3 [Free] Ways To Set Boundaries Within Your Small Business
Bu Bu Bu Boundaries!
Do you set them?
Do you appreciate others who set them?
In the hustle and bustle of business our boundaries can start to slip away and all of sudden we find ourselves in the mass chaos of life.
Today I wanted to share 3 (free!) ways you can set some boundaries within your small business!
1. Schedule emails on Gmail:
I don’t utilize this feature very often, but I know many who do. We all know that sometimes those to-do lists can last longer than the workday and we catch up on emails in the evening. For some, sending an email in the evening is no big deal. For others, it opens up the expectations for clients to think you’re available day and night and that’s not a boundary you want crossed.
If the email can wait and be sent in the morning, but you want to get it written and out of the way, Gmail (outlook does as well, but I’m a google gal) has a nice feature where you can schedule emails. This is specifically for desktop, btw:
While in Gmail, click compose to start a new email
Write out your email and add attachments
Now, slow your roll and don’t hit send
Next to the send button, click the dropdown arrow
Click schedule
Choose your date and time
If you realize you choose the wrong time or need to edit the email you’ll see an added folder for scheduled emails. Click in there and make any edits.
2. Put your phone away.
Yes. You read that right. Unless you’re expecting a super important email or phone call - put it away. Put it on airplane mode, turn it off, turn it on silent, put it in the other room. Whatever feels the best, just put it away. When you allow yourself to be available for every phone call, text message, and Clubhouse room invite, your clients and colleagues will start to see that as normal and it will kill your productivity for the day.
For iPhone users, Downtime, was just released. When you set up your time period for Downtime in your settings, it mutes everything except calls and apps that you specifically choose to allow.
Even just putting your phone away for 20-30 minutes at a time will help you focus on what you need to accomplish and then check-in….if you actually need to.
3. Utilize scheduling softwares:
I can’t recommend utilizing a scheduling software enough. Not only does it save time when it comes to scheduling meetings, but it allows you to not over schedule yourself. I would love to be on discovery calls all day long, but someone has to do the follow up notes, content creation, etc.
Personally, I utilize Calendly and have been super happy with it. I started with the free version, but upgraded ($8/month) to have two different calendar options. Other softwares with free versions are Calendar.com, Meetingbird, YouCanBook.Me,…just to name a few.
I set up specific days and times where I do welcome calls for The Hatchery Community members and discovery calls for potential coaching clients. Then when someone wants to schedule either of those calls or just a coffee - I shoot them over my link. It helps me stick to my schedule and not put a meeting in the middle of a block of time that I’ve set aside for content creation.
There you have it, 3 free and easy ways you can set some boundaries around your work schedule.
I’d love to hear how you set boundaries around your small business to stay on your A-Game!