Creating healthy boundaries during your course, group program or membership

We've all heard about boundaries and why we *should* implement them. But actually putting them into practice (in business and in everyday life!) is often easier said than done. In today's episode, I'm sharing 4 must-have boundaries for your online offers so that *you* can feel safe and comfortable in your business *and* your clients know what to expect.

– How defining your boundaries in business (and daily life) teaches others how to interact with you.
– Why understanding these 4 boundaries will help you to be proactive and consistent with your boundary-setting.
– How creating boundaries for your clients differs between 1:1 and group programs.
– Why clarifying your boundaries sets the foundation for for how, why and when your clients can contact you.
– What to do when your clients disrespect your boundaries.

Creating Healthy Boundaries in Your Online Business Ventures

Introduction to Boundaries in Digital Offerings

Welcome to our discussion on the vital role of setting boundaries within the digital product space, whether it’s online courses, coaching, or memberships. Initially, my own journey lacked clear boundaries, leading to overwhelming scenarios like taking client calls at odd hours, or answering emails while vacationing by the Eiffel Tower.

The Realization of Needing Boundaries

My experiences—from fielding client emergencies on a yacht in Greece to receiving urgent calls on a Sunday evening—taught me a crucial lesson about the importance of boundaries. Without them, both personal exhaustion and client relations suffered significantly.

Understanding and Implementing Boundaries

Boundaries are not just about saying no; they are about teaching others how to interact with us. When clients know they can reach you anytime, they will do just that. This can lead to dependency rather than helping them develop problem-solving skills, which is particularly detrimental in educational settings like online courses.

Expert Insights on Boundaries

Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed therapist and author, defines boundaries as measures that keep us safe and comfortable in our relationships. This concept is as applicable in business as it is in personal interactions. In a previous episode with Monica Yates, we explored how to set and maintain these limits effectively.

Practical Steps to Set Boundaries

1. Communication Expectations: Clearly define how and when clients can contact you. Decide if communication via emails, DMs, or platforms like Voxer is appropriate, and establish how quickly they should expect a response.

2. Community Interaction: If your offer includes a community aspect, clarify whether it's for peer interaction or direct questions to you, which can significantly affect your workload.

3. Response Times: Set clear expectations for response times, which helps in managing client expectations and reducing frustration on both ends.

4. Call Management: For any calls, whether group or one-on-one, outline clear expectations about duration, frequency, and the nature of questions permissible.

Communicating Your Boundaries

It's crucial to proactively communicate these boundaries, possibly through welcome videos, emails, or during onboarding. More sensitive or critical boundaries should be included in contracts or terms and conditions to ensure they are legally upheld.

Handling Boundary Crossings

When boundaries are crossed, a gentle reminder of the established rules can often suffice. For instance, redirecting queries meant for DMs to more appropriate channels like scheduled Q&A sessions helps maintain these boundaries without conflict.

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