5 Signs Your Clients Are Controlling Your Business…

“Protect your Business.”

Nina Tulio

When systems are loose and boundaries are blurred, your business starts running around your clients—instead of the other way around. That’s when the burnout hits.

This usually happens when:

• You don’t have clear booking or cancellation policies

• Your pricing isn’t rooted in strategy (so you’re adjusting on the fly)

• You’re afraid to say “no” and over-accommodate

• There’s no structure behind your schedule or communication

If you’re feeling like your business is running you, this blog is your wake-up call. Let’s take your power back.

5 Signs your clients are in control:

• You discount

• You are on call and jump when clients need an appointment

• You reply on their tips

• You haven’t had a price increase in more than 12-18 months

• You create policies and never follow through

How do you overcome this and take back control?

1. Create a Set Schedule.
   Yes, you may occasionally come in early or stay late—but those are the exceptions, not the rule. If you're working outside your normal hours, it should come with a premium price. Your time is valuable, and your schedule should reflect that.

2. Tips.
   Grateful for them? Sure. Counting on them? Nope. Your prices alone should set you up to win—without relying on tips to make ends meet. Click here for my free pricing class to make sure your prices are doing the heavy lifting.

3. 3. Discounts.
   If you're constantly discounting to keep clients happy, you’re not serving them—you’re teaching them to undervalue your work. Want to offer flexibility without sacrificing income? Try creating a mini options menu (not listed on your site) that gives clients choices while keeping you in control.

4. Price Increases.
   Avoiding a price increase because you're afraid to upset Bonnie? Let’s be real: you’re running a business, not a charity. Your bills don’t pause—and neither should your growth. Reassess your pricing yearly, and let demand drive the decision. Click here to grab my price increase system

5. Policies.
   Strong policies aren’t there to punish—they're there to protect your time, energy, and income. Have clients sign off on your intake form so there’s no confusion and you feel empowered to follow through with confidence.

Here’s the bottom line:
You set the tone. When you create structure with intention, you build a business that supports your life—instead of draining it. You deserve to feel empowered, respected, and profitable every step of the way.

Looking to learn more? Check out Make That Money course for suite owners/renters. And in my Synergy course for commission owners.

Psst! MORE Free resources are a click away!

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