Setting expectations and making a personal connection will set you up for success, however you define it.

One of my “whys” for becoming a solopreneur nearly 20 years ago was to have more quality time with my daughter. Self-employment would not only let me set the boundaries I needed, but it would also allow me to manage my time as well as my clients’ expectations.

To do this, I started each client engagement with a lunchtime “WOW session” (ways of working). The purpose was to strengthen the relationship with my new client, let me get to know something about them as a person, and have them become familiar with me and how I work.

Part way through the lunch I’d say, “Listen, there are some things you need to know about me: I’m a single mom with a 5-year-old daughter. I usually pick her up from daycare around 5:30 p.m. and get her to bed around 8:00 p.m. I turn off my phone between those hours so I can have quality time with her, but once she’s in bed I go back to work and crank through stuff. That means you’ll likely get emails from me at midnight or later, but don’t worry; I don’t expect immediate replies.”

Set expectations

Setting this expectation early in our engagement helped in two ways. First, the client knew I was going to be unreachable between those hours, so I didn’t feel compelled to answer text messages or email. Second, this uninterrupted time with my daughter dramatically improved our relationship, and frankly, her behavior because she wasn’t competing for my attention.

Clients hate mysteries and surprises, so set their expectations in the beginning, then do whatever is necessary to keep your word. There is nothing wrong with telling a client that your yoga class or early morning run means you will be unavailable during those hours, as long as you let them know this well in advance.

Whether you contract for a full-time engagement or a few months of part-time coaching, your work will have a rhythm. By outlining what the client can expect, you minimize disappointment and confusion. Clarifying how you work in a WOW meeting will make it easier for them to partner with you, and it will help you get their repeat business. It’s a win-win!