One of my guilty pleasures—don’t judge me—is American court TV. Thanks to Facebook’s algorithm deciding I need more drama in my life, clips from shows like Judge Judy pop up on my feed. (What can I say? It’s addictive.) While I love the sass, the eye-rolls, and the occasional “Did they really think that was a good idea?” moments, I’ve noticed a recurring theme: Things often spiral out of control because businesses fail at setting client boundaries in business.
Let’s paint a picture. A small business owner ends up in court because they bent their own rules to make a client happy, only for it to backfire spectacularly. Why? Because they deviated from their own procedures. Contracts were ignored. Boundaries were overstepped. Cue the dramatic sighs from the judge and me yelling, “You had it in writing!” from my sofa, snacks in hand.
Here’s the hard truth: the customer isn’t always right. (Gasp!) Sometimes, they’re dead wrong—and they’re not shy about trying to bend you to their will. But here’s the thing: your terms and conditions exist for a reason. They’re not decorative. They’re there to protect you, your business, and your sanity.
When it comes to setting client boundaries in business, remember this golden rule: If a client asks you to bend the rules, change your policies, or treat your carefully crafted terms as optional, it’s time to reconsider if they’re the right fit for you. Spoiler alert: they’re probably not.
Your ideal client is someone who respects your expertise and the way you run your business. They’re not the ones who nitpick over cancellation policies or demand exceptions just for them. If they can’t accept your terms, they’re waving a giant red flag—and it’s your cue to walk away.
Yes, walking away can feel scary. Especially when you’re growing your business and every sale feels critical. But setting client boundaries in business isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about ensuring your business works for you. It’s about keeping your stress levels low and your integrity high.
So the next time someone asks you to ignore your policies or “just this once” make an exception, channel your inner TV judge, lay down the law, and remember: Courtroom drama is for your entertainment, not your business.
Setting clear client boundaries in business might just save you from your own episode of Judge Judy. And trust me, your future self will thank you.
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Shelly Shulman