemplating leaving. There are two things that can combat this fear. You need support of your family and friends and you need to have a business plan that you have completely internalized. This will give you courage to step away (mentally at first) from that perceived security which is exactly what is holding you back.
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