Managing Client Disputes for Service Providers | Fixing Burnout, Scope Creep, Contract Issues

Do you have a framework for your client work? One that works time and time again? If not, then today's episode is for you!

Today, we tackle an issue that's more prevalent than ever – the misguided belief in cookie-cutter solutions offered by so-called 'gurus'. Their frameworks may have worked for them, but that doesn't mean they'll work for you.

This episode delves deep into rejecting societal pressures of perfectionism, the importance of viewing life and work as experiments, and setting clear boundaries with clients.

Learn how to attract the right clients, the right projects, and the right pay by being your true self and committing to a proactive, customized approach. Let's focus on protecting your peace, heart, and reputation, whether you're a freelancer, business owner, or employee. Tune in for actionable notes and tips including more on my free interactive guide on how to tweak your client contracts to make them more 'you'.

• 00:29 The Problem with Guru Frameworks
• 03:28 Embracing Failure as an Experiment
• 05:06 Creating Your Own Framework
• 08:08 Setting Boundaries and Expectations
• 12:53 The Importance of Contracts
• 15:24 Taking Control of Your Client Relationships

Resources

• Creatives - Take the Quiz! Identify and start fixing your people-pleasing patterns today!
• Free Interactive Guide: "12 Simple Tweaks to a Clearer Client Contract"
• Get on the Waitlist for the next Client Contracts Crash Course!

>>>

Hi! I'm Sheila, your guide to a Joyful and Thriving™ creative life! I have lots of titles: attorney, social worker, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, educator. And while I'm proud of those titles, I am a human first and a title second – just like you. I want to help you reset expectations, set boundaries, and make aligned decisions, so you can streamline and focus your energy on the people, projects, and pay that actually matter to you.

Instagram: @sheilamwilkinson | LinkedIn

Rate this podcast/episode on Apple Podcasts, or leave feedback here, and be sure to leave me a voice note with a question for me to answer in a future episode!

In this episode, I delve into the emotional aspects of the fear of losing clients. We'll discuss recognizing red flags, prioritizing yourself and your needs, and clearly defining the type of clients you want to work with. I'm also sharing personal experiences and at the end, I'll provide you with a handful of actionable steps to help you identify your ideal clients. By doing so, you can be sure your work aligns with your values, ultimately leading to more satisfaction and success in your professional life.

• 00:32 The Emotional Side of Losing Clients

• 01:46 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

• 03:28 Finding Clarity and Defining Your Ideal Client

• 05:10 The Importance of Values in Client Selection

• 12:23 Practical Steps to Attract the Right Clients

Resources

• Schedule a Strategy Call today

• Free Interactive Guide: "12 Simple Tweaks to a Clearer Client Contract"

• Get on the Waitlist for the 8-Week Contracts Course

>>>

Hi! I'm Sheila, your guide to a Joyful and Thriving™ creative life! I have lots of titles: attorney, social worker, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, educator. And while I'm proud of those titles, I am a human first and a title second – just like you. I want to help you reset expectations, set boundaries, and make aligned decisions, so you can streamline and focus your energy on the people, projects, and pay that actually matter to you.

Instagram: @sheilamwilkinson | LinkedIn

Rate this podcast/episode on Apple Podcasts, or leave feedback here, and be sure to leave me a voice note with a question for me to answer in a future episode!

If you're afraid that your client contract has some hidden pitfalls and maybe one day, it's all going to blow up in your face, then today's episode is for YOU!

Today, we're talking about when you don't know, what you don't know. It's not about the right legal wording. And it's even less about what you actually SAY in your contract. What matters more is what's MISSING from your contract.

Today, I dive deep into how to spot what's missing and provide you with a free tool to help plug those holes and fill those gaps. Hear my story of a client who led me on a literal courtroom chase and what I learned from it about making client expectations crystal clear. Listen to find out why most problems arise from what isn't in your contracts, and how you can avoid common pitfalls by being prepared, setting clear expectations, and always staying ahead of potential problems.

• 00:05 The Importance of Missing Contract Clauses
• 01:46 A Personal Story: The Courtroom Chase
• 05:52 Lessons Learned and Contract Essentials
• 09:31 Common Client Issues and Contract Solutions
• 19:55 Real-Life Example: Bob's Contract Nightmare
• 28:58 Final Thoughts and Action Steps

Resources

• Free Interactive Guide: "12 Simple Tweaks to a Clearer Client Contract"
• Get on the Waitlist for the 8-Week Contracts Course
• Episode 32 - What You Need to Know Before You Sign: Contracts Basics - Including Podcast Contracts, too! (Part 1)
• Episode 33 - When to Enforce Your Agreements: Contracts Basics (Part 2)
• Episode 34 - Resolving Contract Disputes: Contracts Basics (Part 3)
• Episode 35 - Drafting Your First Contract: Contracts Basics (Part 4)
• Episode 36 - My Top 5 Tips for International Work: Contracts Basics (Part 5)

>>>

Hi! I'm Sheila, your guide to a Joyful and Thriving™ creative life! I have lots of titles: attorney, social worker, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, educator. And while I'm proud of those titles, I am a human first and a title second – just like you. I want to help you reset expectations, set boundaries, and make aligned decisions, so you can streamline and focus your energy on the people, projects, and pay that actually matter to you.

Instagram: @sheilamwilkinson | LinkedIn

Rate on Apple Podcasts, or leave feedback here, and be sure to leave me a voice note with a question for a future episode!

If you're a self-defined people-pleaser, struggling with your identity as a Creative, then this episode is for you. I'm diving deep into what it means to be YOU.

We'll explore how creatives like you are often taught to think and feel a certain way, which leads to a disconnect between their intellectual and emotional selves. I'll share three startling statistics about the struggles many face with identity, self-worth, and confrontation, and how these affect creatives specifically.

Through a bit about my own personal journey and incorporating professional insights, we'll uncover the importance of listening to your body's true desires and how to overcome external validation and people-pleasing habits. This episode is all about finding the courage to embrace your true self, set boundaries, and live a life full of joy and authenticity.

• 02:01 Understanding Identity Struggles
• 02:38 The Pressure to Prove Yourself
• 03:43 Confrontation and Truth
• 04:58 Personal Journey and Realizations
• 07:49 Breaking Free from Expectations
• 10:20 Embracing Your True Self
• 15:12 Practical Steps to Reconnect
• 18:26 The Bigger Picture

Resources

• Your Next Step: Book a free call with me to chat about creating YOUR plan
• Free Interactive Guide: "12 Simple Tweaks to a Clearer Client Contract"
• Scripts for what to say when you need more space and time
• Get on the Waitlist for the 8-Week Contracts Course
• A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words: The Statistics

>>>

Hi! I'm Sheila, your guide to a Joyful and Thriving™ creative life! I have lots of titles: attorney, social worker, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, educator. And while I'm proud of those titles, I am a human first and a title second – just like you. I want to help you reset expectations, set boundaries, and make aligned decisions, so you can streamline and focus your energy on the people, projects, and pay that actually matter to you.

Instagram: @sheilamwilkinson | LinkedIn

Rate this podcast/episode on Apple Podcasts, or leave feedback here, and be sure to leave me a voice note with a question for me to answer in a future episode!

If you're a self-proclaimed people-pleaser and having a hard time sticking to boundaries with your clients, then this episode is for you!

In this episode, I'm diving deep into the crucial topic of boundaries and am sharing a very personal, life-changing experience that very few people in the world know - it became the impetus for starting my own personal journey of overcoming trauma and learning to set boundaries. I'll also discuss the importance of respecting and enforcing boundaries, providing practical advice on how to set and maintain them, particularly through contracts and daily interactions.

Tune in to learn practical strategies for achieving a more harmonious, Joyful and Thriving™ creative life!

• 01:57 Personal Story: Learning Boundaries the Hard Way
• 05:21 Connecting Personal Boundaries to Professional Life
• 09:16 Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries
• 13:20 The Role of Contracts in Enforcing Boundaries
• 20:24 Final Thoughts and Homework

Resources

• Free Interactive Guide: "12 Simple Tweaks to a Clearer Client Contract"
• Scripts for your Out of Office / Auto-Responder when you need more time
• Get on the Waitlist for the 8-Week Contracts Course!

>>>

Hi! I'm Sheila, your guide to a Joyful and Thriving™ creative life! I have lots of titles: attorney, social worker, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, educator. And while I'm proud of those titles, I am a human first and a title second – just like you. I want to help you reset expectations, set boundaries, and make aligned decisions, so you can streamline and focus your energy on the people, projects, and pay that actually matter to you.

Instagram: @sheilamwilkinson | LinkedIn

Rate this podcast/episode on Apple Podcasts, or leave feedback here, and be sure to leave me a voice note with a question for me to answer in a future episode!

When it comes to pricing, there's so much out there in the world telling and showing us we are not valued, when actually, all we're hearing are the loudest talkers, right? The real problem is believing in your value and not allowing society and people outside of you to change your belief in yourself.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of valuing your work appropriately and not undercharging for your services. I'm sharing my own journey helping clients navigate difficult conversations and set proper fees. We'll dive into the pitfalls of charging lower than deserved fees, explaining how it can affect one's self-worth and client perception. I'll provide actionable steps on how to increase rates, communicate value to clients, and break the cycle of undervaluing yourself, while setting boundaries and protecting your peace, heart, and reputation all while ensuring your contract reflects these values!

Tune in to learn practical strategies for achieving a more harmonious, Joyful and Thriving™ creative life!

• 01:10 Combining Brands and Evolving

• 01:45 The Importance of Charging What You're Worth

• 03:52 Personal Experience with Pricing

• 06:06 Understanding Your Value and Raising Prices

• 08:40 Practical Steps to Increase Your Rates

• 11:30 The Impact of Pricing on Your Business

• 21:32 Action Steps

Resources from the Show

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers (visited February 05, 2025).

• Listen to Episode 24 - Services

• Listen to Episode 25 - Pricing

• Waitlist for the 8-Week Contracts Course

• Free Guide: "12 Simple Tweaks to a Clearer Client Contract"

>>>

Hi! I'm Sheila, your guide to a Joyful and Thriving™ creative life! I have lots of titles: attorney, social worker, coach, consultant, keynote speaker, educator. And while I'm proud of those titles, I am a human first and a title second – just like you. I want to help you reset expectations, set boundaries, and make aligned decisions, so you can streamline and focus your energy on the people, projects, and pay that actually matter to you.

Instagram: @sheilamwilkinson | LinkedIn

Rate this podcast/episode on Apple Podcasts, or leave feedback here, and be sure to leave me a voice note with a question for me to answer in a future episode!

Thanks for listening to this updated introduction of the "Managing Client Disputes" Podcast (An Original What Would Sheila Say?® ️and CreativesEd® ️Podcast) and welcome to the (r)evolution!

• Leave a Voice Note for a chance to get on the Podcast
• Follow Sheila on IG
• Grab time with Sheila

If you've ever been told that being a service-based professional means you have to suck it up, accept whatever client walks in the door no matter how little they want to pay you, and that you're never going to make any money unless you scale and grow a huge team, then you're in for a spin, because none of that is true!

>>>>

Transcript:

If you've ever been in a sticky client situation, not knowing what to do or what to say, afraid to get a lawyer involved but knowing you needed guidance, then the Managing Client Disputes™️ podcast is for you!

Hi, I'm Sheila M. Wilkinson, and I've got lots of titles: Attorney, Social Worker, Career and Business Coach, Educator and Consultant for Creatives of all kinds - designers, architects, artists, web developers, and everyone in between. My favorite clients call me their Business Mom, their Punk Rock Group Leader, Momma Bear Sheila, and the OG Digital Nomad. My clients always ask themselves, What Would Sheila Say?®️ - because the truth is, I will always say to do what feels right in your body, not in your brain. But that's all easier said than done, right?

Well, in 2010, I walked away from a multi-million dollar business that I built from scratch because it wasn't right for me anymore - success had always been about the material things - the car, the money, the gadgets and the clothes. But in 2007, I realized that there's no amount of money that can take the place of the peace I feel when I work with the right people, taking on the right projects, for the right pay. Since 2010, I've built the actual life of my dreams - I live on two continents, have a fully virtual business with incredible, joy-inducing clients, and I have an amazing partner I adore. I'm happier than I ever was before because NOW, I do what's right for ME, even though it's wildly different than what the rest of the world told me I should do - and I teach my clients how to do the same.

15 years ago, I had the idea for CreativesEd®️ - a Business Academy for Creatives, Designers and Other Service-Based Business Owners who care about their community and who care about doing good work for good people. A place where LGBT folx and our allies could come together to focus on making a positive impact on the world. A place for people who care about getting it right, who have an appreciation of all things, great and small. A place for people who care about the future of our world. A place where you're not just a service-provider providing a deliverable but a human who wants to beautify our world and not just add to the noise. I envisioned a place where people like you can access the business and legal information you need without breaking the bank. After spending all those years working with creative freelancers and small businesses, I realized they all had the same thing in common: they all wanted a successful, Joyful and Thriving™️business, but they were afraid to stand up for themselves, they were afraid to price themselves appropriately, and they were afraid to say no to the clients and the projects that did not light them up.

In this podcast, you'll get the practical, realistic, no holds barred information you need NOW, so you can get clear about the people, projects, and pay you actually want.

Yes, my goal is to help you manage client disputes, but I also want you to take what you learn here and prevent client disputes in the future! I want to help you confidently navigate client relationships so you can protect your peace, your heart, and your reputation.

Today, and every day together on this podcast, we'll think big. No more fear! No more whack a mole with client disputes - we're going to fix the problem and prevent the problem in the future - letting the world know you deserve to be treated with respect, paid fairly, and not nickel-and-dimed for the amazing work you do.

New episodes usually drop every other week so you have time to implement what we talk about in each episode. To get the most out of our time together, I encourage you to listen to each episode at least twice. Your brain needs time to process what we're going to cover together, so give it the space and time it deserves and implement the tips, strategies, and scripts I'm going to give you on the show.

So, for now, hit follow on your podcast platform and share this podcast with another creative who struggles with work/life balance and who wants to create the life and career they dream about, too! After you listen to a few episodes, I'd love it if you'd leave a 5-star rating and review and tell me what you loved most, and don't forget that you can send me a voice note and ask any question you have about how to manage your client disputes. I'll answer your question, and I might even invite you to join me on the show for live coaching!

So, with that, I will let you get back to your day, thanks so much for listening. I'm super excited about what's to come and once you see how easy it is to really, truly have the life you want, you're going to kick yourself for all the years you spent stressed out!

If you've always struggled to feel fully rested, then this episode is for you! We're unveiling the power of rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, an internal medicine physician and award-winning author, to explore the concept of rest.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing different types of rest and how they impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Dr. Dalton-Smith shares insights from her book 'Sacred Rest' and introduces her seven types of rest framework.

It's all about the significance of listening to one's body, setting flexible boundaries, and integrating restorative practices into daily life. The episode also highlights Dr. Dalton-Smith's Rest Quiz, which can help you identify and address your specific rest needs. Tune in to learn practical strategies for incorporating rest into a busy schedule and achieving a more harmonious, Joyful and Thriving™ life!

Resources from the Show

• Take Dr. Saundra's Rest Quiz! https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/

• Connect with Dr. Saundra: https://www.drdaltonsmith.com/

• Listen to Dr. Saundra's Podcast: https://ichoosemybestlife.com/podcast/

>>>

My mission is to help professionals like you remember who you are, figure out exactly what you want, because what you want is absolutely within reach. I want to help you create a simple, actionable plan that will get you there. I'd love to support you!

RESOURCES

• Sign up for VIP news and opportunities not available to the public

• Learn more about me here: https://sheilawilkinson.com

• Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Links & More: https://sheilawilkinson.com/links

• Start getting Boundaries *and* Balance in this Workshop ($29) - especially as you head into the new year!

Tag me, follow me, and DM me with your thoughts and questions:

• Instagram - @sheilamwilkinson

• LinkedIn - Sheila M. Wilkinson

Rate this podcast/episode on Apple Podcasts here

• Not on Apple Podcasts? No worries! Rate and Review on our site and make sure to leave a question for a future episode!

• Or, if you're listening on Spotify, go back to the main profile page on our Podcast and rate us there!

Are you considering starting a podcast, or wondering how to find your podcast voice? You're in the right place! Full of personal anecdotes, professional wisdom, and actionable advice, this episode is a deep dive into the world of podcasting and its many applications.

My guest today is Danny Ozment, a podcast consultant known for his work with busy professionals and solopreneurs. In fact, Danny helped me find my voice and launch this very podcast you're listening to! We discuss the benefits of podcasting, particularly for regulated professionals, and how it can serve as a powerful tool even without a business angle. Danny shares insights into his career transition from a musician to running a successful podcast consultancy agency, detailing his approach to building trust and relationships through podcasting. We also touch on using podcasts for internal corporate communication and Danny's strategic shift towards scaling his business.

• 00:50 Danny's Role in Podcasting

• 02:07 The Benefits of Podcasting

• 07:53 Danny's Personal Journey

• 12:09 Transition from Conductor to Podcast Consultant

• 17:32 Building a Podcasting Business

• 21:44 Monetizing Podcasts

• 24:54 Generating Leads Through Podcasting

• 25:44 The Power of Trust and Expertise

• 29:55 Internal Podcasts for Companies

• 34:21 Advice for New Podcasters

• 36:19 Personal Reflections and Fun Questions

• 40:03 Resources for Aspiring Podcasters

Resources from the Show

• Connect with Danny & his Podcasting Agency: emeraldcitypro.com

• Download Danny's Free Resource: 25 Steps When Starting a Podcast https://dannyozment.com/roadmap/

• For Fun: Here's my Guest Spot on Danny's Podcast

• Other WWSS Episodes Mentioned: Episode 51

>>>

My mission is to help service-based professionals figure out exactly what they want. My experience has shown that what you want is always within reach, and I'm honored to help you create a simple, actionable plan that will get you there. I'd love to support you!

FREE RESOURCES

• Sign up for VIP news and opportunities not available to the public

• Learn more about me here: https://sheilawilkinson.com

• Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Links & More: https://sheilawilkinson.com/links

LOW-COST RESOURCES

• Start getting Boundaries *and* Balance in this Workshop ($29) - especially as you head into the new year!

Tag me, follow me, and DM me with your thoughts and questions:

• Instagram @sheilamwilkinson and Facebook @lawyercoachsheila

Rate this podcast/episode on Apple Podcasts here

• Not on Apple Podcasts? No worries! Rate and Review on our site and make sure to leave a question for a future episode!

• Or, if you're listening on Spotify, go back to the main profile page on our Podcast and rate us there!

📚 Psst - Links to the Free E-Books are ONLY available below in the show notes!

In this episode, we welcome Bec Conant, an expert in the prenatal and birth field. Bec is the founder of 'Om Births,' an online program for pregnant people and new parents. With over 20 years of experience teaching prenatal yoga, the discussion covers various aspects of the birthing process, preparation, and recovery.

Bec shares her journey from a career in dance and movement to becoming a prenatal yoga instructor and birth doula. The conversation delves into the importance of physical and mental preparation for birth, the intersection of yoga with the birthing experience, and how new parents can continue to care for themselves postpartum.

The episode also touches on Bec's new book 'The Om Births Approach,' her techniques, and the support she offers through online prenatal and postnatal yoga classes. I highly encourage you to explore Bec's resources, including free eBooks and her main book available on Amazon and her Publisher's site.

• 05:42 Bec's Work and Support for Pregnant and Postpartum People
• 07:02 The Importance of Postpartum Support
• 09:41 Holistic Approach to Birth and Postpartum
• 26:01 First Yoga Class Experience
• 28:09 The Worst Yoga Class Ever
• 28:59 Diving Deeper into Prenatal Yoga
• 29:36 Becoming a Doula
• 30:49 First Doula Experience
• 34:02 The Power of Letting Go
• 43:44 Writing the Book
• 49:54 Advice for Pregnant Yogis

👉🏽 COMPELLING EPISODE QUOTES FROM BEC:

"The roadmap to motherhood doesn't stop. When you birth the baby, that's just one very, very cool rest stop."

"Life is inherently uncertain. How we interact with that uncertainty is the foundation of every meditation practice, but it's also really the story of how your life unfolds."

"Every contraction you fight is one you have to do over."

"If you go into a yoga class and you're not a fan of the teacher, or it doesn't feel right, don't assume that it's yoga that's the problem. Don't write off the whole practice entirely. Assume it's them. Assume the teacher was the issue."

"The focus of yoga really wants to be just feeling your body move, just feeling what it feels like to be in different shapes, to breathe in a different way, to shift your attention from our everyday, very outward, very judgmental, very categorizing lens to a more inward, compassionate, accepting quality."

📧 RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW

🎄🕎 NO BS BOUNDARIES: HOLIDAY EDITION WORKSHOP

Connect with Bec

Grab Bec's Book - The Om Births Approach: How to use your yoga practice to prepare body, mind, and spirit for birth

Links to the Free E-Books are ONLY available here in the show notes:

Free E-book on Essential Pregnancy Movements to feel more comfortable in pregnancy and be better prepared for birth

Free E-book on Essential Postpartum Movements to begin finding your way back to movement safely post birth

Share your takeaways and tag us on Instagram and LinkedIn:

IG - Sheila and Bec

LinkedIn - Sheila and Bec

✍🏽 LET'S CONNECT!

Want feedback or coaching about something going on in your life or career? I want to answer it in a future episode! Leave me a voice note!

FREE Resources: https://sheilawilkinson.com/links

Connect with Sheila! Get my monthly newsletter with inspiring and practical strategies for navigating life's deepest challenges!

☑ PLEASE RATE & REVIEW

🔊 Do that on Apple Podcasts here, or, if you're listening on Spotify, go back to the main profile for our show and click the 5⭐review option there!

🔊 Not on Apple Podcasts? No worries! Rate and Review on our site and make sure to leave a question for a future episode!