Breaking Free from Rules and Regulations

Let’s chat about something that’s been on my mind lately—rules and regulations. Now, don’t get me wrong, having guidelines and boundaries is important in any business. But sometimes, we tend to get caught up in a web of unnecessary restrictions that can hurt our growth and the way we connect with our luxury clients.

I’ve noticed a common mistake among less seasoned planners—right from the beginning, they lay down a laundry list of do’s and don’ts.

“I don’t work past 5 PM”

“Weekend meetings come at an extra cost”

“Cancel with less than 24 hours notice, and here’s your fee”

…You know what I’m talking about!

But here’s the thing—I’ve come to realize that one process does not fit all. We’re not all cut from the same cloth, and our clients certainly aren’t either. All luxury clients have different needs and expectations. So why should we force them into a standard mold?

It’s time for a fresh perspective! Instead of trying to serve our clients all the same way and setting a laundry list of strict rules, there’s another approach that works better. Set boundaries from the beginning. Why not adjust your branding, pricing, and elevate your offerings? Let’s attract luxury clients who align with our vision and expectations right from the start!

Here’s a little secret—I’ve learned that you CAN train your clients to work in a way that suits both of you.

For example, if weekends are a challenge for you, instead of saying, “I only meet one weekend a month,” offer a solution. Say, “Hey, I can check my availability for a Saturday. Does that work for your schedule? Let me coordinate with the creative partners/vendors involved to ensure it works for everyone.” This way, you accommodate their needs while managing your own boundaries.

Another common rule is strictly prohibiting text messages for important information, rather than gently guiding your clients toward email communication. When they send a text with crucial details, respond and say, “Sounds great! Let me email you a confirmation so we have it in writing.” By setting that example, I’ve found that most of my clients will catch on and start using email as their preferred mode of communication!

Remember, emergencies happen, and we should always be understanding. But by approaching these situations with grace and gently guiding our clients, we can establish a smooth workflow without the need for rules and regulations.

So, let’s break free from unnecessary restrictions and embrace a more authentic way of building client relationships!