If you set boundaries with clients in the beginning of your partnership the respect is set from day one.
Start with respect from the very first conversation. Most of us offer a consultation to see if we will work well together, so while they are asking questions of you take a moment and tell them about your business. What hours do you work? What is your turn around time? What are your payment terms? Tell them all of these things. If you have a specific business development day, tell them when it is and tell them why you have implemented it. This will show them that you are serious about your business.
After you have signed the client, send a little welcome kit that includes a letter letting them know how much you look forward to partnering with them and again explain your hours of operations, turn around time and any other pertinent information that you feel they need to know.
