Recently someone purchased a phone session. They wanted to get in “immediately.” I sent off an email with my availability and got a response back saying that they couldn’t wait that long. He wanted an email reading instead. Unfortunately for him, I’m not doing any in August.
My availability was clearly posted on my purchase page – in bold type.
Perhaps he didn’t read it. Or maybe this was an intentional stunt of trying to bypass the policies. Maybe he thought the rules didn’t apply to him. Whatever the case, it was obvious he wasn’t paying attention – even though everything was spelled out in bold red type.
People are funny that way. They don’t always take the time to read or listen. It doesn’t matter how clear you are – repeating the rules is something you’ll need to get used to as an entrepreneur. Sometimes you even have to be a dick about it.
For example, the other day a client came to my office with a stranger in tow. I stopped seeing new people in person over a year ago. These days, it’s rare to have anyone in the office except for a few trusted old clients because most people gladly switched over to the phone – it’s way more convenient. I’ve been crystal clear that newbies are not allowed in.
So you can imagine how pissed I was when this client broke my rules. This lead to a terse exchange where I had to once again explain my policies – in front of a new person who looked about as comfortable as a cat sitting on a porcupine.
These examples are proof that no matter who clear you are, how often you state your policies, or even if they are written in bright red bold font – people don’t or won’t pay attention.
Because people are people and they want what they want.
Even so, there are ways to minimize your aggravation:
-Post your rules and availability clearly on your site – in bold red letters.
-When you book appointments, reiterate your policies so that there is no whinging.
-Reinforce the rules, even if it makes you feel like a meanie. (I learned that the hard way when I made an exception and then this lead to more people within that particular circle wanting exceptions.)
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Sooner or later, enforcing your policies will become second nature. Better yet, people will start to get it and respect your boundaries…or move on to someone who will serve them the way they want.
Your policies are in place for a reason – so you can work in a way that makes you happy. Set yours and hold the line. And remember: reinforce often because not everyone reads, listens, or cares.
Blessings,
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2017
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
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