Stop People-Pleasing and Start Running Your Design Business Like a Pro

mindset

People-pleasing—it’s a trap that many interior designers fall into, especially when they’re building their businesses. Saying yes to every project that comes your way, bending over backward to accommodate client schedules, accepting budgets that you know are unrealistic, and negotiating your rates just to close a deal—it’s a slippery slope that can lead to burnout and frustration.

But here’s the good news: You can stop people-pleasing and take control of your business by setting and enforcing clear boundaries.

Why Boundaries Matter

Without boundaries, you risk:

Feeling overwhelmed and overworked
Taking on projects that aren’t the right fit
Losing confidence in your expertise
Resenting your business rather than enjoying it

The key to breaking free from people-pleasing isn’t just saying “no” more often. It’s about designing a business that works for YOU and clearly communicating that to your clients.

Step 1: Define Boundaries That Work for You

Before you can set boundaries, you need to know what you want. Ask yourself:

Do I want to work evenings or weekends?
What types of projects excite me the most?
What kind of clients do I want to attract?
What budgets and timelines align with my process and expertise?

The more clarity you have on what your ideal business looks like, the easier it becomes to set and enforce boundaries with confidence.

Step 2: Communicate Boundaries Clearly

Boundaries should be introduced from the very first interaction with a potential client. You don’t need to list them out like rules, but rather, weave them naturally into your conversations. Here’s how:

Lead your sales conversations with confidence, educating clients on how your process works.
Set expectations early—don’t promise timelines or budgets you know won’t work.
Use a strong contract to reinforce these boundaries so there’s no confusion later.

When you set the tone from the start, clients will respect your professionalism and be more likely to follow your lead.

I train my signature sales process in my Rolling in the Dough Workshop and I set the stage for boundaries throughout the meetings. It is free when you grab my Secret Ingredient Kit.

Step 3: Enforce Your Boundaries

Setting boundaries is one thing—sticking to them is another. Here’s how to hold firm:

Send weekly client updates so they feel informed without needing constant access to you.
Don’t respond to emails and texts outside your working hours—schedule responses for the next business day.
If a client pushes back on your boundaries, refer to the contract as the enforcer.
Address issues as soon as they arise, rather than letting them build up.

For more on how to create win-win relationships, read Mastering Client Relations: A Guide for Interior Designers.

The Fear of Losing Business

New business owners often fear that enforcing boundaries will drive clients away. But the reality is that the right clients—the ones who respect your time and expertise—will stay. The wrong clients, the ones who demand too much and drain your energy, will move on. And that’s a good thing.

Every time you hold firm to your boundaries, you reinforce your professionalism and build a business that works for you—not one that runs you into the ground.

People-pleasing is a habit that takes practice to break, but you must. Your confidence, success, and sanity depend on it.

This is just one of many topics we cover inside Interior Design Business Bakery. And this is my official invitation to you to JOIN ME in The Bakery. To learn more about this life-changing program, visit Designed for the Creative Mind and get in touch with us today.

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