SETTING BOUNDARIES WITH CLIENTS

HOW TO GO OVER & BEYOND FOR CLIENTS, WITHOUT BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF

What’s the Difference Between Going Above and Beyond for Your Client and Getting Taken Advantage Of?

As business owners, especially in the creative industries, we love going above and beyond for our clients. We want to give them the very best and leave them with an experience that makes them feel valued, appreciated, and taken care of. But there’s a fine line between providing exceptional service and being taken advantage of—particularly when your time and expertise are part of your product.

“This post is for anyone who’s ever felt the tug between wanting to give more and feeling like you’ve stretched yourself too thin. Let’s talk about how to strike that balance without sacrificing your business or your wellbeing.”

What Does “Above and Beyond” Actually Mean?

Going above and beyond for your clients is about offering something extra—a thoughtful touch, a quicker-than-expected turnaround, or additional insights that show you care about their experience. It’s about surprising and delighting them with service that exceeds their expectations and leaves a lasting positive impression.

I’m sure you’ve been there—maybe it’s adding a little something extra to a project or accommodating a last-minute request because you want your client to be thrilled with your work. It’s these small gestures that help build strong, long-term client relationships.

But sometimes, that “little something extra” can turn into a regular expectation from clients. That’s where things start to blur, and it’s easy to find yourself in a position where you’re giving too much—more than what was agreed upon, more than what you’re being paid for, and more than you can realistically sustain.

How to Recognise When You’re Being Taken Advantage Of

There are some key signs to watch out for that suggest the balance has tipped from delivering great service to being taken advantage of:

Unreasonable Requests: If clients frequently ask for things outside the scope of your agreement without being open to discussing additional compensation or time, this is a red flag. Doing a one-off favor is one thing, but if it becomes a pattern, it’s worth reconsidering how this impacts your business.
Scope Creep: This is a big one for service-based businesses. You agree to a specific set of tasks, but slowly, more and more gets added without any increase in budget or timeline. If you’re doing extra work that wasn’t initially agreed upon without compensation, it’s a sign that the relationship has shifted in the wrong direction.
Undervaluing Your Time and Expertise: Some clients might question your pricing or ask for discounts or free extras, making you feel like your time and skills aren’t valued. If you find yourself justifying your fees or feeling hesitant to charge what you’re worth, the balance has likely tipped too far in their favoUr.

“Going above and beyond for clients is about offering something extra—a thoughtful touch, a quicker-than-expected turnaround, or additional insights that show you care about their experience.”

Set Clear Expectations from the Start

The best way to avoid being taken advantage of is by setting clear expectations from the very beginning. This means outlining your scope of work, timelines, and deliverables before the project even begins.

I know it can feel a bit formal to bring up contracts or detailed terms with clients, especially in more creative or relaxed industries, but trust me—this is one of the best things you can do for both you and your clients. It sets a foundation for a smooth working relationship and protects you from those awkward conversations down the line when a client starts asking for extras that weren’t part of the original agreement.

Clear expectations help avoid misunderstandings, manage timelines, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Contracts aren’t just about protecting yourself legally (though that’s important); they’re about creating clarity on both sides.

Know Your Value and Don’t Be Afraid to Stand By It

Here’s where things get tricky for many creative business owners—knowing your value and standing by it.

It’s so easy to second-guess yourself, especially when you’re starting out. “Am I charging too much?” “Will clients really pay this price?” “What if they think it’s not worth it?” These thoughts can lead to undercharging or over-delivering in an attempt to justify your prices. But here’s the thing: clients value confidence. When you know your worth and can clearly communicate the value you bring, they’ll be much more likely to respect your pricing and your boundaries.

If you struggle with this, I’ve got a free resource called Fully Embrace Your Value that will take you through a series of practical steps to help you confidently understand and communicate your worth. You can download it via the button below, and it’s a great tool to have in your corner as you build your business.

“Clear expectations help avoid misunderstandings, manage timelines, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.”

Recognising When to Push Back

Even with clear expectations, there will be times when a client pushes boundaries or tries to get more than what was agreed upon. So, how do you push back without damaging the relationship?

First, revisit your initial agreement with the client. Politely remind them of what was discussed and offer solutions for moving forward. For example, if they’re asking for additional work, let them know that’s possible but will come with extra costs or extended timelines.

It’s okay to say no. Sometimes, you have to—whether it’s because the client continues to overstep boundaries or the additional requests are taking you away from other important work. By addressing these situations head-on and professionally, you’re setting a precedent for future clients and protecting your time and energy.

“Clients value confidence. When you know your worth and can clearly communicate the value you bring, they’ll be much more likely to respect your pricing and your boundaries.”

Going Above and Beyond Without Burning Out

Offering exceptional service is important—it’s what keeps clients coming back and builds long-term relationships. But it doesn’t mean you have to over-deliver constantly.

Instead, focus on value-added services that align with your business goals. Small, thoughtful touches that don’t require you to sacrifice your time or energy can make a big impact. Whether it’s a personalised note, a bonus tip, or an extra touchpoint, these small gestures will make clients feel valued without stretching yourself too thin.

“Exceptional service doesn’t mean you have to over-deliver constantly—focus on small, thoughtful touches that make a big impact without stretching yourself too thin.”

Handling Difficult Clients

There will always be clients who push boundaries, don’t respect your time, or undervalue your work. It’s tough, but learning how to handle these clients is key to protecting your business and wellbeing.

The first step is clear communication. Revisit the terms of your agreement, set firm boundaries, and stand by them. If a client continues to push for more than agreed upon, it’s okay to walk away. Sometimes, parting ways with a difficult client is the best decision for your business.

Key Takeaways

Going above and beyond for clients should always be within the bounds of what’s fair and sustainable for your business.
Set clear expectations from the start, outlining scope, timelines, and deliverables to avoid misunderstandings.
Know your value and don’t be afraid to stand firm on pricing. Confidence in your expertise will naturally attract clients who appreciate your worth.
Recognise when a client is overstepping and don’t hesitate to push back or say no when needed.
Exceptional service doesn’t have to come at the cost of your wellbeing. Find ways to add value that align with your goals and resources.

“Recognising when a client is overstepping and learning to push back is about protecting your time, your energy, and the sustainability of your business.”

Thanks for reading! Remember to check out the free guide, Fully Embrace Your Value - link below - if you’d like more insights on confidently pricing your services and communicating your worth.

Until next time, keep delivering great service, set those boundaries, and take care of yourself—you’ve got this!

FULLY EMBRACE YOUR VALUE: READ NOW

Setting Boundaries with Clients

SETTING BOUNDARIES WITH CLIENTS