Before working with a new client, set boundaries on time, responsibilities and communication, and present each one as part of your value.
The idea
Without boundaries, we take on other people's dysfunction as our own. The root problem is trying to be all things to all people at all times, and the cost shows up as lost focus time, lost family time and, eventually, lost referrals. The fix is to set three boundaries before you start with any new client and package them into a simple "guide to working with me." Clients won't leave because you have a process. Most people like being told how things work when they're anxious; it calms the emotional side and engages the logical one. Frame each boundary as a piece of your value, the structure that makes you good at this.
How to do it
Time. When you're reachable and when you're not.
Responsibilities. What's yours, and what's theirs.
Communication. How and when updates happen.
Put all three in a one-page guide and send it when you sign the client.
For anything already driving you crazy: name it, pick a boundary, decide how to communicate it, then implement it.
Set your anti-boundaries too: given your unique value, what are you fine being just OK at?
Example
One agent we worked with went further and wrote her communication boundaries straight into the contract every new client signs. A simpler first step: change your voicemail to say you don't respond to calls after 8 PM, text instead. These were real estate examples, but the same three boundaries apply to any client-service business.
Script
"I don't take calls after 8 pm. If you text me after 8 pm, I will return the text after 7 am the next day."
"My responsibility is to [create a collection], your responsibility is to [provide feedback]." (adapted)
"I will set a specific time to meet every week to discuss your property."
Watch out for
Drifting. When you catch yourself breaking a boundary, ask what fear is pushing you. Post your three somewhere you'll see them.
Sources
From Zvi's coaching program
Related frameworks
Anchor Your Clients: Give clients something to anchor to (expectation lists, checklists, set weekly calls) to calm their anxiety and yours.
Sherpa, Not Salesperson: Act as a guide who maps the climb and sets everyone's role, instead of a salesperson pushing for the close.
The Perfect Week: Design a template week with your non-negotiables on the calendar, pick three priorities each day, and score each day before you close it.