How to Set Business Boundaries with Intent and Without Feeling Guilty

Can you really say no in business? To clients? To partners? To opportunities that seem too good to pass up?

In a recent Strategy Talks video podcast, I sat down with my friend and boundary-setting expert Lisa Danforth to explore how setting clear business boundaries is not only possible but essential.

As someone who’s learned a lot from Lisa over the years, I was thrilled to bring her back on Strategy Talks. We dove deep into why saying no isn't selfish, it's strategic. And yes, this applies to everyone from solopreneurs to CEOs.

Boundaries Start With You

"Success loves clarity," Lisa reminded us, and it stuck with me. So often, we think boundaries are external. But the first boundary we need to set is with ourselves.

When you're constantly saying yes to projects that drain you or clients that don't align, you're actually saying no to what you truly want. Lisa calls this being an "overworked generalist" saying yes to everything until your business no longer feels like yours.

Why It’s Hard to Say No

If setting boundaries were easy, we’d all be doing it. But Lisa pointed out that the guilt and fear we feel come from focusing too much on how we’ll be perceived: "I feel so mean. I feel so aggressive." Sound familiar?

Strategy Talks | Business BOundaries Strategies with LIsa DanforthDorien Morin-van Dam

0:00

Here's the truth: "The most compassionate people are also the most boundaried." That’s not just a quote, it’s backed by research. When you set boundaries, you reduce resentment, show up more authentically, and build stronger relationships.

Transparency Is a Gift

One of my favorite takeaways was Lisa’s approach to scope creep: when a client keeps asking for just one more thing.

Her advice?

• "Give the gift of transparency."

• Acknowledge the past pattern

• Clarify what’s changed

• Invite a conversation to realign expectations

For example: "I know I’ve added a few things in the past, but it’s no longer working for me. Let’s talk about how we can move forward in a way that works for both of us."

On Time, Energy, and Saying No

We also explored volunteer work, board positions, and requests for free labor. Especially in small communities, this comes up a lot. Lisa encouraged us to create internal guidelines:

• Know your core values (she even offers a free assessment!)

• Define non-negotiables (e.g., no unpaid work under $500 value)

• Use intentional yeses, not reactive ones

Her reminder: "You have the ability to change your mind." If something no longer fits your life or values, you’re allowed to say no, even after you’ve said yes.

Emotional Intelligence and Boundaries

Boundary-setting it about self-awareness. Lisa shared how tuning into both your own triggers and others’ body language can guide conversations.

• Pay attention to what feels "off"

• Take a pause instead of reacting

• Remember: just because someone is direct doesn’t mean they’re disrespectful

She also challenged us to be clear and succinct. If someone keeps pushing, Lisa suggests this simple line: "We’ve discussed this several times, and my answer remains the same. Help me understand what you’re not clear on."

What to Do With Guilt

Guilt is real. But Lisa reframed it beautifully. She had a client imagine physically taking food off her child’s plate every time she undercharged. The visual made the stakes clear.

Her advice?

• Be clear on what you’re worth

• Prepare for the conversation

• Define what success looks like afterward

Because, as she said: "People will honor your worth when you honor your worth."

The Role of Boundaries in the AI Era

With AI doing more and expectations getting faster, boundaries are more important than ever. Your human skills: empathy, creativity, emotional connection are what set you apart.

Lisa said it best: "AI doesn’t remember that your cousin is sick or you’re going on vacation. You do."

When you set boundaries, you protect your time and energy to deliver your best work—the kind only you can do.

A Final Thought about business boundaries

"You’re going to screw it up." Lisa reminded us that boundaries are a practice, not perfection. Sometimes you’ll set one that’s too firm or too loose. The goal isn’t to get it right every time. It’s to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep aligning your business with your values.

If you’re ready to ditch the guilt and start protecting your time, energy, and worth, this episode is a must-watch. And don’t forget to grab Lisa’s core values assessment, because knowing what matters most is the first step to saying yes with confidence.

Watch the full episode now!

10 Smart Prompts to Ask ChatGPT After Reading This

• "Help me write a script to tell a client this task is out of scope."

• "What’s a respectful way to decline a board invitation?"

• "Draft a boundary-setting paragraph for my service contract."

• "How do I raise my rates without losing loyal clients?"

• "Give me a values-based decision framework for new opportunities."

• "Suggest ways to identify scope creep early in a project."

• "How can I handle emotional client pushback gracefully?"

• "Create a response when I want to pause before giving a yes."

• "What’s a good way to end a partnership that no longer fits?"

• "List 5 ways to protect my time when working with high-demand clients."