why boundaries make you more profitable
- Erikka Shockley
- Nov 15
- 3 min read
Most of us don’t struggle with “marketing” or “pricing” nearly as much as we struggle with boundaries.
And the wild part?
Your boundaries have a bigger impact on your profit than any trend, tactic, or template ever will.
Because here’s the truth...
Every time you blur a boundary, you lose money.
Not figuratively. Literally.
1. If you don’t set expectations upfront, people will create their own.
When you don’t say how your process works, clients assume.
And they usually assume wrong ...
“Oh, she’ll respond instantly.”
“Revisions are unlimited, right?”
“Weekends count as business days.”
“This little extra won’t cost anything.”
It’s not malice ... it’s lack of clarity.
Just like when a horse inches into your space … if you don’t move them out, guess what? They keep inching.
try this...
Pick one boundary you’ve been avoiding and put it in writing TODAY...
→ office hours
→ revision policy
→ payment terms
→ deadlines
→how to communicate with you
Then share it with current clients & update it on your website.
2. “Quick favors” are slowly eating your profit
You know how one tiny behavior from a horse can turn into a big problem if you ignore it?
Same with clients.
Every “quick” favor...
→ steals time
→ disrupts your workflow
→ pushes back paid work
→ trains clients that exceptions are normal
These tiny leaks turn into major time loss ... which turns into major profit loss.
try this...
Save this line and start using it...
“I'd be happy to! However, that’s outside the original scope ... want me to send an estimate?”
It’s polite.
It’s firm.
It stops chaos in its tracks.
3. Saying yes to everything doesn’t make you helpful ... it makes you unavailable.
When you’re always accessible, always flexible, always “sure, I can squeeze that in,” you’re not being kind… you’re sacrificing your business.
Lack of boundaries leads to...
→ burnout
→ late projects
→ low-quality work
→ resentment
→ missing actual revenue opportunities
Even a well-trained horse gets spooky when their workload or routine is inconsistent ... humans do too.
try this ...
Block off non-negotiable work hours + non-negotiable rest hours.
Treat them like client appointments ...
you wouldn’t cancel on someone else, so don’t cancel on yourself.
4. Boundaries help clients trust you (yes, really)
People think boundaries push clients away ... but the opposite is true.
Good clients LOVE boundaries because boundaries = clarity.
Clarity makes clients feel...
→ safe
→ informed
→ taken care of
→ confident in your process
A horse relaxes when it knows what’s being asked.
Clients relax for the same reason.
try this ...
Send every client (current + future) a simple, one-page process breakdown...
what happens first
what happens next
when they’ll hear from you
what you need from them
how revisions + payments work
This one step solves 80% of boundary issues before they start.
5. Boundaries protect your energy ... and your energy is your paycheck.
Your creativity, focus, and time ARE your revenue.If those are drained, your profit tanks.
Strong boundaries give you...
→ fewer emergencies
→ fewer last-minute crises
→ fewer “can you call me real quick?” moments
→ more predictable workdays
→ more time to actually do the paid work
→ more peace (which = better output)
And better output = higher value = higher profit.
try this ...
List your top 3 energy drains right now.
Pick ONE to fix this week.
Examples:
→ automate a process
→ create a template
→ remove a draining offer
→ raise a lowball price
→ adjust your communication policy
Small fixes compound fast.
6. Strong boundaries attract better clients
Weak boundaries attract clients who want a discount.
Strong boundaries attract clients who want results.
The ones who...
respect your time
value your process
trust your expertise
pay without drama
don’t micromanage
don’t push extras
follow your systems
Good clients don’t want chaos.
They want a leader.
And your boundaries are what show them you are one.
try this...
Think of your absolute favorite client.
Write down 5 reasons working with them was easy.
Build boundaries that filter for THAT energy.
Final Truth: Boundaries aren’t harsh ... they’re profitable
They make your work smoother.
They make your process clearer.
They make your business sustainable.
They make your clientele better.
They protect your energy.
They protect your TIME.
And time? Time is money.
You don’t need to be mean.
You don’t need to be rigid.
You just need to lead.
Just like horses ... calm, confident structure makes everything easier.
You deserve a business that runs smoothly, respects your boundaries, and pays you well for the energy you bring to the table.
Signed, your marketing & small biz bestie 💅
If you want help building systems and boundaries that make you more profitable, I’m your girl.
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