Protecting Your Time and Knowledge as an Entrepreneur
As an entrepreneur, your time and knowledge are your most valuable assets. The expertise you bring to the table and the time in which you spend with each client is precious. In order to grow a successful, thriving business, you must set boundaries with clients and potential clients to protect those assets, otherwise, they’ll be taken advantage of.
Protecting Your Time and Knowledge
In the business world, it can be challenging to protect your time and knowledge, especially when you’re working with people who are eager to learn, grow, and take their business to the next level. However, there is a difference between curiosity and downright disrespect. Let me explain.
I recently hosted a consultation call with a potential coaching client. The woman was poking and prodding me during the consultation call to get coaching support that would be provided in the retainer of my coaching program. This threw some major red flags for me.
I absolutely DO provide some level of support on consultation calls, as that is necessary to showcase to potential clients how I coach, what my style is, and give them an idea of what to expect when making their decision as to whether or not we are a good fit to work together.
During a consultation call, I want potential clients to understand the benefit of the paid services I provide. However, I am not willing to provide a 30-minute coaching call for free during a consultation. That is an entirely different level of support which must be paid for.
It would not be fair to me or my other paying clients who invest in that service to offer it for free to someone else just because they are pushing the boundary. Prying to get free advice that others pay for is an abuse of my time and the working relationship between us.
Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Assets
As a fellow entrepreneur, you've probably been in this situation, too. You’ve probably been asked questions that make you feel uncomfortable and leave you feeling guilty because you DO want to help others succeed.
Maybe you have a client that you love and adore, but they continuously ask you to do “just one more small task” or to do something “just this one time.”
Let me tell you… these seemingly small things add up over time. They take your knowledge, time, and energy away from doing other things in your business that are a better use of your time… things that you actually get paid for!
As business owners, our time is everything and our skills are how we make a living. You HAVE to practice having these boundary-setting conversations with clients right off the bat so you’re never caught off guard. Get comfortable with saying no and standing up for yourself, your assets, and your boundaries.
As a collective, let’s all put an end to this and stop asking one another for free services. Instead, let’s be grateful for the support you receive, willing to invest, and quick to celebrate the knowledge you receive from that person. Respect your mentor’s time so you can work together from a foundation built on mutual understanding and respect. Anything else feels like a slap in the face.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to set and protect your boundaries in the online space, I’d love to help you with kick-ass support and accountability! Sign up for 1:1 mentorship with me so we can protect your most valuable assets of knowledge and time!