One word: Boundaries. When working on multiple projects, it's easy to be swept up in all the disparate personalities, demands, and deadlines, but it is vital to maintain clear communication with your clients about expectations regarding workload, hours, and reasonable deliverables. Be honest with both them and yourself - taking on too much will result in burnout and decreased quality of services.
Don't be afraid to change your boundaries from client to client. After a while, you start to intuit which clients will need more boundaries, time on your schedule, hand-holding, extra support, etc. Boundaries help THEM too. When you can show up with all your energy and creativity because of the boundaries you've set, your clients get the best version of you.
Managing work-life balance is challenging due to multiple client demands and timelines. To address this, I prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, categorizing them by urgency and impact. This helps me focus on what truly matters and reduces stress, ultimately preventing burnout while fostering better client relationships.
The more helpful you are, the more your clients will rely on you. On one hand this is great news because a client that relies on you is likely to spend more with you. On the other hand a client that sees reliance as you always being there is a risk because that client might believe that you'll drop anything to do what they need and at anytime. The challenge is finding the sweet spot between over delivering for your clients and always being available. Be careful not to always be available to them because if you are they'll rightfully say, 'Well, you did it for Tom last weekend', and they're right. Two things need to happen. Upfront, the client needs to know your lead times and also when you occasionally help them outside of hours, or you 'drop everything', let them know that this is an exception.
After a while, the natural flow of things happens and it all falls into place. Thankfully the pacing of recruiting for Bristol allows for the time for one search to be at a different stage of the process compared to another assignment. That spacing helps reduce the stress of completing the job effectively and efficiently. I also make sure to be as communicative as possible while keeping confidentiality in mind. Some advice about this juggling act is to be as present as possible in both your professional and personal lives, but also be flexible to have time to give to your loved ones and your clients respectively if there is a need for it.
I advise anyone working with multiple clients to prioritize a schedule incorporating self-care activities that reduce stress and promote work-life balance. I've learned that work-life balance is not just about managing time but also about personal growth. By scheduling time for yoga, meditation, and interval training, I've had a boost in my energy and focus. Moreover, setting aside time for travel and new experiences has expanded my perspectives and kept me excited about life. Shane Hurley CEO, RedFynn Technologies RedFynn.com/partners
Business Consultant and Project Management Coach at Kayla McGuire Consulting, LLC
Answered a year ago
As a consultant and coach, I am often balancing multiple clients and their needs on any given day. In the beginning, this was quite stressful and I found myself on the brink of burnout. After educating myself on time management strategies and boundaries, I learned how important it is to set clear expectations up front. Now, when I start working with a client, I let them know my bandwidth for taking on their project and clearly define the times I will be available. This keeps us both on the same page when it comes to communication. Another tool that has helped me manage my time effectively is time blocking. Each day is set up with a clear start and clear stop time, with blocks of time devoted to each client or task. Additionally, I use color-coding as a helpful tool to define different activities, like calls, deep work, or in-person meetings. These strategies have helped me feel more in control of my time and given me the freedom to spend my evenings with my family instead of in my inbox!
As a mom of three young tots and founder of a Miami PR firm, I realized at that moment the simultaneous juggle of home and profession was no easy feat, and the constant calibration of both to reach a so-called equilibrium was an impossible task. It simply doesn’t exist. That said, here are some of the strategies I enact to bring stability (and sanity) to my life: • You don’t need to be Wonder Woman to everyone at the same time. Something must give; showing your superpowers in a new business pitch, for example, means you’ve filled that bucket for the day, and it’s okay to remove the guilt of bringing the same energy to every task. Women are often framed as needing to do everything, which is a false notion that sets us up for failure. • Surround yourself with people smarter than you, so they can help sail your ship forward. You may still be navigating the waters (some with higher seas), but your crew is just as important to reach the final destination. • Avoid overcommitting by learning to say “yes” and “no” with equal comfort. We are all guilty of piling on more tasks than necessary or even feasible. It is important to look at your weekly calendar and ponder which obligations are most pressing and necessary. While booking your calendar can feel productive, we also need to find comfort in white space that allows us to reset. • Don’t overthink about accomplishing everything. Often, we get distracted by the sheer overwhelmingness of trying to balance our lives. Instead, think of the “mini wins” --- what did we achieve in the last hour or today?
Maintaining a work-life balance, especially when juggling multiple clients, can be challenging but crucial. One effective tip is to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Establishing a structured schedule where you designate specific hours for work and strictly adhere to them helps in creating a clear separation. For example, you could define "office hours" and avoid checking work emails or taking calls outside of these times. This approach not only helps in maintaining focus during work hours but also ensures you have dedicated time to recharge and attend to personal matters. Regular breaks and time away from screens also contribute to better productivity and overall well-being.
Managing multiple clients is tough but it is important to stay organized. I typically assign regular tasks through Asana, so I can keep track of everything. I space out time on my calendar to work on specific tasks, and then I further prioritize by deadlines or the workload requirement. I address my schedule daily, and weekly and make changes as needed. I would also like to add, that it’s important to set boundaries. I try to take on what I can handle, and delegate what I cannot.
I run an owner-operated boutique PR firm, and as a publicist, being available to multiple clients is critical in a business where success depends on responding to the news cycle and social media trends. I typically manage five projects at once. Loss of work-life balance happens all the time, and I regain balance by remembering that if I save myself time, I save the client time, and the client needs work-life balance as much as I do. Each and every "new work" tool needs to be considered to manage timely communication, yet still allow the client and I to choose when to act on it. My favorite business tool for when I need to explain a situation is to do a recording instead of going back and forth asking for a video call. Most clients love it, and a popular tool is Loom. Then, it's important to consider the unspoken rules of new work - everything goes into the Microsoft Teams or Slack messaging channel unless it requires documentation - only then do you send an email. Everyone is responsible for turning off their messaging channel notifications after work hours and on weekends. We have one fixed weekly video meeting, which can become bi-weekly if replaced by a Loom. Fixed meetings should be limited in time, and each party should collect the things they need to talk about from the week and use the messaging platforms only for things that need an immediate response.
From my experience, the key aspect is learning to delegate. As a CEO, I realized early on that trying to do everything myself was unsustainable. Building a reliable team and trusting them with responsibilities not only helps in managing the workload but also ensures that you have time to recharge. This delegation allows you to maintain high service quality for clients while also taking care of your well-being. Remember, a well-rested mind is more productive and creative, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Managing work-life balance while juggling multiple clients can be challenging, but it's crucial for maintaining productivity and personal well-being. One effective strategy I’ve adopted is setting strict boundaries around work hours and actively communicating these to clients. For instance, I remember a period when I was managing several high-stakes projects simultaneously. The constant demands led to burnout, and it became clear I needed to change my approach. I implemented a policy of designated "office hours" and used tools to automate client scheduling and communication outside these hours. This not only ensured that my personal time was protected but also helped clients understand that while I was dedicated to their needs, I needed to recharge to provide my best work. As a result, I noticed a significant improvement in my focus and productivity during working hours, and my relationships with clients improved because they appreciated the clear expectations. The key takeaway is that establishing and maintaining boundaries is essential. It helps manage client expectations and prevents the work from overtaking personal time, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and productive work-life balance.
As CEO of Weekender Management, I've learned to delegate effectively and set clear boundaries. I don't check emails once I'm off work and encourage my team to do the same. While we provide round-the-clock service for our clients, after-hours calls are for true emergencies only. I also block off time for myself to recharge daily, whether exercising or pursuing a hobby. Staying fit and balanced boosts my productivity and patience, allowing me to better guide clients through challenges. Overall, the key is making your own wellbeing a priority so you can serve clients well in the long run. For example, I have associates handle routine legal and operational matters so I can focus on high-priority client issues and business development. My team knows that while we're dedicated to our clients, self-care comes first. By setting limits, we achieve work-life balance and sustainable success. My business has stable hours, low turnover, and steady growth. Work-life balance isn't just talk; it's the foundation of serving clients well over the long haul.
Here is my revised answer: As the head of several client cases, I've learned that firm boundaries are essential.I don't answer calls after work hours unless absolutely critical. My team knows that family time is sacred. The exceptions are rare emergencies, and this policy allows us all to recharge and avoid burnout. I block off time each day just for myself, whether exercising or pursuing a hobby. This downtime boosts my productivity and patience when dealing with clients. Staying organized, limiting client visits to 50 minutes, and delegation also help. For example, I have an associate handle routine legal matters so I can focus on high-priority cases. Overall, the key is setting limits to sustain you for the long run. My team knows that while we're dedicated to clients, self-care must come first. By making my own wellbeing a priority, I'm better equipped to guide clients through difficult life transitions. My business has stable hours, healthy employees, and sustainable success. Work-life balance isn't just jargon; it's the foundation of serving clients well.
As an attorney working across multiple clients, I've learned that time management and efficiency are key. I use project management tools to keep tasks and deadlines organized and structured. Within my schedule, I block off time each week exclusively for myself to avoid burnout. Setting clear boundaries has allowed me to sustainably handle a demanding workload while still making time for friends and family. When working with clients, I keep meetings concise by preparing detailed agendas and steering discussions toward key priorities. We identify critical next steps and owners for follow up to maximize productivity. Delegating lower-prioroty tasks to my team provides more time to focus on high-value work. On evenings and weekends, I make an effort to unplug completely. My team knows to only contact me for true emergencies. Staying fully present outside of working hours recharges me to be at my best when serving clients. Achieving the right work-life balance is challenging but essential for operating at peak performance.
As a fractional CFO working with multiple clients, balancing responsibilities can be challenging. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I schedule time in advance for personal activities and stick to that schedule. For example, I block off evenings and weekends for friends, family, and hobbies. I also try to leave work at the office and avoid checking email once I'm off for the day. Delegating and using project management tools also help prevent overload. I outsource administrative tasks and leverage tools like Trello to keep projects organized across clients. This ensures I'm focusing my time on high-priority finance work. When working, time management and efficiency are key. I use time blocking to allocate periods to specific clients and tasks. This focused approach means I accomplish more in less time. I also streamline processes through automation and by providing templates to clients. These strategies allow me to service multiple clients without compromising work-life balance or quality of service. The demands of running a business can be all-consuming, so maintaining boundaries and optimizing time are essential. My advice is to make self-care a priority, focus on what really matters, and don't be afraid to ask for help. With the right systems and mindset in place, you can work with many clients and still enjoy life outside the office.
As an entrepreneur, work-life balance has always been a challenge. To avoid burnout, I schedule in time for exercise and disconnecting from technology. I stop checking email at 6 pm and spend evenings with family, fully present. Setting clear expectations with clients is key. I'm upfront that I'm not "on-call" 24/7 and they're hiring me for strategic guudance, not constant oversight. Most appreciate knowing my availability and limits. It prevents resentment on both sides. Delegation and planning are essential. I evaluate how I'm using time each week and make adjustments. I don't take on more clients than I can properly serve. For new clients, we establish communication standards and the level of access they'll have from the start. Knowing your own limits and communicating them is how I've managed to find balance in this industry. It's an ongoing process but being disciplined about boundaries and self-care is worth it.
As an attorney serving many divorce clients simultaneously, maintaining work-life balance is challenging but essential. I block off one full day each week solely for myself - no clients, emails or office work. This weekly recharge keeps me focused when serving clients. I'm also very selectuve about the clients I take on. I don't say yes to every case and evaluate if I can give each client the time and care they deserve. Clear communication is key. I outline my availability and response times upfront so there are no surprises. Clients hire me for strategic counsel, not to be on-call 24/7. Organization and efficiency are critical. I plan each day down to the half hour, reevaluating weekly how I spend time. Delegation, when possible, prevents overload. For high-conflict cases, I may bring in other professionals (e.g. therapists, financial experts) to support the process. The key is knowing your limits, communicating them, and relying on a strong team. Saying no is hard but sometimes necessary to avoid burnout in this demanding field.
As a functional medicine doctor, I see many clients with complex chronic conditiins, so balancing life and work demands constant vigilance. One strategy I use is to block out time for myself every day to recharge, whether exercising, meditating or pursuing a hobby. This downtime boosts my productivity and patience when working. Another tip is to not work outside of set hours; after hours calls should only be for true emergencies. Once I leave the office, I try to be fully present with loved ones. Staying organized, sticking to time limits in visits and delegating when possible also help prevent burnout. Overall, the key is setting healthy boundaries to sustain you for the long run.