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Ask the Master Newsletter Archives
Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter.
On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of
running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay
and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.
Ask
The Master
April 2005 Volume 4/Issue 4 |
Boundaries
Boundaries are what keep you safe from the behaviours of others. How
safe are you?
One of the things I had to learn early on in my business was to be
able to set up boundaries. I sometimes found this difficult and challenging
as it went against my helping and supportive nature. What I learned
was that in order to be able to effectively help my clients I had
to have the space to do that. That meant setting boundaries for individuals
who tended to drain my time and energy. Getting clear and focus was
the key.
Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant
Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.) What can I do
to improve communication with a client?
What exactly are boundaries?
Boundaries are like imaginary lines we draw around ourselves to
protect what’s important to us. They are about what we do
not allow others to do to or around us. Everyone’s boundaries
are unique to them and what is important to you may not be important
to someone else. It is a very personal journey.
What are the benefits
of having boundaries? When you have healthy boundaries in
place you will attract those people who have similar respect for
themselves. They understand and respect other people’s boundaries.
You will have more room to learn and grow when you are not being
drained by other people’s energy. You will have more confidence
as a result of setting boundaries as they will help define who you
are as a business owner.
Why are boundaries
important to running a business? There are several reasons.
When you are working from home family and friends may take your
work as serious and feel it is okay to interrupt or make requests
of you when you are working. Clients may feel they have access to
you anytime they call you regardless of business hours or other
commitments (be careful of too many last minute requests). They
may not respect you as a peer treating you as less than. You will
end up attracting needy and disrespectful clients into your practice
and not your ideal clients.
Boundaries will help you make the shift from employee to entrepreneur.
What do I need to know
about setting boundaries? When setting boundaries you first
need to decide what is and is not acceptable behaviour for you.
Only you will know what this is. You will then want to set the boundary
much larger than you need. For instance if the behaviour you are
no longer willing to tolerate clients taking advantage of you then
the boundary would be clients must appreciate what you do for them.
And it is a must!
How do I ensure my
boundaries are respected? Only you can protect your boundaries
however communication and education are the keys. Don’t expect
people to just understand what your boundaries are. Explain to them
what the boundary is and what the acceptable behaviour is around
that boundary. Be very gracious when doing this speaking with a
neutral charge to your voice. Also learn how to say no!
Setting and protecting your boundaries is a learning process. At
first it may be very awkward or you may extend your boundaries too
far. With time, practice and fine-tuning your boundary work it will
become a very natural experience for you and the rewards are tremendous!
Brought to you by
Virtual Strategies
and the Virtual Assistant Training Program
Making dreams reality!
www.vatp.ca
info@vatp.ca
1-604-483-3740 |
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